[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6347725,"mediaKeyId","2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2","parentId",2244789,"title","Planning staff outlines proposed future land‑use map changes to meet state housing targets","audioSeconds",1848,"startMs",1708830,"endMs",3557780,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2&start=1708&end=3557","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2/thumbnail_1708830.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6347725/Coupeville/Island-County/Washington/Planning-staff-outlines-proposed-future-landuse-map-changes-to-meet-state-housing-targets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347725-3802ef90508a8e3124006a2bc6dcfbdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437988&Signature=ZVVkv3lDugmjrF3OeaayCceyqGPryAr1iG4X-fgJJkwKFtle-ucuvKYr4K3Y9Z4CzFgx82C3tHAuhWZjHaip1BLBoMPmqnHFFz03CUdNzcnVUGKbHTNluXHTCgPqFnicOYnwS3jKG8IXd73E43ldC7Hn4afP2zOZDS85Psq~4jMIzoDAe7~5g-yKb-IjqxcbWU0odYRC~Wc6alaUcbczNPgly-3UovOUA1RZMXt0Q1-SUc7IEvIWy4wzib5Q0GgKdlP66jBwXNts0ZfN9IP1yF0wwaWp1MNVRz73YmI82C653UqEug41ovfNj6o08xhNYrlbkBrY30phldqN22xdYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Coupeville, WA","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","Planning staff presented a map of proposed future land‑use changes and the math behind Coupeville’s housing capacity obligations under Washington State law at the Jan. 21 Planning Commission meeting.

Staff said the town must plan for roughly 350 dwellings across income categories as part of countywide planning coordination; the state now requires capacity to be shown by income category. The draft map proposes three major, parcel‑specific changes: reclassifying a parcel at Vine and Codeland from low‑density to medium‑density residential, redesignating a landlocked parcel behind South Main Street from medium‑density to high‑density residential, and moving the rural‑reserve overlay where sewer has been extended so some parcels adjacent to sewer could be eligible for low‑density zoning instead of rural reserve.

Josh, the planning staff member, explained the differences in minimum lot sizes and coverage that underlie the conversions: staff said medium density has a minimum lot size of about 0.22 acres (roughly a quarter acre) while low density is about 0.5 acre; high‑density residential was described as having higher lot‑coverage allowances (staff cited roughly 70% lot coverage for high density versus 35% for medium density) and a minimum lot size of about 9,600 square feet.

Staff showed capacity calculations comparing current zoning capacity to proposed capacity after the map changes. The presentation noted that accessory dwelling units and middle housing contribute to meeting targets but that the town still has a deficit in lower‑income dwelling capacity under the state methodology. Staff said the changes reduce the town’s deficit in certain income bands but do not eliminate the need for additional strategies such as partnerships with nonprofit developers.

Public commenters and commissioners raised preservation concerns. Susan McClellan noted that a historic 1893 house on South Main is adjacent to the parcel proposed for high‑density designation and asked how the historic home’s integrity would be protected; staff said historic review and the Certificate of Appropriateness process would address design and adjacency issues in coordination with Eastside National Historical Reserve guidelines and Island County staff.

Staff emphasized that future‑land‑use map designations do not by themselves change the zoning regulations or development standards; they signal potential future capacity. Any redevelopment would still need to resolve site access, easements and utility connections during permitting and subdivision review.

The commission did not vote on the map. Staff will publish the draft materials for comment and return with refinements and documentation of capacity calculations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting 2/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented parcel‑specific changes to Coupeville’s future land use map—low→medium at Vine & Codeland, medium→high on South Main, and a rural‑reserve boundary shift where sewer now exists—to address state planning obligations and housing capacity shortfalls.","taxTitle","Coupeville, Island County, Washington","taxId",54106,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6347730,"Commission hears transportation element emphasizing multimodal levels of service, safety and crossings",803,2068640,2871810,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2&start=2068&end=2871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2/thumbnail_2068640.jpg","/articles/6347730/Coupeville/Island-County/Washington/Commission-hears-transportation-element-emphasizing-multimodal-levels-of-service-safety-and-crossings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347730-bf852b7b8b6cc30caff35074e42ff289/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437988&Signature=AZB-T9U4YStHrpg9o9rB3VMW80cs2R93NOW9Kj8AQdO5447OSxYt7~C5C4icS9ch-CJIVn2XkPmtBHiqjYgkGoj1qdBQCiuXeAfAz7I6a1knccDi~GcF-PYTYUe9LJRVjHZsCA0VJtU1h9kY2uT16NnqAfQ9ipVv2jK82yaBalP8qllNdMP-yC2EoIl48WFb8-aoIyY8eD28E0xidMCzwwPZDi9wuFCrkjLsTnle2stnsDpBkQbwxIoGP8Uvz7r7w96v80ubIv85Qe5nAI8cWc-MWnTBoqIWBswM9cV5tnRNB4HmK9CzFEsMTOu915Pza-d2ePxlBIPJICh0CYRrVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff presented Coupeville’s draft transportation element on Jan. 21, recommending a shift from vehicle‑centric levels of service to multimodal, people‑centered measures such as transit access, active‑mode comfort and a level‑of‑stress metric for pedestrians and cyclists.

The consultant‑informed draft retains conventional road classifications (arterials, collectors, local streets) but adds multimodal metrics to better assess walking, biking and transit comfort. Staff said that collectors should consider separated paths or paved multi‑use facilities where appropriate, while local streets might rely on wide shoulders or low speeds to achieve acceptable comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.

Residents and commissioners identified several specific safety and design issues. Multiple speakers noted that some mid‑town crossings (for example by Sunshine Drive and by the hospital) are poorly sited or lack visibility; one resident said the Sunshine Drive crossing is \"below the hill, so no one can see you.\" Commissioners also pointed to an intersection near Broadway where lane markings and turn arrows are unclear and vehicles frequently attempt conflicting turns; staff suggested a center median and clearer markings as potential remedies.

Discussion also covered the town’s project list versus the six‑year street plan used to qualify projects for state funding. Staff said the comprehensive plan’s long‑term project list is broader than the annual six‑year plan maintained by public works and that not every long‑term project will be immediately eligible for grant funding unless added to the six‑year plan.

Staff noted coordination is needed among town public works, Island County, the Washington State Department of Transportation and federal landowners — particularly where crossings would connect to National Park Service‑owned parcels or cross Highway 20. Island Transit’s seasonal shuttle was also discussed; staff said Island Transit had cut the seasonal shuttle service in 2024 and the town does not currently provide financial support, though a council member sits on an Island Transit executive body and provides advocacy.

The commission did not adopt the element at the meeting; staff will incorporate feedback on crossing locations, project priorities and sidewalk/landscape maintenance and return with revised materials.","Staff presented a draft transportation element that shifts toward multimodal, people‑oriented levels of service; commissioners and residents raised concerns about crosswalk placement, Broadway intersection markings and project prioritization for the town’s six‑year plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6347735,"Commission reviews parks and open‑space goals; Thomas House acquisition and forest parcel discussed",694,1099200,1793850,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2&start=1099&end=1793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2/thumbnail_1099200.jpg","/articles/6347735/Coupeville/Island-County/Washington/Commission-reviews-parks-and-openspace-goals-Thomas-House-acquisition-and-forest-parcel-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347735-50d27500465c9df29b47f8e13a43cf1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437988&Signature=ebtI9HmXyktNfLq1EQTSTrHDAaXxkDqDs5nsNj52sfVhtt7mFlHNh7YDT7tAkUCeycOGoDSfc2bm8qNVNNqNehETXpIn3WhwGtS18k-0MW6-fX60EK9ly-YLyZaCaODYhACnVTpBJHxXCMTkb6HZJ3WeY636jo7ZOCO99AMQ7dJHSqXMkYhx2KdJX4FfpMN4ikLBO9LzGFcGHULq5AArKcgbRvIUt697jH1R3rs4YaHoQ5RHpZPRc~D1dEPPqZK6od0a6OmdZyqDTpx0VMG2sSKWf4E8QSWXjeqcMzOiFLCn0FW-wiw3xbiN4pyz68z6mzZeAuPY6Q3UUkl5hsKLTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff reviewed the Parks, Recreation and Open Space chapter of Coupeville’s comprehensive plan at the Jan. 21 meeting, describing the town’s facilities inventory, trails, and larger open‑space parcels that the town owns or coordinates with partners to manage.

The presentation noted the town maintains parks, trails, a boat launch and other facilities and coordinates with Island County and the National Park Service on access and stewardship. Staff identified a substantial forest parcel outside Coupeville’s current municipal boundary — described repeatedly in the meeting as a town‑owned forest on the southwest side of town — that the town is pursuing for annexation so it can count as a town park and be managed as open space.

Commissioners and residents raised several site‑specific and policy questions. One commissioner welcomed PR 1.6, a policy prioritizing acquisition and protection of the Thomas House property (near the sewage treatment plant), calling it \"a real asset to this community.\" Residents asked that future park design and trail extensions respect habitat and agricultural uses; one commenter suggested extending the town’s east–west pedestrian backbone from the sculpture park to the town park if finances allow.

A resident asked about a small neighborhood pocket park (identified during the meeting as Sunset Terrace) and how it is listed in the town’s inventory. Staff confirmed Sunset Terrace is classified as one of the town parks in the inventory.

Staff said there are currently no detailed plans to develop trails within the large forest parcel; it would be designated for habitat and low‑intensity recreation unless community demand, funding and feasibility studies support trails. The parcel would remain largely forested as a natural buffer between agricultural parcels and the town. Annexation and formal designation would be coordinated with Island County before any development or trail construction.

The commission discussed how new subdivisions typically dedicate open‑space parcels through the subdivision process and noted that previously dedicated open space in a C‑shaped parcel resulted from such conditions. Several commissioners and members of the public recommended that the town consider prioritized acquisitions for large forested parcels along Parker Road to create a connected open‑space backbone and more local recreational opportunities.

No formal action was taken; staff will continue outreach and coordination with Island County and the National Park Service on access and potential annexation of town‑owned open space.","Planning staff reviewed Coupeville’s parks, recreation and open‑space element, highlighted the town’s inventory and a town‑owned forest parcel that may be annexed for open space; commissioners and residents urged prioritized acquisition and protections for historic and agricultural character.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6347740,"Coupeville staff previews middle-housing code draft, residents urge limits on ADU density",934,123710,1058250,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2&start=123&end=1058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2244789-e714a5d1c16a62fec9be9a87c39740b2/thumbnail_123710.jpg","/articles/6347740/Coupeville/Island-County/Washington/Coupeville-staff-previews-middle-housing-code-draft-residents-urge-limits-on-ADU-density","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6347740-010aac2c4ed5e16c08494af5da470367/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437988&Signature=bVX5W9GSuU6ZyuXCrW3sZzSekH~6HAOYBp0shTF8FgeFsr3C7gd6SuHYv3DEdDyOAoix4posC812KFaGW1LrCfN2T34l0aWSpintorDrOK8~tLcf6z4Sjm91KA3iVHK0OaKurxaU9rfpIGRFhNU-w6pT3K3LOkjQlllEThP0dC5NfxGM9FMBwWOREskfyBgawovdxE5WB5GyW-oWDED~9ZsSmoAhIiddxp1kt4AXJSxFu5iLP1nQRLSRW98JPBJrT26izhLWo~1k10rXfg1Y2~xghZ7OaUlMYI89MpJo0-ZLtrJyvHZN-647DGus8a~PzI84WbfZLLM1eFQIBV6xpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coupeville planning staff told the Planning Commission on Jan. 21 that a draft of middle‑housing and accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) code changes will be released for public review within about two weeks, with a public hearing expected March 4, 2025.

The proposal updates development regulations for ADUs and “middle housing” and would be followed by a staff report, public notice and a recommended vote by the commission to send a recommendation to Town Council. \"By next week, end of next week will be when that sort of ready to go draft and related comments and staff report will be sort of item available,\" Planning staff member Josh said.

The announcement prompted multiple public commenters to urge caution on density and affordability. Sharon Godier, a Coupeville resident, said residents repeatedly told planners they want to \"preserve the small town\" nature of Coupeville and expressed concern that allowing two ADUs per lot, relaxed setbacks and other changes could make the town \"much denser\" and alter its rural character. Godier also asked the commission to prioritize ADUs for \"low and moderate income\" households rather than weekend or vacation homes.

Susan McClellan, a Coupeville resident who said she lives in a house built in 1893, raised similar concerns about a specific parcel behind her home that is proposed to move from medium‑density to high‑density. McClellan asked how historic homes on South Main Street will be protected and how landlocked lots would obtain emergency access if redeveloped. \"How is a landlocked lot...going to be accessed?\" McClellan asked.

Carol Beeman, a resident who lives in condominiums near the wharf, urged the commission to consider the island's water supply when allowing more units. \"We have a problem with that, and I think that we have to be very careful on Coupeville, because we need to share our water with farmers around us,\" Beeman said.

Commission discussion and staff comments identified two recurring implementation questions: parking and utility access. Staff reported that Town Council feedback focused on parking and whether parking reductions should be used to incentivize affordable housing; the council was said to be uncomfortable with a piecemeal, ad hoc approach to right‑of‑way improvements to accommodate new on‑street parking. \"A lot of the conversation centered around parking,\" Josh said, adding that unit‑lot divisions and design standards remain to be clarified.

The staff presentation included schedule and next steps: staff will publish the draft and related materials, accept public comment, hold the commission’s public hearing on March 4, 2025, and then forward a recommendation to Town Council. After council review the council may hold its own hearing if it proposes further substantive changes.

Residents pressed staff to include safeguards that would favor long‑term occupancy by local workers and limit speculative weekend rentals; staff said those policy choices would be considered as part of the public review and Council deliberations.

The commission did not take formal action on the code at the Jan. 21 meeting. The item remains in staff review and will return to the commission for the March public hearing and subsequent recommendation process.

Looking ahead, staff said the forthcoming draft will explain unit‑lot division rules, parking requirements and outreach steps and will summarize how the proposed zoning revisions interact with Coupeville’s housing targets and sewer availability.","Planning staff told the Coupeville Planning Commission that a draft zoning update on accessory dwelling units, middle housing and parking will be ready for public review in about two weeks; several residents urged the commission to protect the town's small‑town character, limit ADU density and prioritize affordable units.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning staff outlines proposed future land‑use map changes to meet state housing targets

Commission hears transportation element emphasizing multimodal levels of service, safety and crossings

Commission reviews parks and open‑space goals; Thomas House acquisition and forest parcel discussed

Coupeville staff previews middle-housing code draft, residents urge limits on ADU density