HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-056 Related to the 2024 Annual Update to the City's Comprehensive Land Use PlanResolution 23-056
RESOLUTION 23-056
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
RELATED TO THE 2024 ANNUAL UPDATE TO THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE LAND
USE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City adopted a 20 -Year Comprehensive Growth Management Plan
("Comprehensive Plan") through Ordinance No. 2539 on July 15, 1996 to meet the goals and
requirements of Chapter 36.70A RCW (also known as the Growth Management Act "GMA"); and,
WHEREAS, the City adopted its current Zoning Code (Title 17 PTMC) on April 7, 1997
(Ordinance No. 2571), to comply with the GMA and to implement the Plan; and,
WHEREAS, since initial adoption in 1996, the City has undertaken numerous
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to ensure tit remains consistent with the goals and
requirements of the GMA, as well as emerging community trends; and,
WHEREAS, the City is currently conducting a periodic review of the Comprehensive
Plan and development regulations, due in June 2025, as required by RCW 36.70A.130; and,
WHEREAS, in accordance with WAC 365-196-610(3) the periodic review and annual
amendment docket may not overlap; and,
WHEREAS, PTMC 20.04.20(D) states that "the annual docket must be combined with the
broader GMA docket or postponed until the year following the update;" and,
WHEREAS, PTMC 20.04.020(B) sets forth the Comprehensive Plan amendment cycles
and identifies the types of amendments that shall be docketed and considered on an annual basis
as follows:
1. Site-specific "formal" applications, timely filed and accompanied by a filing fee;
2. Time sensitive mandated amendments as determined by the Director of Planning and
Community Development; and
3. Amendments necessary to address a deficiency in the Comprehensive Plan or
development regulations identified during project review (pursuant to RCW
36.70A.470(3)), provided, if resources are unavailable, the amendment could be carried
over;
WHEREAS, under PTMC 20.04.035(B), Council may open the annual amendment process
to non -mandatory amendments. Council must decide whether to do so on or before December 15th of
each year. Council's decision should be based upon consideration of available resources to review
amendments and implement the Comprehensive Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Director of Planning and Community Development has recommended
that the City combine the 2024 annual amendment process with the 2025 periodic review given
that:
Resolution 23-056
a. The City is required to complete a state mandated Comprehensive Plan update in 2025.
b. The volume of land use permits has remained steady while staff resources have remained
constant. The department of Planning and Community Development is operating to
capacity in terms of the current planning/permit review functions. Closing the docket in
2024 may create increased demand beyond staff capacity for the 2026 annual update.
c. Permits include a variety of housing projects both in the permitting and construction stage
that have the potential to make a measurable increase in the local housing supply.
d. Planning and Community Development staff time will be required for the periodic review.
It is not feasible for staff to conduct simultaneous reviews of the periodic review and
annual amendments.
e. Planning and Community Development staff are including the public in the periodic
review process and want to address public suggestions in a timely manner, including
reviewing formal applications and non -mandatory amendments to be considered for the
2025 periodic update docket.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Port Townsend that,
pursuant to PTMC 20.04.20(D), the 2024 amendment cycle will be combined with the 2025 periodic
review, for consideration and public hearing in 2025.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special business meeting
thereof held this 1 I `" day of December 2023.
David.�Fa�
Mayor
Attest:
Alyssa 1 o f
City
Approved as to form:
hlcl Greenwac'1
r
City Attorney