Anacortes council denies SEPA appeal of comp-plan updates, directs staff to draft findings

The Anacortes City Council on Dec. 8 denied an appeal of a SEPA threshold determination related to proposed comprehensive-plan and development-regulation updates codified in ordinances 5013 and 5014.

City attorney (Miss Swetnam) summarized the process: John Coleman issued a determination of nonsignificance on Sept. 10, which was appealed by Ian Muntz on Sept. 11. Under adopted council procedures (Resolution 3189), appeals of non-project SEPA determinations are reviewed on the written record; the standard of review presumes the original administrative decision is correct and places the burden of proof on the appellant to show the administrative decision was clearly erroneous.

After reviewing written pleadings and exhibits, Councilmember Walters moved to direct staff to prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent with denial of the appeal and to bring those documents back for approval at the Dec. 15 council meeting. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Council expects to consider the comp-plan and development-regulation updates on Dec. 15.