Todd, community development staff, gave the Planning Commission an early look at the city’s 2026 docket on Jan. 6, outlining items the commission will address this year and noting the docket is expected to go to Council for adoption Jan. 26. The docket includes items such as an affordable housing strategy, neighborhood commercial/corner store regulations (policy LU 1.26), capital facilities element updates and miscellaneous zone or code cleanups.

Commissioners raised timing concerns about working on the affordable housing strategy while the Washington state legislative session begins. "This is a topic that's going to be a hot topic there," Commissioner Vanderlyn said, urging staff to account for possible state law changes. Staff responded that short session timing should clarify which bills will survive by February and that the commission can incorporate legislative outcomes as they are known.

On neighborhood commercial rules, Todd said the item will examine corner‑store regulations and commercial accessory units, noting that other nearby cities (including Bothell) are pursuing similar approaches. Commissioners suggested staff (Britney was named to do research) explore options and return with recommendations.

Commissioners also discussed conversions of buildings and uses: Todd summarized state law (HB 1042) enabling conversion of commercial buildings to residential uses and noted smaller exemptions passed in 2023 (exempt buildings under 12 units, two stories). Commissioners asked whether converting student housing at Bastyr to affordable housing would require zoning changes; staff said an actual change of use to affordable housing would likely require a zoning/land use amendment, while a separate clinic conversion currently under permitting did not require a zoning change.

Several commissioners urged prioritization: items such as manufactured‑home park regulations and a large Lake Point grant (cited by one commissioner as approximately $15,000,000) will need strategic planning. Staff said those conversations are underway among management and council and that the commission would be involved when appropriate.

Next steps: staff will bring introductory materials on docket items (Britney will present corner‑store work), track legislative developments during the short session, and return with more detailed analysis and code‑amendment drafts as needed.