HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 06-207-CCBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. D � — 02 d �7 — C C—
A Resolution Relating to Comprehensive Planning in Grant County in
Accordance with the Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW
36.70 A) and amending the September, 1999 Comprehensive Plan to include
a Major Industrial Development as allowed in RCW 36.70A.365.
WHEREAS, in 1990, the Washington State Legislature passed and the Governor signed
into law the Growth Management Act (GMA) as contained in SHB No 2929
(Washington Laws, 1990 1st Ex. Sess., Ch 17), which was subsequently codified as
among other chapters, Chapter 36.70 A RCW, and,
WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act requires all counties and
cities in the State to do some planning and the fastest growing counties and cities to plan
extensively in keeping with state goals and policies on sprawl reduction, affordable
housing, economic development, open space and recreation, regional transportation,
environmental protection, property rights, natural resource industries, historic lands and
buildings, permit processing, public facilities and services, and early and continuous
public participation, and;
WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act requires all counties and
cities within the state to classify, designate, and conserve natural resource lands
(agricultural, forest, and mineral) and protect critical areas (cultural, wetlands,
geologically hazardous areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, aquifer
recharge areas, and frequently flooded areas), and;
WHEREAS, Chapter 36.70A RCW required Grant County to adopt a Comprehensive
Plan that meets specified GMA goals and addressed the mandated GMA elements, and;
WHEREAS, after complete review of the public record for the State Environmental
Review process, the Grant County Planning Commission issued a Final Environmental
Impact Statement on July, 2, 1999, and subsequent addendums through 2006, and;
WHEREAS, over the past years, the Comprehensive Plan's policies may have changed
to insure that the development patterns in the County remain consistent with the intent of
the community's vision for the future and the Plan's goals and policies, and;
WHEREAS, it is important that amendments to this plan retain the broad perspectives
articulated in the community vision statements, satisfy the goals and policies of this Plan,
and remain consistent with the intent of the GMA, and,
Grattt County
Board of County Cornrnunonm
Resolution Adoptmg a Major Industnal Development
To the Grant County Comprehensive Plan
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act (GMA) establishes procedures for the review
and amendment of Comprehensive Plans governing counties and cities planning under
the Act, and;
WHEREAS, the county has established a public participation program identifying
procedures whereby proposed amendments or revisions of the Comprehensive Plan are
considered by the governing body of the County, no more frequently than once every
year, except as allowed under the provision of RCW 36.70A.365 for Major Industrial
Developments, and;
WHEREAS, policy amendments may be initiated by the County or by other entities,
organizations, or individuals through petition, and;
WHEREAS, a petition were received on forms provided by the Department, containing
appropriate maps showing the proposed change and addressing the policy or map
evaluation criteria as described in the Comprehensive Plan, and;
WHEREAS, this amendment to the Comprehensive Plan was processed under RCW
36.70A.365 as a Mayor Industrial Development outside of the regular Comprehensive
Plan Amendment Cycle, which includes an expansion of the Moses Lake Urban Growth
Area Boundary and a Site Specific Land Use of 66.9 acres from "Agricultural Resource"
to "Industrial (Urban)", and;
WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the Planning Commission on July 5,
2006, to hear staff's recommendation and take public testimony on the proposed
amendment to the Grant County Comprehensive Plan, and;
WHEREAS, following the Open Record Public Hearing the Planning Commission made
a recommendation to approve the proposed comprehensive plan amendment with three
(3) conditions of approval and established Findings of Fact for the amendment, and;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission staff reports and recommendations are made a
part of the record of this public hearing as it relates to SEPA and the attached
amendment, and;
WHEREAS, in accordance with State Law (RCW 36.70A.365) and the County's
Comprehensive Plan the proposed Major Industrial Development has been reviewed for
compliance and preliminarily appears to comply with the criteria established for the
approval of a Major Industrial Development including, but not limited to, the provision of
new infrastructure, transit -oriented site planning and traffic management, buffering
between incompatible uses, environmental protection, establishment of appropriate
development regulations, and mitigation of adverse impacts, and,
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan, UGA boundary
expansions were supported by and dependent upon criteria set forth in the GMA. 1) in
areas already characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing public facility
Grant County
Board of County Connntsstoners
Resolution Adopting a Major Industrial Development
To the Grant County Comprehensive Plan
2
and service capabilities to serve such development; 2) in areas already characterized by
urban growth that will be served adequately by a combination of both existing public
facilities and services and any additional needed public facilities and services that are
provided by either public or private sources; and 3) in the remaining portions of the urban
growth areas, and;
WHEREAS, when considering inclusion of rural areas within urban growth boundaries,
attention was given to recognizing the high priority Grant County places on conserving
and protecting both agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance and those
lands characterized by rural development as well as changes that have occurred on the
perimeters of the City's Urban Growth Boundary, and;
WHEREAS, copies of the EIS Addendum were distributed to agencies, organizations,
and individuals listed on the Planning Department distribution list, requesting that
comments be submitted in accordance with WAC 197-11-340 (2), and;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners
for Grant County adopts the attached Decisions and record pertaining to the approval of
the Guardian Fiberglass Comprehensive Plan amendments including, an Urban Growth
Boundary Change and Site Specific Land Use Re -designation, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners for Grant
County adopts the Findings of Fact as per Attachment "A" in support of this action.
PASSED by the Board of County Commissioners in regular session at Ephrata,
Washington, by the following vote, then signed by its membership and attested to by its
Clerk in authorization of such passage this 7 day of
2006.
DATED this ?� day of / UA�( - , 2006.
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Yea Nay Abstain G COUNTY WASHINGTON
2" El 11 :�'J A � D �
Richard Stevens, Chair
ATTEST: C c
Deborah Kay Moore, Member
Clerk the oa d / ❑ ❑
Q LeRoy Allison, em er
Grant County
Board of County Commissioners
Resolution Adopting a Major Industrial Development
To the Grant County C omprehensne Plan
3
ATTACHMENT "A"
GRANT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
GUARDIAN FIBIERGLASS MAJOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
FINDINGS OF FACT
Section I — General Findings
1.1 Grant County has experienced and will continue to experience population growth and
accompanying development, resulting in competing demands for public facilities,
services, and land uses, and is required to prepare and adopt amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan and land use regulations pursuant to the Growth Management
Act.
1.2 Growth Management requires that land be managed properly and wisely. Otherwise.
meeting the demands of a rapidly growing county population is likely to cause urban
and suburban sprawl, commercial strip development, development at inappropnate
locations and densities, damage to environmentally sensitive areas, and the loss of
natural resource lands, rural character, open space, and critical areas Also, this
pattern of development is likely to create demands for urban services and utilities
that are insufficient to support their extension in a cost-effective manner.
1.3 RCW 36.70A.365 sets for a set of criteria with which a Major Industrial
Development should comply. During the amendment public hearing process and in
the findings of fact, the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners
considered the criteria as set forth in state law and the County's Comprehensive Plan,
weighed them as they apply to the subject matter of these findings, and have
attempted to achieve a reasoned balance among them.
Section 2 - Public Participation
2.1 In accordance with Grant County Code Chapter 25.12 — Legislative Actions, the
Planning Commission held an open record public hearing on July 5, 2006, at which
time testimony was taken from interested agencies, organizations, and individual
citizens, regarding the proposed amendment, as well as the addendum to the 1999
EIS
2.2 Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meetings, hearings,
and study sessions requiring "legal notice" were advertised in the local paper of
record pursuant to the requirements of RCW 36.70 and the Grant County Unified
Development Code Copies of the proposed amendment and the Addendum to the
Environmental Impact Statement were broadly disseminated for public and agency
review at no charge. All meetings and hearings to which the public was invited were
conducted in an open forum. At hearings, all persons desiring to speak were given
Attachment"A"
Grant County Comprehensive Plan
Amendment 2006
General Findings of Fact.
an opportunity to do so. Public testimony and written correspondence were given
full consideration as part of the amendment process.
2.3 The existing enhanced public participation policies within Grant County ensure that
the public had an opportunity to provide meaningful comments on the proposed
amendments.
2.4 The appeal mechanisms contained within Grant County ordinances provide sufficient
due process to allow interested parties an opportunity to respond at a meaningful
time and in a meaningful manner.
Section 3 — Criteria for Amendment Approval
3.1 The petition for site-specific land use redesignations was reviewed for conformance
with pertinent provisions of the Grant County Comprehensive Plan and Unified
Development Code.
3.2 In reviewing the amendment, the Planning Commission and Board of County
Commissioners considered testimony provided at public hearings and
recommendations provided by staff and interested or affected agencies with
jurisdiction The Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners
approved with conditions this application for a change of designation based on the
following criteria:
(a) The change would benefit the public health, safety, and/or welfare;
(b) The change is warranted because of changed circumstances or because of a need
for additional property in the proposed land -use designation.
(c) The change is consistent with the criteria for land use designations specified in
the Comprehensive Plan.
(d) The change will not be detrimental to uses or property in the immediate vicinity
of the subject property.
(e) The change has merit and value for the community as a whole
(f) The change, if granted, will not result in an enclave of property owners enjoying
greater privileges and opportunities than those enjoyed by other property owners
in the vicinity where there is not substantive difference in the properties
themselves with different designations.
(g) The benefits of the change will outweigh any significant adverse impacts of the
change
(h) The change is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan
and the requirement s of Grant County Code Titles 22, 23, 24, and 25; and
(i) The change complies with all other applicable criteria and standards of GCC
Chapter 25 12
Attachment -A"
Grant County Comprehensive Plan
Amendment 2006
General Findings of Facf.
Section 4 — Board of County Commissioners Final Recommendations
And/or Actions
4.1 Recorded motions by the Board of County Commissioners for each proposed
amendment and Findings of Fact are listed in Attachment "B".
4.2 Detailed applications along with supporting documentation and staff
reports are made a part of this recommendation.
Attachment `A"
Grant County Comprehensive Plan
Amendment 2006
General Findings of Fact.
ATTACHMENT `B'
FINAL ACTION AND FINDINGS OF FACT
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COMPREHENSIVE PLANAMENDMENT
GUARDIAN FIBERGLASS
*06-4423 GUARDIAN FIBERGLASS FACILITY
Approval of a Major Industrial Development under RCW 36.70A.365
including, and Urban Growth Area Boundary Change and a Site Specific
Land Use Designation Change from "Agricultural Resource" to Industrial
(Urban).
A Comprehensive Plan Amendment, processed under RCW 36 70A 365 as a Major Industrial
Development, including an Urban Growth Area (UGA) Boundary Change to Include
approximately 66 9 -acres within the City of Moses Lake's UGA, and a Site Specific Land Use
Re -designation from "Agricultural Resource" to "Industrial (Urban)" for the location and
construction of an —750,000 square foot production process and warehouse for the manufacturing
of residential fiberglass insulation
LOCATION:
The site address of the subject parcel is 3937 RD N NE, Moses Lake, also known as Fane Unit
61 Block 41, and is located approximately one mile north of the intersection of Wheeler RD and
RD N NE on the east side of RD N NE; and is a portion of the NW I/4 of Section 16, Township 19
N, Range 29 E, WM, Grant County. (Parcel #19-0449-000)
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The applicant has submitted a Comprehensive Plan Amendment requesting the establishment
of a Major Industrial Development under RCW 36 70A.365, which includes an UGA Boundary
Change and Site Specific Land Use Re -designation for a 66.9 -acre site. The amendment is
requesting the inclusion of the subject parcel into the City of Moses Lake's UGA and re-
designation of the subject parcel from "Agricultural Resource" to "Industrial (Urban)" for the
location and construction of an—750,000sgft production process and warehouse for the
manufacturing of residential fiberglass insulation. This Comprehensive Plan Amendment is
being processed under RCW 36.70A 365 as a Major Industrial Development (MID), as
authorized outside of the regular comprehensive plan amendment cycle In review of the
proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment Staff found the issues for consideration to include- 1)
compliance with RCW 36.70A.365, 2) the re -designation of Agricultural Resource lands, and 3)
the need for additional industrial lands within the Moses Lake UGA
RCW 36 70A 365 provides a provision for counties required or choosing to plan under RCW
36.70A 040 to establish a process for reviewing and approving proposals to authorize siting of
specific Major Industrial Developments. This provision allows for the amendment of the
County's comprehensive plan, for the siting of a Major Industrial Development (MID), outside of
the yearly comprehensive plan amendment cycle.
Attachment "B"
Dmision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
RCW 36.70A.365 defines a "Major Industrial Development" as "a master planned location
for a specific manufacturing, industrial, or commercial business that. (a) Requires a parcel of land
so large that no suitable parcels are available within an urban growth area, or (b) is a natural
resource-based Industry requiring a location near agricultural land, forest land, or mineral
resource land upon which it is dependent. The major industrial development shall not be for the
purpose of retail commercial development or multi -tenant office parks " Also, RCW 36 70A.365
states that a major industrial development may be approved if certain criteria are met These
criteria include, but not limited to the following.
(a) New infrastructure is provided for and/or applicable impact fees are paid;
(b) Transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand management programs are
implemented;
(c) Buffers are provided between the major industrial development and adjacent non-
urban areas;
(d) Environmental protection including air and water quality has been addressed and
provided for;
(e) Development regulations are established to ensure that urban growth will not occur in
adjacent non -urban areas,
(f) Provision is made to mitigate adverse impacts on designated agricultural lands, forest
lands, and mineral resource lands;
(g) The plan for the major industrial development is consistent with the county's
development regulations established for protection of critical areas, and
(h) An inventory of developable land has been conducted and the county has determined
and entered findings that land suitable to site the major industrial development is
unavailable within the urban growth area Priority shall be given to applications for
sites that are adjacent to or in close proximity to the urban growth area.
To show how the proposed amendment meets the criteria specified above the applicant has
provided supplemental information (See Attachment "A"), including an inventory of developable
lands. outlining how the proposed project complies with the criteria set forth above. Upon review
it appears that the proposed "Major Industrial Development" preliminary complies with the
criteria as established in RCW 36 70A 365, moreover, additional application materials which may
include studies, reports, and/or supplemental information, will be required in order to ensure
compliance with the above listed criteria.
In the Resource Lands Sub -Element of the County's Comprehensive Plan, the County has
established criteria for the designation of lands as "Agricultural Resource Lands of Long Term
Significance" In review of the proposed re -designation of —66 9 -acres of Agricultural Resource
Lands (Irrigated) to Industrial (Urban) and UGA expansion, Staff has evaluated the subject area
against the specified criteria for designation as Agricultural Resource Lands A checklist
specifying all the criteria used for the evaluation can be found in file #06-4423
Based on the review of criteria for designation of Agricultural Resource lands the subject
parcel appears to meet sufficient criteria for designation as Irrigated Agricultural Resource Land.
However, Grant County's Comprehensive Plan contemplates and allows for the re -designation of
Agricultural Resource Lands when said lands are designated by Grant County for urban
development in the County's Comprehensive Plan, as may be amended (Grant County
Comprehensive Plan, Resource Lands Sub -Element, 1999, pg. 5RE-10) Moreover, the water
allotment currently provided to this site can be returned to the Bureau of Reclamation for re -
allotment to another site, thus creating "no net loss in irrigated agricultural lands"
Attachment `B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
2
The Washington State Growth Management Act contemplates that the amount of land
designated for industrial use within an UGA is to be determined by demand calculated using
population forecast, as established by the WA Office of Financial Management, for the required
twenty-year planning period As adopted in 1999 and based on a Historical Trends Model (See
Grant County UGA Analysts, 1999). Grant County's Comprehensive Plan found that if growth
continued at its historical pace there would be a shortage of land designated for industrial growth
in the Moses Lake UGA. Also, the Moses Lake UGA analysis identified the Wheeler Corridor as
an area of high growth potential for industrial developments If approved the subject area would
be approximately one half mile north of Wheeler Road, placing the proposed development in
close proximity to one of the major industrial corridors in Grant County
Other features making this site compatible with industrial development include, but are not
limited to: 1) proximity to railroad access, 2) adjacency to UGA, 3) adjacency to other
industrially zoned lands and uses, 4) proximity to public facilities, and 5) proximity to Interstate
90 and the Grant County international Airport. First, the subject area is bordered by rail lines on
the eastern property line providing easy access to rail transportation. Second, the subject parcel
borders the City of Moses Lake's UGA along the southern property line Third, property to the
south is zoned Heavy Industrial, helping reduce incompatibility with adjacent lands Fourth, the
subject site is located in an area where public facilities, such as, sewer and water services, large-
scale power access, and public roads exist and/or are readily available. Finally, the subject parcel
is located within 3 miles of Interstate 90 providing the necessary transportation links needed for
the Guardian Fiberglass LLC facility
Based on discussions with the Washington State Office of Community Trade and Economic
Development regarding the capacity to serve the proposed development with water and sewer
services, potential traffic impacts. the potential for incompatible uses, environmental protection,
the mitigation of potential impacts to adjacent resource lands uses, and the de -designation of
agricultural resource lands, following the Public Hearing conducted by the Planning Commission,
Staff would like to provide the following supplemental analysis for consideration by the Board of
County Commissioner's prior to rendering a final decision.
Based on the County's understanding of the responses received and the information provided
thus far by the City of Moses Lake, the City has adequately evaluated capacity issues and the
potential impacts of this project on the City's sewer and water systems Moreover, it is the
County's understanding that in the City's judgment, their analysis and review has found that there
is in fact adequate capacity and that due consideration has been given to any potential impacts
fees for these services. The City's ability to provide the necessary sewer and water infrastructure
is clearly articulated in the approved Development Agreement, which was signed by the parties
and recorded with the Grant County Auditor June 28, 2006.
Based on the County's review of the project, there will not be a substantive impact on the
local street systems. In addition to the responses provided by Guardian Industries, Staff would
like to highlight the following items regarding transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand
management There will be several forms of transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand
management actions being implemented with this project that will be available during both the
construction phases and upon project completion The first is the Grant County Transit Authority
(GTA) currently provides public transit service adjacent to the site (the corner of Wheeler Road
and Road N). GTA operations can potentially provide bus service to and from the site for both
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
3
the employees of the completed project as well as the temporal labor associated with its
development In addition, the planned use of a siding connection with the abutting rail line will
also be a form of transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand management that will reduce
the movement numbers of freight trucks to and from the site.
Pursuant to the information provided in the development proposal submitted by Guardian
Industries, undeveloped areas will be provided and maintained between the developed project
area and adjacent non -urban areas that will provide reasonable separation between the agricultural
lands to the north and east. Moreover, based on the characteristics of the development, including
but limited to. the characteristics of the physical structures, their locations within the project site,
the continued agricultural uses anticipated for portions of the site, and the substantial areas that
will be left undeveloped surrounding the facility, the project as proposed will not create any
substantive issues with regard to "operational incompatibility" with the adjacent land uses.
Environmental protection including air and water quality has been adequately addressed.
Prior to commencing operations, the Washington State Department of Ecology will have issued
an air quality permit that addresses the parameters and acceptable limits that the final Guardian
project will be required to operate under. Moreover, throughout this effort the County has been in
close contact with DOE in order to coordinate and monitor both state and local processes
Through their analysis and review for adequate capacity and consideration of necessary impact
fees, the City of Moses Lake has reviewed their ability to adequately address water quality issues.
In addition, studies will be completed and int igation may be required for any critical areas
located on the site, including but not limited to area wetlands.
The County has reviewed the Unified Development Code (UDC) in order to determine
whether or not. a) adequate provisions are in place in order to mitigate adverse impacts on
designated agricultural lands, and b) the development regulations ensure urban growth will not
occur in adjacent non -urban areas. First, in addition to the projects development design which
concentrates the project in the middle of the site, the characteristics of the physical structures
themselves, the continued agricultural uses anticipated for portions of the site, the substantial
areas that will be left undeveloped surrounding the facility, and the Unified Development Code
requirement to establishment a minimum 100 -foot special Ag Setback along abutting Agricultural
Resources Lands, adequate provisions are m place and will mitigate any potential adverse impacts
on designated agricultural lands Second, Staff has reviewed the UDC and believes that adequate
provisions are also in place in order to control the development of adjacent area rural lands
Specifically, including but not limited to, urban growth will not take place on the adjacent rural
lands pursuant to GCC 23 04 050(c), which states that the extension of urban public services are
prohibited from being extended outside the boundaries of the City's UGA, etc.
Pursuant to WAC 365-190-050, the de -designation process of Agricultural Resources Lands
requires the re-evaluation and application of the criteria for designation, and as stated above, this
analysis has been completed In addition, however, it should be noted that there has in fact been a
substantial change in circumstances that supports the proposed de -designation of this site First,
the relationship of this site to the existing Urban Growth Area of the City of Moses Lake and its
close proximity to fully developed heavy industrial uses Second, this site is in close proximity to
both urban sewer and water services from the City of Moses Lake Moreover, a development
agreement has been entered into between the City, Guardian Industries and Grant County
regarding the delivery of said services. Third, the development pattern, which includes a central
development area with large undeveloped and ongoing ag practices surrounding the project are
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
4
consistent with the areas land use settlement patterns and are fully compatible with agricultural
practices in this area Fourth, the Intensity of the area industrial land uses are of the same or even
greater Intensity Based on the above changes In circumstances, the de -designation of 66.9 acres
of Agricultural Resource Lands is.justified and warranted.
Moreover, the de -designation of Ag -resource lands through the application of the special
provisions of RCW 36 70A 365 does not set a precedence suggesting the potential for the
uncontrolled conversion agricultural lands This is a unique project proposal with a very limited
scope and is very unlikely to happen again The establishment of a Major Industrial Development
is an extremely restricted opportunity that must meet the stringent criteria established by law,
which if met, only allow for the development of a single specifically identified Industrial proposal
that cannot otherwise find a suitable site within an existing urban growth area. Therefore, it is
Staff belief that there will be no long-term negative cumulative effects of de -designating this
66 9 -acre site on the remaining Agricultural Resource Lands in Grant County
Based on Staff s review and after balancing the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive
Plan, existing area conditions, the criteria of the Washington State Growth Management Act,
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Major Industrial Development, which includes an
UGA Expansion and Land Use Redesignation to Industrial (Urban)
PLANNING COMMISSION SUMMARY:
During the Planning Commission Hearing, commission members had several questions for
Staff and the applicant, as well as, several members from the public spoke in favor of the
proposed Major Industrial Development.
Some of the primary questions that were asked include, but are not limited to- 1) What impact
will this amendment have on previous industrial lands analysis that states a surplus of industrial
lands may already exist in the Moses Lake UGA" and 2) In the analysis's of all UGAs in Grant
County, was population the main factor in eliminating other potential sites within other UGAs in
consideration for this project?
In attempting to answer the first questions Staff explained that although various parcels may
be available within the UGA, pursuant to RCW 36 70A.365 no suitable sites within the UGA
were available meeting the needs of the proposed development; therefore the analysis of the gross
available lands within the UGA would not be effected by this proposal. Moreover, one of the
primary purposes of RCW 36 70A 365 is to provide the opportunity to site a major industrial
development that would otherwise be lost due to not having a suitable site available within an
established UGA Also, Staff noted that because of the unique siting requirements for the
Guardian facility other factors were included in selecting the site, such as, access to rail, access to
I-90, and access to an adequate workforce, as required for a Major Industrial Development Also,
Mr. Rick John of Guardian Fiberglass Inc. explained that in looking for a suitable site in Grant
County, the available workforce played a major role in site selection, and that the Moses Lake
area provided the best opportunity for Guardian to be able to hire, train, and retain the workforce
needed for the fiberglass manufacturing facility.
Terry Brewer and Ralph Kincaid both spoke in favor of the proposed Comprehensive Plan
Amendment. Mr. Brewer detailed the process in trying to find an adequate site for the Guardian
facility in Grant County and brief history of the Guardian Fiberglass Company.
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Comrrussioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
5
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Atter careful and through consideration in reviewing the complete record, including but not
limited to the application materials, the Planning Department file, and receiving public comment
and testimony, based on the enclosed Findings of Fact the Planning Commission for Grant
County has forwarded this proposal to the Board of County Commissioners with a
recommendation to approve a Major Industrial Development pursuant to RCW 36 70A 365,
which includes an expansion of the City of Moses Lake's UGA Boundary and re -designation of a
66 9 -acre parcel from Agricultural Resource to Industrial (Urban), parcel # 19-0449.000.
PLANNING COMMISSION FINDINGS OF FACT:
The Planning Commission established the following findings of fact in making its decision to
recommend approval of this Major Industrial Development including a Comprehensive Plan Land
Use Re -designation and Urban Growth Area Boundary change.
1. The Planning Commission adopts the Staff Report, complete Staff file and analysis.
2. The change (would) benefit the public health, safety, and or welfare;
3. The change (is) warranted because of changed circumstances or because of a need for
additional property in the proposed land use designation;
4. The change (is) consistent with the criteria for land use designations specified in the
Comprehensive Plan,
5. The change (will not) be detrimental to uses or property in the immediate vicinity of the
subject property,
6. The change (does have) merit for the community as a whole;
7. The change, if granted, (will not) result in a group of property owners enjoying greater
privileges and opportunities than those enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity
where there is not substantive difference in the properties themselves which justify
different designations,
8. The benefits of the change (will) outweigh any significant adverse impacts of the change;
9. The change (is) consistent with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the
requirements of GCC 22, 23, 24 and 25,
10. The Planning Commission (finds) that pursuant to the requirements of the Growth
Management Act and the Comprehensive Plan, an analysis has been completed utilizing the
required Classification and Designation Criteria for the identification of Agricultural
Resource Lands of Long-term Commercial Significance,
11. The Planning Comrnission (finds) that the Unified Development Code requirements.
including but not hmited to, Right -To -Farm regulations, notification on plats, building
permits, and other development approvals, will provide effective notice to area land owners
and physical buffers lessening concerns with incompatibilities with the adjacent
agricultural activities,
12 The Planning Commission (flnds) that, although the site meets the criteria to be classified
as Agricultural Resource, the applicant has demonstrated that a designation change is
warranted through meeting the criteria required for locating Major Industrial Development
pursuant to 36 70A.365,
13 The Planning Commission (finds) that because of the unique characteristics of this site
which include 1) proximity to railroad access, 2) adjacency to UGA, 3) adjacency to other
industrially zoned lands and uses, 4) proximity to public facilities, and 5) proximity to
Interstate 90 and the Grant County International Airport, de -designating this site will not
substantially interfere with the Growth Management Act and the Goals and Policies of the
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Comrmssioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
6
Comprehensive Plan for the preservation of County -wide Agricultural Resource lands
within Grant County;
14. The Planning Cominission (does not find) that the property has long-term commercial
agricultural significance because the land is located in close proximity to population areas,
developed industrial lands, industrial infrastructure and has the possibility of more intense
uses pursuant to 36.70A 365,
15 The de -designation of 66.9 -acres of Irrigated Agriculture for the purpose of a Major
Industrial Development (will not) be detrimental to the long-term viability of the overall
agricultural lands in Grant County;
16 Except for the those area anticipated for ongoing agricultural production, the water
allotment currently delivered to the site (may) be returned to the Bureau of Reclamation
and re -assigned to another location in order to have a "no net loss of Irrigated Agricultural
lands";
17. The County (has) consulted with the City of Moses Lake throughout the entire process of
establishing the Guardian Fiberglass LLC proposal as a Major Industrial Development.
18 The change (does) comply with all other applicable criteria and standards of Chapter 25.12
UDC;
19. An inventory of developable land (has) been conducted pursuant to RCW 36.70A.365; and
20. The County (has) detemuned that land suitable to site the Major Industrial Development
(are) unavailable within an urban growth area
21. The subject area (is) adjacent to an existing urban growth area.
22. Development regulations (are) established to ensure that urban growth will not occur in
adjacent non -urban areas,
23. Based on the initial reports, various land use application materials and communications
provided by Guardian Fiberglass LLC, the following findings are hereby made establishing
preliminary compliance with the criteria of approval within RCW 36.70A.365(2), the
Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code -
(a) New infrastructure (will) be provided for and/or applicable impact fees (will) be paid;
(b) Transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand management programs (will) be
reviewed,
(c) Buffers (will) be provided between the Major Industrial Development and adjacent
non -urban areas,
(d) Environmental protection including air and water quality (will) be addressed and
provided for,
(e) Provision (will) been made to mitigate adverse impacts on designated agricultural
lands, forest lands, and mineral resource lands,
(f) The plan for the major industrial development (will) consistent with the county's
development regulations established for protection of critical areas, and
24 Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.365(2), final approval of the Guardian Fiberglass facility will
require additional review, including but not limited to, review and approval of land use
application materials that may include the submission of supplemental studies, reports, and
other information as necessary in order to ensure full compliance with the criteria of
approval outlined in 23 (a) through 23.(f) above
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
The following are the conditions of approval that have been included by the Grant County
Planning Commission in their recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners:
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
7
1. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment shall be approved only for the Guardian Fiberglass
LLC development proposed on Parcel Number 19-0449-000
2. In the event Guardian Fiberglass LLC does not Initiate site development within 2 -years of
the date of approval of this Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Parcel Number 19-0449-
000 shall automatically revert back to the prior land use designation of Irrigated
Agriculture and be removed from the City of Moses Lake Urban Growth Area.
3. No other development proposal shall be allowed at this site, other than those
directly related to project expansions proposed by Guardian Fiberglass LLC or its
successors.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DECISION:
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to uphold the recommendation of
the Planning Commission and approved the Guardian Fiberglass Major Industrial
Development including, a change of Land Use Designation from "Agricultural Resource" to
"Industrial (Urban)", and inclusion of 66.9 -acres (Parcel # 19-0449-000) within the Moses
Lake Urban Growth Area Boundary. The Board of County Commissioners approved the
proposal as submitted based on the following Findings of Fact with three (3) conditions of
approval:
1. The Planning Commission adopts the Staff Report, complete Staff file and analysis.
2. The change (would) benefit the public health, safety, and or welfare;
3. The change (is) warranted because of changed circumstances or because of a need for
additional property in the proposed land use designation,
4. The change (is) consistent with the criteria for land use designations specified in the
Comprehensive Plan;
5. The change (will not) be detrimental to uses or property in the immediate vicinity of the
subject property,
6. The change (does have) merit for the community as a whole;
7. The change, if granted, (will not) result in a group of property owners enjoying greater
privileges and opportunities than those enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity
where there is not substantive difference in the properties themselves which justify
different designations,
8. The benefits of the change (will) outweigh any significant adverse impacts of the change;
9. The change (is) consistent with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and the
requirements of GCC 22, 23, 24 and 25,
10. The Planning Commission (finds) that pursuant to the requirements of the Growth
Management Act and the Comprehensive Plan, an analysis has been completed utilizing
the required Classification and Designation Criteria for the identification of Agricultural
Resource Lands of Long-term Commercial Significance,
11. The Planning Commission (finds) that the Unified Development Code requirements,
including but not limited to, Right -To -Farm regulations, notification on plats, building
permits, and other development approvals, will provide effective notice to area land
owners and physical buffers lessening concerns with incompatibilities with the adjacent
agricultural activities,
12. The Planning Commission (finds) that, although the site meets the criteria to be classified
as Agricultural Resource, the applicant has demonstrated that a designation change is
warranted through meeting the criteria required for locating Major Industrial
Development pursuant to 36 70A.365;
13. The Planning Commission (finds) that because of the unique characteristics of this site
which include 1) proxinuty to railroad access, 2) adjacency to UGA, 3) adjacency to
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Fact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensirve Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
8
other industrially zoned lands and uses, 4) proximity to public facilities, and 5) proximity
to Interstate 90 and the Grant County International Airport, de -designating this site will
not substantially Interfere with the Growth Management Act and the Goals and Policies
of the Comprehensive Plan for the preservation of County -wide Agricultural Resource
lands within Grant County,
14. The Planning Commission (does not find) that the property has long-term commercial
agricultural significance because the land is located in close proximity to population
areas, developed Industrial lands, industrial infrastructure and has the possibility of more
intense uses pursuant to 36.70A.365;
15. The de -designation of 66 9 -acres of Irrigated Agriculture for the purpose of a Major
Industrial Development (will not) be detrimental to the long-term viability of the overall
agricultural lands in Grant County;
16. Except for the those area anticipated for ongoing agricultural production, the water
allotment currently delivered to the site (may) be returned to the Bureau of Reclamation
and re -assigned to another location in order to have a "no net loss of Irrigated
Agricultural lands";
17. The County (has) consulted with the City of Moses Lake throughout the entire process of
establishing the Guardian Fiberglass LLC proposal as a Major Industrial Development
18. The change (does) comply with all other applicable criteria and standards of Chapter
25_ l2 UDC;
19. An inventory of developable land (has) been conducted pursuant to RCW 36.70A 365;
and
20. The County (has) determined that land suitable to site the Major Industrial Development
(are) unavailable within an urban growth area
21. The subject area (is) adjacent to an existing urban growth area.
22. Development regulations (are) established to ensure that urban growth will not occur in
adjacent non -urban areas,
23. Based on the initial reports, various land use application materials and communications
provided by Guardian Fiberglass LLC, the following findings are hereby made
establishing preliminary compliance with the criteria of approval within RCW
36.70A.365(2), the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code
(g) New infrastructure (will) be provided for and/or applicable impact fees (will) be paid;
(h) Transit -oriented site planning and traffic demand management programs (will) be
reviewed,
(i) Buffers (will) be provided between the Major Industrial Development and adjacent
non -urban areas,
(j) Environmental protection including air and water quality (will) be addressed and
provided for,
(k) Provision (will) been made to mitigate adverse impacts on designated agricultural
lands, forest lands, and mineral resource lands,
(1) The plan for the major industrial development (will) consistent with the county's
development regulations established for protection of critical areas, and
24. Pursuant to RCW 36 70A 365(2), final approval of the Guardian Fiberglass facility will
require additional review, including but not limited to, review and approval of land use
application materials that may include the submission of supplemental studies, reports,
and other information as necessary in order to ensure full compliance with the criteria of
approval outlined in 23 (a) through 23.(f) above
Attachment "B"
Dwsion and Findings of Faet
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
9
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
The following are the conditions of approval that have been included by the Grant County Board
of County Commissioners In their decision to approved the proposed Comprehensive Plan
Amendment:
1. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment shall be approved only for the Guardian Fiberglass
LLC development proposed on Parcel Number 19-0449-000.
2. In the event Guardian Fiberglass LLC does not initiate site development within 2 -years of
the date of approval of this Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Parcel Number 19-0449-000
shall automatically revert back to the prior land use designation of Irrigated Agriculture and
be removed from the City of Moses Lake Urban Growth Area
3. No other development proposal shall be allowed at this site, other than those
directly related to project expansions proposed by Guardian Fiberglass LLC or its
successors.
Attachment "B"
Decision and Findings of Pact
Board of County Commissioners
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Guardian Fiberglass
10