Brandon and Kate Atkinson, owners of the 306 Center Street La Conner property, got the letter they have long wanted: An administrative determination on April 4 from the Town of La Conner planning department approves their application for their three-story 20-unit building with “six first- floor motel-type units and 14 second and third floor long-term residential dwelling units that may be developed as apartments or condominiums.”

Planning Director Michael Davolio’s letter lists 15 conditions under which the developers can proceed to apply for Skagit County building permits. Five are fire safet...