Adding a chapter creating a Port Industrial Zone in the Town of La Conner’s Uniform Development Code will “preserve” for the long term the Port of Skagit’s La Conner Marina property for maritime industries, Port Communications Director Linda Tyler wrote in response to Weekly News questions about the Sept. 20 town planning commission hearing. The Port made a 2022 recommendation for a change to the Town’s code in January.

The proposed chapter, 15.42, Port Industrial Zone, allows 60 foot tall buildings. Mavrik Marine’s expansion in 2020-2021 was approved under a variance. “Maritime manufacturing businesses in this area need more height,” Tyler wrote, and “the proposed La Conner Maritime project is also going to need additional height to meet their business needs.”

Tyler notes that 60-foot buildings at the marina’s location at the north end of La Conner will have “less impact on the Town’s visual profile.”

The Port seeks the new zoning chapter in response to the continued growth in maritime manufacturing at its facilities. Moorage demand at its marina has surged from people seeking the outdoors as a result of the pandemic. Yacht broker's success indicates that recreational boating demand will increase, Tyler pointed out.

It is too early for projecting the number and types of businesses, jobs created, impact on infrastructure or the community, or the length of time even for the first phase of development or to estimate costs, Tyler wrote. The Port is “committed to (a) public process and want a well-conceived and carefully planned future for the property, including a good understanding of infrastructure needs and costs, as well as potential impacts such as traffic volume.

The proposed zoning code change is entirely maritime industry based. It is separate from the planning and visioning for a mixed use development shared with the La Conner community in May. No commercial zoning changes have been requested. Tyler writes, “The preliminary planning process will conclude with an open house in November where citizens will have another opportunity to come talk to the Port about what we have learned in our preliminary work and to continue to share ideas and comments with us.”

Port Executive Director Sara Young said, “Marine trades businesses are a priority for the area and we are looking at what else makes sense. Whatever redevelopment brings, the idea is to revitalize the Marina and be complementary to and cohesive with the town.

“We are in the very early stages of planning and information gathering,” Young stressed. “We are listening to those who live and own businesses in town and want to hear all voices.

We’ll move slow and keep the public well informed.”

Tyler emphasized that development at the Marina will not compete with La Conner’s businesses: “We understand that there is a sensitivity to drawing activity away from the downtown core. Drawing energy out of downtown is not a good outcome from the Port’s perspective either,” she wrote.