Two-year comprehensive plan update started

Officials took the first steps toward updating La Conner’s comprehensive plan at a joint Town Council-Planning Commission meeting at Maple Hall Feb. 28.

Admittedly, they were baby steps.

It will be a two-year process focusing on public engagement and addressing growth over a 20-year planning horizon as mandated by state legislation, planner Michael Davolio reported.

“Our first priority,” stressed Davolio, “is to engage the public in the process. It’s very critical from our perspective that the plan addresses the community’s values.”

A municipal comprehensive plan is a blueprint for determining community goals and regulating key public policies, including those related to transportation, utilities and land use.

Davolio said there are specific objectives, including an ordinance regulating adult businesses. Regulation is difficult if nothing is on the books.

A downtown parking study, done by a consultant, is planned.

Davolio and Assistant Planner Ajah Eills divided the process into three phases between now and the fall of 2024.

Phase One, to October, will emphasize outreach and internal review. Staff will also review the several public requests for inclusion of amendments to La Conner’s Uniform Development Code.

Phase Two, from October 2023 through June 2024, will feature a planning commission review of proposed revisions.

“Necessary studies will be completed the fourth quarter of 2023,” said Davolio. “The results of those studies will be incorporated into proposed revisions to the comp plan. Additional amendments based on community input will also be distilled into amendatory language.”

The final phase, in the last half of 2024, requires council review and adoption.

“Planning staff will solicit early input from the public, community groups and interested parties on elements of the comp plan and review planning documents and development regulations for (state) GMA (Growth Management Act) compliance,” Davolio reported.

“Some important decisions have to be made in the next couple years,” said Eills, noting at a recent community roundtable, residents and other local stakeholders identified housing, environmental protection, public involvement and parks, recreation and open space as key areas to address.

“We’re particularly interested in adequately including the voices and perspectives of certain communities of color, non-native English speakers, residents of modest means and young people, all of whom have been excluded in the past,” said Davolio.

Eills said she is looking forward to conferring with Swinomish Planning Department staff.

Another major entity is The Port of Skagit, which in 2022 unveiled plans to redevelop its waterfront area and 13 acres of commercially zoned property at La Conner Marina. Port Director of Planning and Development Heather Rogerson told the group, “The 13 acres will be a long-term project over 10, 15, or 20 years.”

A Port contingent presented its vision for revamping the marina last May during a joint council-planning commission meeting.