HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhat amendments are being considered during the 2016 Update? What amendments are being considered during the 2016 Update? (Posted 11/12115)
On Monday, November 16, 2015, at or about 6:30 p.m the Port Townsend City
Council will conduct a public hearing to determine which amendments will be placed on
the "docket" for consideration during the 2016 Periodic Update. Although the focus of
the 2016 update is to complete mandatory revisions necessary to comply with the GMA,
Council will consider docketing a limited number of optional amendments including
those suggested by citizens.
In 2014 and 2015, the City engaged the community via a number of formats to identify
key issues and suggested amendments. Tables summarizing public input were
reviewed by the Planning Commission/City Council at their August 10, 2015 Workshop.
As anticipated, the number and complexity of the suggested amendments exceeds
capacity. At a public hearing on October 22, 2015, the Planning Commission narrowed
the list and issued their recommendation on which of the suggested amendments
should be included on the 2016 docket. For the Planning Commission's complete
recommendation, see the November 16, 2015 City Council packet available online at
http://www.citvofr)t.us/video.htm . Essentially, the Planning Commission's
recommendation includes:
1) Begin preparing Port Townsend for transition and resilience.
2) Promote and encourage a wider range of housing types. The community is
interested in a number of"new" housing types (e.g., tiny homes, micro-
apartments, common wall construction). Revise existing policy to provide more
flexibility while protecting neighborhood character. Corollary amendments to the
development regulations would follow in a subsequent phase.
3) Economic development— Howard Street Corridor presents the greatest opportunity
to promote employment growth with the goal of increasing family-wage jobs.
Overarching Comprehensive Plan goals would be processed as part of the 2016
update with a subarea plan to follow.
4) Phase II (2016-2017) Critical Areas Ordinance amendments.
At the November 16, 2015 Hearing, Council may add or subtract"optional" items from the
docket. Council's decision to place a proposed amendment on the final docket does not
constitute a decision or recommendation that the proposed amendment should be
adopted. Items that make the final docket will be subject to SEPA review, staff analysis,
and further public hearings before the Planning Commission and Council.
Is it too late to give input on the docket? If you wish to provide input/testify, you may do
so either by submitting oral testimony during the public hearing or by submitting written
comments to the City Clerk at 250 Madison Street, Suite 2, Port
Townsend, WA 98368. Written comments must be received by the close of business on
November 16, 2015. .