Application withdrawn for Slider's building residence

La Conner’s housing crunch is longstanding, but apparently not yet so severe that town officials approve all potential remedies.

The town planning staff had recommended denial of a bid by applicant Jason Lindeman to convert part of the Slider’s Cafe building on Morris Street, formerly a full-service fuel station, to long-term residential use before the proposal was to be considered by hearing examiner David Lowell.

The applicant subsequently withdrew the application.

“Applicants always have the choice whether to continue or rescind an application,” Assistant Planner Ajah Eills said.

Lowell was scheduled to have heard the request for a conditional use permit on Sept. 17. That hearing was cancelled when the application was withdrawn.

Town code, in response to the local housing shortage and state Growth Management Act guidelines, has in recent years been modified to accommodate increased residential use options in commercial areas.

In a report filed Aug. 19, Town Planner Michael Davolio cited parking, access, compatibility, appearance and suitability concerns as reasons for recommending denial of the Morris Street project.

“The previous commercial use of the area was grandfathered from having to comply with current parking requirements,” Davolio noted. “The proposed change of use would not be grandfathered and would require that two on-site parking spaces be designated for the exclusive use of the proposed residence.”

Davolio added that project plans didn’t appear to include rear access to the proposed residential space.

“The result could cause a fire hazard,” he said.

Because the proposed residential use was planned between two existing commercial uses in the building, Davolio said it would not be compatible.

“If the proposed residential use was located on the end of the building with a separate rear or side access,” he said, “it could possibly be regarded as compatible.”

Davolio added that having a residential use located between two commercial uses could create an awkward appearance.

“Although the proposed use is listed as a possible conditional use in the town’s municipal code, it does not appear to be suitable to be located between commercial businesses,” he said. “The proposed use would likely alter the character of the surrounding area, and may impair the existing commercial uses.”