Code changes

Dear residents, farmers and businesses,

Mark your calendars. Sept. 20 for Planning Commission and Sept. 27 for Town Council. Both involve potential code changes. The town didn’t tell you. You would have had to wait until three days before and then they will you give three minutes only for pages of changes.

It’s just not right. You should get three minutes for each item. This is important.

Some changes being proposed by town:

1. The planner’s proposal is to allow 15 or 10 feet of that 25 feet currently required for agriculture set back so as to be used for patios. The previous planner granted some people variances on this but variances never set precedence. The mayor knew. Few others.

2. Likely height increases to 40 feet at the Port – the size of the Mavrik building which builds giant boats there. No one lives in that building.

3. Two new zones called Port Commercial and Port Industrial. It has not been revealed what is proposed for those areas. See #2 above. The planner has been working with the Port for a long time to write code for what they want.

Some items that will likely be proposed by residents:

1. Climate change code re requirements for EV chargers in new developments and big houses and solar displays at the Port.

2. A requirement that all residential uses at the Port work with the Home Trust or similar to make it truly affordable as defined by the appropriate government agency and built within 30” height. The Port is a public agency, not a private developer. They work for us.

3. The planner has to apply strict interpretation for variances and all variances should require a public meeting.

4. Hiring practices will involve committees of town and residents.

5. Improvement of timing on agendas etc.

6. Official adoption of the new State Open Meeting act.

May your voice be heard. May your presence be felt. Pack the room.

Linda Talman

La Conner