Planning commission unanimously recommends raising East Sound village minimum density to 12

The San Juan County Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 19 to recommend the county council adopt a code amendment that would raise the minimum residential density in the East Sound Village commercial designation from 4 units per acre to 12.

Sofia, planning staff presenting the amendment, said the change is meant to align the unified development code with the comprehensive plan update and to “encourage denser development.” The amendment does not raise the maximum allowed density, which remains 40 units per acre, she said.

The proposal was presented at a public hearing marked by no in‑room or online public commenters. Sofia walked commissioners through the ordinance and draft findings and said the county council will take up the commission’s recommendation at a public hearing in late January or early February; the staff recommended effective date is March 13 to match the comp plan’s effective date.

Commissioners asked staff to show the map of affected areas; Bill Baggins noted the change applies principally to a small red area at the lower-right of the East Sound UGA map. Sofia clarified that the code sets the minimum density but not the specific locations where the designation applies.

During deliberations Commissioner Bill Baggins moved to adopt Sofia’s three-bullet draft findings, and Peter seconded the motion. Chair Rick ran a roll-call vote that recorded Sheila, Peter, Bill Baggins, Gary Franklin and the chair voting yes; the motion passed unanimously. The commission then approved a draft motion recommending adoption of the ordinance and formally closed the public hearing on the item.

The change is intended to encourage more compact housing patterns in East Sound and to ensure the development code is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The item will next go to the county council for a public hearing and final decision.