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La Conner planning commissioners uphold siding limit, defer final color decision
Summary
La Conner planning commissioners on reconsideration approved an application for work in the town's Historic Preservation District with a condition that new construction use horizontal wood siding of 4- to 6-inch clapboard or shiplap and that vertical, batten, panelized siding and artificial stone be avoided.
La Conner planning commissioners on reconsideration approved an application for work in the town's Historic Preservation District with a condition that new construction use horizontal wood siding of 4- to 6-inch clapboard or shiplap and that vertical siding, batten siding, panelized siding and artificial stone be avoided. The commission's motion passed after extended discussion; two commissioners (Corey and Bradford) recorded opposition on the motion.
The vote resolved a months-long debate about whether the town's preservation code allowed vertical siding on new construction. The commission's decision followed legal and historical discussion about wording in the municipal code and the uniform development code that dates to 1995. Commissioners and staff reviewed the code language distinguishing mandatory words ("shall/will"), advisory words ("should"), and the directive "avoid," which several commissioners said signals an active exclusion.
Planning staff member Adrian said the town had provided public notice for the earlier hearing and pledged a paperwork fix going forward: "Public notice was I've been fully provided…
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