Commission discusses Old Town zoning changes, triplex and townhouse allowances; supportive‑housing open‑space standards deferred

At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Anacortes Planning Commission continued discussion of proposed amendments to implement the city’s Housing Action Plan. Staff presented an updated discussion draft and noted revisions made since the commission last met, highlighting text changes in the packet.

Planning manager Libby Grange said the commission previously recommended that triplex and townhouse housing types be added as permitted uses in the Old Town zone, subject to alley‑loading requirements and maximum unit sizes. Grange reported she reviewed the comprehensive plan land‑use descriptions and found the proposed development‑regulation changes are consistent with the comp‑plan language that states other dwelling types such as cottages, triplexes and townhomes “may be allowed under certain circumstances” in Old Town.

Grange said several items remain open and staff will return with recommendations. Specifically, she identified an open item on development standards for service areas and mechanical equipment that has now been added to the draft regulations and an outstanding open‑space standard for supportive housing. “This is related to open space standards for supportive housing types. This is where there has been some new guidance that came out from Commerce that we would like to review,” Grange said, and staff intends to add open‑space requirements for supportive housing when making recommendations for those use types.

Commissioners did not take final action on zoning amendments at the meeting. Grange said she highlighted edits in yellow in the updated discussion draft and invited further commissioner questions before staff returns with refined language. Several other small outstanding items were identified for future meetings, and staff will bring back materials on the Old Town zone and remaining technical edits.

Next steps: staff to review Commerce guidance on supportive housing open‑space standards, finalize text for service‑area and mechanical‑equipment standards, and return to the commission with revised draft regulations for additional review and possible public hearings.