Port Townsend planners propose code changes to implement state conversion law

Planning staff presented draft code amendments intended to implement a recently adopted state law (referred to in the presentation as House Bill 17 57) that makes it easier to convert existing buildings to residential use. Senior planner Adrian Smith told the commission the city must adopt local code language so residents and applicants have a clear permitting process and to avoid state preemption if the city does not act before the state's deadline.