Planning commission backs Curtis Wharf shore power and black-water pump-out, recommends council approval

The Anacortes Planning Commission on May 28 voted to recommend City Council approve a shoreline substantial development permit (SDP-2025-0001) for shore power and a commercial black-water pump-out at Curtis Wharf, subject to 13 conditions listed in the staff report.

The measure, moved by Commissioner Mills and seconded by Commissioner McCombs, passed by roll call with all commissioners present voting yes. Staff described the proposal as accessory improvements to an existing water-dependent industrial facility intended to serve current vessel volumes and reduce on-site emissions and discharges.

The project, presented by Anna Dooley, associate planner for the City of Anacortes, and Kevin Anderson of the Port of Anacortes, would add mobile shore-power pedestals and a metered black-water pump-out system. Dooley told the commission the project is located at Curtis Wharf, which sits at the end of Second Street and projects into the Guemes Channel, and that the shoreline designation at the site is “urban maritime.” She…