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Sequim planning commission advances broad zoning-code rewrite; downtown height limit debated
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Summary
City planning staff presented consolidated zoning updates to align code with the comprehensive plan, modernize use tables across commercial and employment districts, and create clearer overlay and design-review chapters. Commissioners discussed whether to lower the downtown height cap from 45 feet to preserve small-town character.
Sequim planning staff outlined a broad rewrite of the citys zoning code that would regroup commercial, business and downtown districts, tighten use tables and make administration more predictable, while commissioners debated whether downtown height limits should be lowered.
Travis, the planning presenter, told commissioners the project aims to "make it easier to understand, administer, and make it just much clearer" by consolidating scattered chapters and aligning code language with the comprehensive plan. He said commercial zones will get clearer purpose statements and "more prescriptive use tables" so business owners and staff have less need for discretionary interpretation.
The proposal would also loosen restrictive requirements in opportunity areas such as Bell Creek and River Road that now limit a single use to a fixed share of a building footprint. "That 25% requirement" for a single use, Travis said, "doesn't exactly encourage a single business entity to come in and build." Staff argued relaxing use-mix thresholds and removing some residential density caps could encourage new development in underused areas.
Downtown prompted the most sustained discussion. Staff recommended consolidating Downtown Mixed Use DMU1 and DMU2 and leaving existing height limits in place for now (DMU at 38 feet, DC at 45 feet). Commission members raised concerns that the 45-foot maximum for parts of downtown could undermine the towns character; others said a slightly higher cap could create opportunities for walkable, mixed-use development with apartments over retail.
Carla, speaking during the director's report earlier in the meeting, said staff could return with a tighter schedule once consultant drafts arrive, and commissioners suggested a range of compromises including a 35- or 38-foot cap or allowing a lower numerical cap with a separate three-story/feet whichever-is-lowest rule.
No formal vote was taken on the height issue at this meeting. Staff said remaining chaptersnotably site planning, design review, off-street parking, open space and landscapingwill be discussed at the next meeting and are expected to be the most visible changes to how new projects are designed and reviewed.
The commission left the proposed maximums unchanged for now and asked staff to continue refining the draft and to bring height alternatives back for further discussion.
