Notes:
HIGHLINE COMMUNITIES PLAN
Goals, Objectives, Policies
February, 1976
The Highline Communities Plan is the second portion of c0mmunity
planning activities in Highline. The initial phase, the Sea-Tac Communities
Plan (STCP), is currently being considered for adoption by the Port of
Seattle Commission and the King County Council (see the enclosed Sea-Tac
Communities Plan hearing notice). That proposed Plan establishes three
basic programs to achieve compatibility between the Airport and the surrounding
communities: outright acquisition of an area by a public authority;
private redevelopment or conversion; and reinforcement of existing land use
areas or neighborhoods.
Acquisition and conversion deal directly with land use incompatibilities
between the Airport and the communities. Reinforcement deals with
neighborhoods and land use areas which are to be maintained, developed
and supported. The Highline Communities Plan (HCP) represents full
development of the reinforcement program. Through HCP park, school and
land use plans, as well as general neighborhood improvement, community
facilities and utilities programming, the STCP proposals will be supplemented
to achieve and maintain a quality living environment.
Community values expressed through the STCP process continue to
guide development of HCP policies and programs. Citizen expression obtained
via the HCP rounds out the community goal framework and provides
additional policy direction.
Many considerations for community development are already established.
For example, the noise remedy and air quality proposals of the
STCP will not be addressed in the HCP planning phase. Also, the existing
King County Comprehensive Plan contains many policies which currently
guide community development in all of King County. The goal, objective
and policy statements in the Highline Communities Plan package are aimed
at applying, refining and establishing development and spending guidelines
for this portion of King County.
DEFINITIONS
Goals and Objectives:
These represent the planning concept for the community. Goal and
objective statements portray ends toward which the community is striving.
The concept establishes the “why” of the plan and is based upon community
expressed values. Goals and objectives provide a direction or orientation
for land, community facility and program development.
Policies:
These will become officially adopted guidelines or courses of action
which will affect present and future decisions in the process of achieving
. ‘ ‘
goals. Policies are intended to apply to certain situations or circumstances.
They define “how” goals are to be achieved.
Implementing Actions:
Application of policy occurs over time in terms of development decisions ,
programs and projects, both public and private. Implementation actions establish
“what” is to be done in carrying out a policy, “who” is responsible,
and “when” the action might best occur.
The following mate.rial includes draft goals, objectives and policies.
Included is a short description of how the policies can be presented as part
of the final plan, as well as contemploated implementation actions . The
statements are arranged as follows:
Goal:
*
policy:
p
A
– objective, or qualifier
Plan portrayal (how the policy can be presented
as part of the plan) .
Implementation of action or means
From the initial categories used in tabulating the community data,
three major areas of concern have emerged; Physical and Economic Development;
Human Service, Planning and Management. All policies have not yet
been written; upcoming discussion on March 18, along with compilation
of more information will help to complete the policy development.
PHYSICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Goal: Solve Drainage and Pollution Problems
* Protect the natural function of streams and wetlands
* Achieve and maintain natural stream flows
1. policy
p –
APromote
sanitary sewering of unsewered areas.
Identify on a map priority areas based on septic
tank and drainfield failures .
1) Propose annexation and formation (including
sewer district initiation) of ULID’ s (Utility Local
Improvement Districts).
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2) Potential application of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) Block grant funds for sewer
projects.
2. policy Apply the surface water management program to
drainage basins within Highline (NOTE: this program
is now being developed; Miller Creek basin
is to be the prototype. However, there are a number
of other drainage areas in Highline, including the
Sulmon and Des Moines Creek basins).
P – The application of a surface water management
program can be facilitated by presenting plan
land use forecasts in a format consistent with
the computer program requirements. A table
of land use acreages and impervious surface by
40 acre grids has been developed for Miller
Creek and can be similarly developed for all of
Highline.
A – Propose that Des Moines Creek be the next
application in Highline, since a system of
holding ponds was developed and proposed in
the Sea-Tac Communities Plan
3. policy: Utilize isolated improvements to remedy isolated
drainage problems.
P – Identify on a map and describe drainage problems
which could be dealt with in advance
of an overall basin program (such as Hermes
depression, or other pothole problem areas) .
A – Project proposals (possible use of HCD block
grant funds for projects like deep well drilling,
shallow percolation, etc.) .
Goal: Safeguard the Abundant Natural Features of View, Water
and Vegetation .
* Preserve and protect the natural environment
* Promote diversified and extensive open space
systems
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4. policy
p –
A-
5. policy
p –
AEnsure
protection in areas of substantial remaining
natural vegetation I hazards I shorelines I and wetlands.
Identify on a map and describe criteria for the above.
Possible criteria for site plan review: preserving
vegetation – building placement and lot coverage;
hazards-landslide and erosion control; wetlandsapplication
of wetlands ordinance provisions;
Site plan reivew
Preserve and enhance views and vistas
Indicate key view areas on a map where this
might apply. Descriptive guidelines for clearing/
planting and building height.
1) Site plan review through zoning
2) Planting I possibly including selective landscaping
projects
A SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION IN THE PLAN TEXT: Even in this
highly developed area of the County, potential value is seen in
the protection of land form and ground cover prior to the beginning
of the building permit process. Such control would be to
the benefit of water quality, drainage and community aesthetics.
It is recognized that many difficulties exist (definitions, extent
or degree of control, enforcement, etc.). Yet, the Highline
Communities Plan proposes that King County strengthen existing
ordinances or consider development of new controls.
Goal: Strengthen community identity through preservation
and enhancement of features having historical or
community significance.
* Increase awareness of historical buildings, streets,
places and events
6. policy:
p –
AConsider
protection and enhancement of historical
features in the planning of public and private
developments
A map of community features and presentation
of any necessary guidelines .
Awareness is the tool rather than controls or
requirements. The Plan would be available
for use by both public and private developers.
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Goal: Improve the quality of public and private development
* Encourage landscape treatment in new and existing
development
7. policy: Landscaping, including stree’ t trees, should be a
part of all future arterial street development or
redevelopment
P – This policy would apply to any arterial street
improvement proposal in the Plan, and those
that would occur at a future time .
A – An additional cost would be reflected on applicable
capital improvement proposals .
8. policy: Landscaping should be included as part of all
apartment, business, commercial and public
development
P – Descriptive guidelines for type and amount of
landscaping to be included on site, in parking
areas and along street frontages.
A – Site plan review through zoning
9. policy: Within key areas of growth or redevelopment,
special landscaping, sign, architectural and circulation
provisions should further enhance the
quality and cohesiveness of development
P – Delineate on a map key commercial and apartment
areas, primarily within and around Burien and
White Center. Descriptive development guidelines
would supplement maps .
A – Site plan review through zoning.
Goal: Maintain a stable community population and vigorous economy
* Provide adequate variety and choice in housing
* Reinforce existing apartment, business and industrial
development areas .
* Encourage a variety of retail trade , service and
commercial uses to locate within existing business
concentrations or logical extensions of existing
centers
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* Encourage utilization of “skipped-over” areas and
redevelopment of poorly developed land.
10. policy: Provide for a range of housing densities, both
single and multi-family
P – Public health and safety would be discussed
as the basis of the policy . Areas would be
defined on a map , utilizing neighborhood
condition survey and analysis.
A – 1) Proposed programs, including on-going cost
2) Possible use of Housing and Community
Development block grant funds for rehabilitation
11. policy: Low cost multi-family housing should locate with
convenient access to urban services.
12. policy: Disperse rather than concentrate low cost multifamily
housing.
P – Delineate on a map preferred locations in areas
where such housing is needed or likely.
A – The policy would apply to guide future action
in both public and private sector.
A SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION IN THE PLAN TEXT: The combination
of residential/ commercial uses in one structure within
business centers. Value is seen in allowing some “apartments
above- shops below” developments within business areas.
The Highline Communities Plan proposes that King County
modify current zoning regulations or establish new guidelines
to allow some of this type development to occur.
13. policy Discourage expansion of strip development
P – Define on a map the ultimate growth of arterial
commercial strips as approximately their present
extent. Corollary circulation and use “node”
proposals can improve existing strips and allow
continued locational choice for those types uses.
A – Development controls process (zoning)
14. policy Provide for future space demands through the
development and redevelopment of compact service
and retail centers
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‘ }
. .
P – Based on supportable area forecasts, define growth
and redevelopment areas on a map. Outline any
corollary guidelines (circulation, utilities, etc.) .
A – Development controls process (zoning)
15. policy Encourage full utilization of land currently available
for industry
p – Depict on a map those areas in Riverton and
southwest of the airport currently zoned for
industry. Describe any corollary utility and
circulation guidelines .
A – Development controls process (zoning)
Goal: Enhance and Protect Permanent Residential Neighborhoods
* Conversion of land within or near single family
residential areas should be accomplished through
orderly transition
* Recognize freeways and major arterials as potential
barriers/boundaries between neighborhoods and
different land use areas
* Minimize the encroachment connected with urban
growth and development
16. policy: Distance and landscaping shoutLi. be provided between
areas planned for different land use
P – Outline setback and landscaping provisions for
areas of transition, requiring the more intensive
use to provide the buffering
A – Site plan review through zoning
Goal: Develop an Improved and Balanced Transportation System
* Provide more and better bicycle facilities
* Provide more and better pedestrian facilities
* Improve transit service
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* Emphasize upgrading of arterials and improvements
in business centers to provide adequate circulation
and levels of service .
* Improve circulation
17. policy: Bikeway development should emphasize the use of
secondary and collector arterial rights-of-way and
utility rights-of-way .
18. policy: Pedestrian facilities development should emphasize
the use of street and utility rights-of-way
19. policy: Road construction, including major improvement
projects, should include provisions for pedestrian
and bicycle movement
20. policy: Emphasize the development of hard surface pathways
rather than sidewalks
21. policy: Integrate bicycle and pedestrian routes with school
locations, activity centers and walkway systems.
22. policy: Integrate bicycle, pedestrian, bus and street systems
to emphasize easy transfer between different modes of
transportation (e.g. bicycle and bus)
P – Mapping and discussion of: 1) activity centers
2) desired connections and trip interchanges
3) existing routes.
A – Proposed improvements in a “capital improvement
program” format, including proposed priority
(timing).
23. policy: Improve local transit or para-transit service, especially
east-west.
24. policy: Provide good transit connections to major employment
areas
P – Mapping and discussion of local service needs;
major employment areas of the Seattle central
business district, Duwamish, Sea-Tac, Renton,
etc.; types of service including dial-a-ride, carpool
lots, taxi service, etc. ; location and special needs
of transit dependents .
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. . ..
25. policy: Encourage final determination of the terminus of the
SR 509 route with immediate emphasis on completion
to S . 188th St. and improvements to the 1st Ave . S.
Bridge corridor.
P – Discussion of system continuity, already acquired
right-of-way, and importance of the route from a
transit and auto standpoint.
A- The community and county position would be communicated
to the State Highway Department via
the Plan.
26. policy: Along major arterials consolidate access points to
frontage properties where possible ·
P – Primarily along Highway 99 and 1st Ave. S . : possible
corridor proposals utilizing curbing, landscaping and
circulation improvements.
A- Ongoing zoning process; project proposals
27. policy: Emphasize operational projects to improve circulation
and maximize the efficiency of the existing system .
28. policy: Encourage construction of highway facilities only when
non-construction alternatives fail to provide adequate
levels of service.
P – Signals , left-turn lanes, climbing lanes, safety
improvements and the elimination of through traffic
within neighborhoods to be discussed.
A – Proposed projects
29. policy: Encourage joint utilization of parking wi.thin business areas
P – Graphic and descriptive portrayal would combine to
establish growth and redevelopment areas.
A – Site plan review through zoning
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II. HUMAN SERVICE
Goal: Meet the Human Service Needs of a Diverse, High Developed
Area
* Provide a balance in parks and recreation designed for
a variety of age groups and interests both now and in
the future.
* Improve the level and accessibility of services to
elderly and low income persons.
* Improve crime prevention and control
* Maintain or increase employment and job training
opportunities
* Improve animal control
30. NOTE: A policy area for discussion in the plan is the
achievement of an ample and balanced open space/
recreation system. Population, standards and community
expression combine to generally define needs
and locations . The parks and recreation policies
are not yet developed, but will deal with both
facilities (parks, fields, school grounds, etc. )
and programs or uses (passive recreation, athletics,
cultural arts, etc.) At the March 18 session we will
have discussion proposals on meeting athletic field,
passive neighborhood and community park, and nonsport
recreation needs . Also to be considered is the
development of day use boat launching facilities in
Highline . The focus will be on augmenting boat
launch development of the Des Moines Marina. This
appears to be the only “non-disruptive” boat launch
location and offers potential for cooperation in meeting
community needs .
31.policy: Promote private/public cooperation in developing the
communities non-sport recreation capabilities.
P – Discussion of current programs, usages, needs
A – 1) Include community activity space in community
centers (Highline Center, White Center fieldhouse)
2) Encourage public/private search for funds
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• •
32. policy: Community users should assume an increasing share (
of the development and maintenance costs of publicly
owned recreation land
p –
•
A-
33 . NOTE:
34. policy:
p –
ADiscussion
of the intent of Forward Thrust and
the limitations , in terms of remaining funds . Where
facilities are needed or wanted, park maintenance
and development districts, user fees or time and
effort donations may be a partial answer.
An indication of project implementation responsibility
would be part of any project proposal . The policy
also communicates to the County Council as to an
acceptable direction in Highline for addressing the
current develoment/maintenance dilemma.
Another policy area is the impact of physical development
features on law enforcement and crime; neighborhood
crime statistics and their relationship to community
planning; neighborhood block watch. Policy statements
on these items may develop out of current research and
discussion with the County Department of Public Safety.
Priority for funding employment and job training programs
should be consistent with community need.
Define geographic area of priority in Highline
(likely, White Center) for empha:-; j; .. .
Input to ongoing budget preparation and review
process which may apply to either increases or
reductions.
A SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION IN THE PLAN TEXT: There is
an expressed need for improving animal control in Highline.
Before modifications to regulations are made, a comprehensive
animal control policy should be developed. A new look at needs ,
etiquette, behavior, enforcement, etc. is needed. New or revised
regulations would then logically follow . The Plan text would
communicate to the County Council and Policy Development
Commission a preferred direction for dealing with animal control.
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Goal: Increase the effectiveness of Local Government in Addressing
the Urban Problems and Needs of Highline
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* Increase access to governmental services and programs
* Increase community I governmental communications
* Coordinate development and spending decisions amongst
public agencies and between public and private,.interests
* Utilize the Highline Communities Plan to establish development
and spending guidelines
* Provide for on-going community .use of the Highline
Communities Plan
35. policy Congregate dispersed governmental offices in a central
place I together with other community services I activities
and facilities.
P – Discussion of current government office uses and
potential use of Chelsea Elementary in Burien; field
house and vicinity in White Center. Guidelines for
surrounding development would be also considered
and delineated on a map .
A – 1) Proposed development of programs (spaces,
users, etc. )for initial implementation step
2) Proposed scope of remodel projects
36. NOTE: an area for which a policy has not yet been written is
on going land use, program and capital improvement
review
P – Program guidelines for this advisory function;
including an official recognition by King County.
A – On-going referral of rezones, variances, capital
improvement program, etc. to a committee for an
advisory opinion based on the Plan
A SUBJECT FOR DISUCSSION IN THE PLAN TEXT: Services
delivered via many special districts . Confusion and diminished
capability of adequate services may be one by-product. The
Plan may appropriately discuss concerns and alternatives
including: two-tier government proposal; incorporation; an
“urban services area” for improving management of Highline’s
local government. A statement to public officials and the community could result here.
