Port requesting 'industrial zone' for La Conner Marina

The Port of Skagit’s plans for redeveloping its La Conner Marina will be discussed at the Town of La Conner Planning Commission public hearing Sept. 20. A new zoning district, Port Industrial, will be unveiled as part of 27 pages of “suggested 2022 code changes” planner Michael Davolio and town staff have been developing based on proposals from Port staff.

If the planning commission agrees and the town council adopts the recommendation, a new chapter will be added to Title 15 of the town’s uniform development code: Chapter 15.42, Port Industrial Zone, added after Chapter 15.40, Industrial Zone.

The stated goal is to is to support a strong maritime economy by providing “areas for marine manufacturing and maritime services that require facilities and or waterfront access available to port properties.” Twenty-seven uses are permitted in support, including aquaculture and seafood processing, warehousing, public parking, parks and trails and temporary events. Housing is not a proper use and not included. The only retail space defined is related to products made on site.

Buildings 60 feet high, the height of Mavrik Marine’s new building, are allowed, Buildings higher than 35 feet must meet five conditions. The draft code was reviewed by Town Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra in August.

Minimum landscaping area for the zone is 10%, buildings and impervious surfaces may cover 90% of the area.

This chapter is five pages.

Port staff in January asked the Town to consider changes to its comprehensive plan for “increase allowed height of structures on Port-owned properties within the Town.” The Port requested “the Town to consider updates to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations governing allowed uses on properties owned by the Port within the Town.” This was the only 2022 comprehensive plan request received.

Since at least June, Heather Rogerson, Port director of planning and development has been working with Davolio on developing this new chapter.

The Port made a public presentation to town council, the planning commission and residents in May, having consultants share a proposal for several potential futures, including a mixed used development, with a residential component, The proposed zoning changes do not include that option.

In a Sept. 1 email to Mayor Ramon Hayes, Davolio writes the Port is “putting off any consideration of Commercial zone changes until next year.” For profit housing is a commercial use.

Tiny homes

A definition of tiny homes, permanent housing that are “a single-family residential dwelling measuring not more than 700 square feet in total area” is added to Chapter 15.110: Accessory And Temporary Structures And Uses.

Tiny home standards are defined. In 15.25 Planned Unit Residential Development, a third purpose is added: “Encourage the development of affordable housing styles, such as tiny home developments.”

Sign Regulations

Chapter 15.10, on signs, is amended, a project Town Administrator Scott Thomas brought up in 2021 to ensure compliance with state or federal regulations. The last 14 pages of the suggested code changes covers signs.

Nontidal wetlands

Four pages addressing specific buffer requirements for nontidal wetlands are part of the proposed code changes.