by Peter Rimbos, Corresponding Secretary

On Monday, November 2, the Greater Maple Valley Area Council held its regular monthly meeting. Our two major topics for discussion were:

1) Proposed 2009 King County Permit Process Improvements, with DDES’s Harry Reinert; and

2) King County Code Enforcement, with DDES’s Holly Sawin.

Your Area Council serves as an all-volunteer, locally elected advisory body to the King County Council representing all rural unincorporated area residents living in the Tahoma School District.

Henry Hollwedel Plaque

The Area Council presented a plaque in honor of Mr. Henry Hollwedel, who passed away several months ago. Henry was the founder and avid enthusiast for the Maple Valley Train Show. This past October, the Area Council sponsored its 12th Annual Maple Valley Operating Model Train Show. The plaque was accepted by Ms. Joan Harris who received a standing ovation from all meeting attendees in honor of Henry’s tireless efforts to serve and entertain all operating model train enthusiasts in the greater Maple Valley community. Thank you Henry!

Proposed 2009 King County Permit Process Improvements

Harry Reinert of King County’s Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) discussed proposed changes to improve and streamline the permit process. The general purpose of this proposed changes is to simplify the permit process, allow as permitted uses some uses that currently require conditional use permits, and clarify ambiguous provisions in King County Code. Affected Code Titles are: 19A, Land Segregation--platting, subdividing); 20 (Planning--public notices, hearings); and 21A (Zoning--permitted uses, critical areas, liens) related to permit processes and zoning requirements.

The Area Council’s Growth Management Committee, which has been reviewing the proposed changes, provided feedback to Mr. Reinert in the form of specific comments, as well as a series of questions to be answered to clarify some of the proposed changes. While some questions were answered during the meeting, Mr. Reinert agreed to work directly with the committee to resolve any open issues and provide detailed information to answer committee questions related to current code language to be changed, intent of proposed changes, and potential impacts.

Mr. Reinert stated that the Public Comment period on the proposed changes will be extended through January 2010. DDES intends to finalize the proposed changes and forward them to the KIng County Executive for inclusion in the King County Comprehensive Plan 2010 Update by March 2010.  Please note the web page shows an earlier deadline for Public Comment that now will be extended as described above).

King County Code Enforcement

Holly Sawin of DDES provided an update on code enforcement. King County code enforcement is primarily complaint driven. Code Enforcement investigates complaints of irresponsible or hazardous development that are also violations of King County Code--typically: building, clearing & grading, livestock, and zoning complaints. Code Enforcement's jurisdiction is unincorporated King County.

Those filing a complaint can remain anonymous, should they so choose, so that concerned citizens can alert the County of potential violations without the threat of retaliation. Complaints can be called in to (206) 296-6680 or 1-888-437-4771 for 24-hr, urgent concerns. Alternatively, you can use an online complaint form. The Code Enforcement web page provides information on filling out a complaint, who to contact, and other process details.

Area Council Elections and Citizens’ Advisory Survey

In odd-numbered years, the Area Council conducts elections to fill its 16 seats. Members serve 4-year terms which are staggered so that half are contested every 2 years. In addition, the Area Council conducts an Advisory Survey to gauge citizens’ opinions on a variety of important matters.

All registered voters living in the rural unincorporated area of the Tahoma School District will start receiving their Ballot and Advisory Survey in the mail during the week of November 16. Completed Ballots and Advisory Surveys must be postmarked by the due date provided in the mailing (at this writing the due date is expected to be the end of the month). Voters are encouraged to fill out their one-page Ballot and Advisory Survey, fold, tape, and mail (return address will be preprinted, but 44-cent postage is required).

This is an opportunity to provide your views on issues important to the Rural Area. All results will be tabulated and published in an upcoming issue of the Voice, as well as be posted on the Area Council web site (past results already are posted). In addition, Advisory Survey results will be provided to and reviewed with King County officials.

The Area Council thanks you in advance for participating in this year’s election and survey.