Anacortes council approves Port’s West Basin shoreline permit and framework plan

Anacortes — The City Council voted unanimously Jan. 5 to approve two land‑use applications from the Port of Anacortes for the West Basin redevelopment: a shoreline substantial development permit (file SDP2023003) and a framework development plan (file FMW20230001).

The motions, moved by Council member Fantini and adopted by roll call, implemented the planning commission’s recommendations dated Dec. 10, 2025, and impose the conditions of approval listed in the staff packet. The roll call recorded six ayes and no noes.

Why it matters: The project covers upland parcels mapped within shoreline jurisdiction (200 feet from the ordinary high water mark) and envisions three development pads along the shoreline, a public park and a realignment of Market Street and the Ninth and R intersection. City staff described the framework plan as a recorded covenant that sets major circulation, infrastructure and phasing for a large or phased waterfront development.

Key condition: Senior planner Grace Pollard told council that one non‑boilerplate requirement (condition 5) will require the final site development permit application to "show a 25 foot buffer from the adjacent Fish And Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area," or, alternately, to demonstrate that buffer averaging (allowed under the Shoreline Master Program) does not diminish habitat functions if condition 7’s addendum to the critical areas report is provided at the site stage.

Adam Morrow of Pacific Surveying and Engineering, representing the port, said staff and the port had prepared the site and resolved old easements: "I believe that document was just recorded a couple weeks ago over the holidays," he said, noting the project team had cleaned title items as part of readiness for development.

Council procedure and transparency: Pollard disclosed that Council member Currier served on the planning commission that recommended approval; the city attorney confirmed that prior involvement had been disclosed and that Currier could participate unless a council member objected and a recusal was moved.

What comes next: With the council’s approval, staff and the port will proceed to the detailed site development permit stage, where final construction drawings, critical‑areas documentation and any habitat buffer averaging addenda will be reviewed. The approvals are subject to the written conditions included in the city’s decision documents and the framework covenant recorded with the Skagit County Auditor.

Actions and vote: Motion to approve SDP2023003 (mover: Mister Fantini; second: not specified) — roll call 6–0 in favor. Motion to approve FMW20230001 (mover: Mister Fantini; second: not specified) — roll call 6–0 in favor.

Authorities referenced: Anacortes Shoreline Master Program and city land‑use code provisions for framework development plans and Type 4 permit review.