By Gwen Davis

The West Seattle Land Use Committee held a Land Use 101 meeting Wed. evening.

Here is what you need to know:

—> The meeting's purpose was to educate participants about the basics of land use so they know what’s going on, and how they can advocate for what they want.
—> The meeting went into the history of “land use” in Washington State back when it was created in the 1990s, and explained how it has been evolving.
—> Participants were also introduced to the fundamentals of land use, such as the distinctions between lots, zones and land use policies.
—> All are invited to attend the next land use meeting on April 15 @ 7 p.m. at The Kenny, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW

Summary of meeting:

Facilitators were Deb Barker and Cindi Barker.

“The purpose of the meeting is to inform people so they can get out there, see what’s going on, and report to the about how they like it,” Cindi Barker said.

Facilitators first explained how "land use" became a thing. Washington State and Seattle created a comphrenesive plan about how to manage growth in the 1990s called the Growth Management Act. During the early ‘90s, officials realized growth was exponentially expanding which prompted the need to have a plan. “Their tactic was within Seattle to focus on certain areas,” Cindi Barker said. “They took this approach that said there will be 'urban villages' which will be where density will happen.”

There were 38 urban villages when the idea was originally created. The act required the government to provide adequate transportation, utilities, pedestrian access, etc. to support them.

Now however, 15 years into the 20-year plan, the city is looking to make changes. Growth has become vast and complex and the original plans may need alteration, facilitators said.

Using a powerpoint presentation, Cindi Barker discussed the Morgan Junction Neighborhood as an example of how urban dwelling boundaries have been changing.

“If you think that the urban villages we have need tweaking, give the city input,” Cindi Barker said. Likewise, “if you think they are a disaster, give the city input."

Deb Barker discussed how people would know if land use activities are happening. If individuals see: 'for sale' signs, survey crews, survey markings, land use notices on poles, big ‘MUP’ boards, people walking around with clip-boards, chain link fences or ports-potties, zoning changes may be in progress.

Deb Barker talked about single family zones, multi family zones and mixed use zones. A single family lot, for instance, has a minimum size, is generally one dwelling unit per lot and has parking and sidewalks. They all have height restrictions. She also talked about codes, policies, permits and zones.

The presentation was consumer-oriented and showed participants how to actually look up land use details online, so they know how to tackle their concerns.

“This was really informative,” a participant said at the conclusion of the meeting. “Now the question is how we want to go forward."