ORD 97-27 CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLANFort Ward Comprehensive Plan Amendment November 20, 1997
ORDINANCE NO. 97-27
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington,
amending the City's Comprehensive Plan to incorporate
recommendations in the November 1996 Fort Ward Action Plan
WHEREAS, the City adopted a Comprehensive Plan on September 1, 1994, which has
subsequently been amended; and
WHEREAS, the City undertook a plan for Fort Ward to identify actions that would help to
retain Fort Ward's character, guide future development in a compatible manner and resolve issues
identified by members of the Fort Ward community; and
WHEREAS, after extension public participation, including two day-long workshops, a final
draft Fort Ward Action Plan was prepared, dated November 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Ward Action Plan contains amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to
further the goals of the Action Plan; now therefore
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON, DO
ORDAIN, as follows:
Section 1. The City's Comprehensive Plan, adopted by Section 2 of Ordinance No. 94-21, as
amended, is further amended in accordance with the amendments as set forth below
AMENDMENT TO LAND USE F.I.EMENT
Residential Open Space
Goal 5
Maintain and enhance the unique character of the Fort Ward Planning Area (as shown on Figure
10A) due to the history and natural landscape of the area and the sense of community that exists.
This character is reflected in the open space system made up of wetlands, a neighborhood park,
the historic marching fields, unbuildable slopes and the State Park(as shown on Figure 10B).
OS 5.1
Through an LID, grants or public or private funding sources, if funding occurs, or through the use
of such techniques as cluster development or transfer of development rights within the Fort Ward
area:
(1) preserve the parade marching fields as public open space. as well as street, trail and sidewalk
improvements identified in the Fort Ward Action Plan, and
Draft Fort Ward Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ordinance 12/09/97
(2) protect and enhance the wetlands and associated buffers for a new community park which will
include the natural systems from Kitsap Avenue. southwest past Belfair. as identified in the
Fort Ward Action Plan.
Establish a mechanism to expedite the necessary changes to the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code
to allow (1) transfer of density from the wetland area or parade grounds to elsewhere within the
Fort Ward Core Area as shown on Figure 10A to elsewhere within the Fort Ward Core Area (2)
replatting of the wetland area to avoid, as much as possible, development in the wetlands and
buffer area and to preserve the parade grounds and (3) development of a wetland overlay master
plan to include a landscape reclamation plan. planting alternatives. access, use. drainage and
building envelopes.
Discussion: After years of limited development, Fort Ward could be facing a dramatic increase in
construction of new residential development. Many of the undeveloped lots in the Fort Ward
planning area are non-conforming due to their small size. Many of these lots contain wetland or
buffer area and may be developed using the Reasonable Use Exception of the Bainbridge Island
Municipal Code. This policy provides mechanisms to minimize the impacts of future development
on the wetlands. The parade grounds are an important historical feature of Fort Ward and a focal
point of the community that also provides recreational opportunities for the residents of Fort
Ward. This policy provides mechanisms to further maintain and enhance the unique character,
historical value, sense of community and natural landscape of the Fort Ward Planning Area.
OS 5.2
In order to preserve historic structures within the Fort Ward Historic District. as shown on Fort
Ward Navy Additions Map - Figure 10C: (1) the original density for Buildings E. 13, 18. 19, 20,
21.46, 47. 48, 49, 50. and 51 and the existing density of Buildings B and C (10 units in total).
Building 60 (12 units) and Building 65 (19 units) shall be permitted if the structure is maintained
in a manner that would preserve the building's historic character and any renovation is conducted
in accordance with a standard designated by the City and (2) Building 16 shall be designated as
appropriate for multifamily use of up to 8 dwelling units, provided that a portion of the building is
dedicated as a community meeting place.
OS 5.3
Where possible, create tax incentives and. encourage private purchase and renovation of historic
structures. Transfer density within the Fort Ward Study Area as incentives for the preservation
of historic structures.
See also Historic Preservation Goals and Policies of the Land Use Element.
OS 5.4
Develop specific design and developn~ guiddines that recog/ze the unique qualities of the Fort Ward District
and respond to the scale and natural features of the lots.
OS 5.5
2
Maintain housing opportunities for a range of economic levels. Provide exceptions to the
guidelines to meet the American with Disabilities Act while maintaining the character of the
community.
Historic Preservation
AMENDMENT TO WATER RESOURCES ELEMENT
SSP 2.9
Clearly define the capacity of the water and sewer systems of South Bainbridge Water Company
and Sewer District #7 and encourage the creation of a comprehensive distribution plan.
AMENDMENT TO TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
TR 2.2
Winding, narrow roads should be retained whenever practical. Roads shall be built to follow the
natural contours of the land (rather than establish a grid pattern). Widen or straighten existing
roads when needed 1) to meet safety needs, 2) provide for transit, pedestrian travel, and bicycling,
or 3) correct LOS deficiencies. Widening or straightening of roadways to correct LOS
deficiencies should only be considered at~er all other alternatives have been examined and
subsequently determined insufficient. Reduction in the level of service may be preferred over
widening or straightening of a roadway.
Roadways within Winslow should reflect its more urban nature (e.g., sidewalks, separate bike
lanes).
Amend the City's road standards to include standards that enhance the historic character and scale
of the Fort Ward planning area.
TR 2.11
Limit curb cuts on Fort Ward Hill Road.
TR 2.12
Develop a circulation plan for the Core Area in consultation with the Fort Ward community,
including residents and/or property owners.
Discussion: The Fort Ward Action Plan identified several issues related to circulation within the
Fort Ward Planning Area:
· The roads as designed in the 1959 subdivision do not result in a perceptible circulation system.
· There is no difference in the design of the streets within the Planning Area, and therefore, no
hierarchy of roads.
Roads do not respect or respond to wetland boundaries.
There is a general concern over the increasing traffic impacts on Belfair and Robertson
Avenue and also for the proximity of the roads to the wetlands.
TR3.11
Sidewalks shall be required in Winslow, along designated school routes, in areas where
sidewalks have been historically located (e.g., Fort Ward), and where needed for safety
reasons.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect on and be in force five days from and atter its passage,
approval and publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council this 4th day of December 1997.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 5th day of December
on, Mayor -~-
,1997.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
Sue Kasper, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Rod P. Kaseguma, City Attorney
FILED WlTHTHECITY CLERK: September 12,
PASSED BY THECITY COUNCIL: December 4,
PUBLISHED: December 10, 1997
DATE: December 15, 1997
ORDINANCENUMBER: 97-27
C:\complan~ortward~December 4 CPA Ord.doc
1997
1997
Forl Ward
Slale Park
Easfern
Plateau
Soulh Slope -----
Soulh Beach
Figure 10A - Fort Ward Study Area
\ I
\ I
Fort Ward Slate Park
%.
Rich Passage
BeansPo~l
I
I
Legend
:~"*~ Welland & Buffer
J~ Proposed Park
J'~ Landscape Corridor
,~-~ Trail
'J-'~ Sidewalk
J~ Historic Struclure
Section.' Pedestrian/One Lane Vehicular Bridge
Figure 10B - Open Space/Trails/Historic Features
Fort Ward Master Plan
20' ROW
20' Easement- I'rael Sectian