Comp plan amendments accepted without fees in January

La Conner Planning Director Michael Davolio has come up with a way to follow both the letter and spirit of a new state policy that limits to a single public meeting topics reviewed by a hearing examiner.

He wants the planning commission to receive all pertinent information in advance of hearing examiner sessions so they can chime in before a decision is rendered.

“I want to make sure the public and planning commission has an opportunity for input,” Davolio said at the 90-minute Dec. 19 hybrid meeting at Maple Hall. “I want the planning commission to still be actively involved in the decision-making process.”

State lawmakers seeking to streamline applications for affordable housing projects across Washington mandated the policy.

“The goal of encouraging affordable housing is why the state did this,” Town Assistant Planner Ajah Eills said. “What Michael is suggesting is for planning commissioners to be at hearings as citizens so their comments can be taken into account by the hearing examiner.”

Davolio said the view statewide is the new policy will lessen the role of planning commissions. The goal is for the commission to be an active and involved entity in land use matters, he said.

“Our staff,” vowed Davolio, “will commit to giving the planning commission necessary information and reports before public hearings so that they can provide input at those hearings.”

Davolio’s recommendation, though not acted upon, received support from commissioners and those in attendance, including incoming Mayor Marna Hanneman.

“Michael’s idea gives the planning commission an opportunity to review information well in advance and provide input to the hearing examiner,” said Hanneman, who just resigned from the commission. “He’s requesting that the hearing be held in person (rather than solely on Zoom) so that our constituencies can give their input in person.”

“Or goal,” Davolio said, “is to make this process as democratic as possible.”

Eills agreed.

“This reflects the spirit of democracy,” she said. “We want to be as open and transparent as possible.”

During this wide-ranging meeting, commissioners pored over residents’ recommendations for amendments to the comprehensive plan and development code. Several have already been addressed and embraced. Perhaps more important, Davolio and Eills announced that such recommendations will now be accepted year-round rather than limiting submissions to a two-month window Dec. 1-Jan. 31.

Proposed amendments will be accepted on a no-fee basis in the month of January. Fees, however, will be imposed – covering expenses for staff time – on proposals received Feb. 1-Dec. 31.

Commissioners made preliminary edits to Planned Urban Residential Development (PURD) regulations and definitions for short-term rentals, topics to be re-visited when they next meet on Jan. 16.

Planning staff reported on their outreach to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

“We’re very interested in building a rapport with Swinomish,” Eills said. “We’re trying to foster that relationship.”

Eills said tribal input is being sought for the Town comp plan’s community profile section.

The town’s projected population growth adds 211 residents by 2045, a rate of about one per cent per year. Eills said conducting a land use capacity analysis should help assess future housing density here. She said the current population projections equate to 124 new housing units by 2045.

“Those can include ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), for instance,” said Eills, “which is a very good option for older family members who want to age in place.”

Commission Chair Carol Hedlin praised staff efforts to increase interaction with Swinomish and La Conner Schools.

“We’re providing a lot of water for horses,” quipped Eills, referring to the time-honored adage about creating opportunities whenever possible.

A case in point is next month’s window for free submissions of comp plan and municipal code changes.

“We may be receiving a whole lot of additional citizen code amendments in January,” Eills predicted.