The City of Anacortes Planning Commission meeting held on October 1, 2025, focused on key updates to development regulations, particularly concerning waterfront development on Fidalgo Bay. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring physical and visual access to the water while maintaining a human-scale design in building layouts.

One significant topic was the maximum building height regulations. Currently, the comprehensive plan allows for buildings up to four stories, with the potential to increase to six stories if developers provide certain public amenities. The marine mixed-use zone has a base height limit of 45 feet, which can be extended to 65 feet if specific features are integrated into the development. These features include options that can earn developers additional height allowances, with one feature providing an extra 10 feet and two features allowing for an additional 20 feet.

The commission also reviewed a request from MJB to amend the requirements for public park space associated with new developments. The current regulation mandates a public park area of at least 10,000 square feet or 5% of the gross floor area of the building, which must be dedicated to the city. MJB proposed reducing the minimum park area requirement to 5,000 square feet and removing the dedication requirement. Staff recommended maintaining the existing minimums but suggested considering a double bonus for developers who meet the park space criteria, potentially allowing for greater height incentives.

These discussions reflect the city's ongoing efforts to balance development needs with community access and environmental considerations, ensuring that future projects contribute positively to the waterfront area. The commission will continue to evaluate these proposals in upcoming meetings.