Planning Commission wants code change requests

La Conner residents aren’t just being encouraged to make their voices heard. They are also being asked to put their thoughts on paper, according to the Aug. 16 Planning Commission meeting at Maple Hall.

The commission is urging those wanting to have input into potential municipal code changes to share their views in writing well in advance of the panel’s next meeting on Sept. 20.

Those comments should be directed to Planning Director Michael Davolio.

“If people can submit their ideas to Michael as soon as they can,” said Chair Marna Hanneman, “it will give us time to review it before our September meeting.”

Already on tap for that session is discussion of zoning change proposals from The Port of Skagit for La Conner Marina, where the authority is considering a major facelift. The Port submitted its requests during the annual Dec. 1-Jan. 31 window for public input.

Former member Linda Talman suggested they put out a plea for additional input from those who missed the opportunity last winter. The panel agreed to do so.

“We would want it given in writing to Michael,” Hanneman stressed, “and then he can forward it to us so we can have time to review it.”

In the meantime, Davolio and the commission have continued their own step-by-step study of possible municipal code changes.

Davolio and commissioners discussed a handful of potential key revisions to the present code. One would be expanding from five to seven the number of zone classifications in town. The two additions would be Port Commercial and Port Industrial zones at the marina.

They also weighed additions to how the code defines a tiny home and a provision that would allow short-term residential uses for up to one-month per year.

The latter item, Davolio explained, refers to situations where someone would rent out their home while on vacation to help defray costs of the get-away.

“What if someone wants to go to the desert for three months?” asked Commissioner Bruce Bradburn.

“The 30 days is only a suggestion,” Davolio said. “We can do it for 90 or 120 days.”

Hanneman, too, wondered if 30 days is too short a time frame.

“This isn’t your last look at this,” Davolio reminded the commission.

Bradburn couldn’t help adding some levity to the discussion.

“How about mid-term rentals,” he quipped.

Of particular interest to Commissioner Carol Hedlin, who grew up in a local farm family, was the suggestion that uncovered patios, porches or decks be allowed to extend 15 feet into the 25-foot agricultural setback area.

She and Talman said the current 25-foot setback was established to provide safe buffer areas between homes and agricultural equipment. Commissioners appeared willing to consider a 10-foot extension, but not 15 feet.

On a related front, Davolio addressed updating the Town’s zoning map.

“It’s something we should do that hasn’t been done in recent years,” he said, noting that the map does not reflect the rezone of the former Hedlin’s Ballfield from public to residential use.

During the meeting, members recommended that Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer Aaron Reinstra check on the status of a recreational vehicle that has been parked for an extended period near the proposed Ellis housing development site behind Pioneer Market.

Additionally, Talman asked that signage be placed at Maple Hall reinforcing the prohibition of guns at public meetings.