In a recent Planning Commission meeting held on October 1, 2025, the City of Anacortes discussed significant updates to its housing regulations, particularly concerning rooming houses and co-living arrangements. The proposed changes aim to modernize the city’s housing code to better reflect current living arrangements and community needs.

The commission reviewed the recommendation to eliminate the term "rooming house" from the city’s code. This decision stems from the recognition that co-living housing, which is now required under state law, effectively encompasses the functions of traditional rooming houses. Co-living spaces are designed to accommodate multiple residents in a larger setting, often featuring individual units with shared amenities, which aligns more closely with contemporary housing trends.

City staff emphasized that the removal of rooming houses from the code is intended to streamline regulations and reduce confusion. The co-living model is seen as a more relevant and flexible option for higher density and mixed-use zones, where multifamily housing is permitted. This change is expected to facilitate the development of larger residential buildings that can better serve the community's evolving housing needs.

Additionally, the commission discussed the implications of these changes for transitional housing, noting that certain types of shared living arrangements, such as Oxford houses, would still be classified under single-family housing regulations. This distinction is important as it ensures that state laws protecting single-family homes remain intact, even as the city adapts its housing policies.

Another topic of discussion involved the marine mixed-use zone, where the commission reviewed standards that allow for a maximum of 60% of site area to be dedicated to single-purpose residential development. Developers seeking to exceed this limit would need to pursue a framework development plan, which requires public input and city council approval.

These discussions reflect Anacortes' commitment to addressing housing challenges and adapting to the needs of its residents. As the city moves forward with these proposed code changes, the Planning Commission aims to create a more inclusive and functional housing landscape that meets the diverse needs of the community. The next steps will involve further refinement of the proposed regulations and continued engagement with the public to ensure that the updated housing policies align with community goals.