Sequim planning commission previews comprehensive-plan revisions and land-use map ahead of April public release

The Sequim Planning Commission met March 3 and reviewed a near‑final redline of the 2025 comprehensive plan, a draft future land‑use map and proposed zoning-code changes staff plans to release for public review in April 2026.

Staff told the commission the PC redline is complete and remains on schedule, but noted a 30‑day comment period related to a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) must be observed. The draft comprehensive plan and maps will first appear as a redline for internal review and then be posted as a clean public draft when the outreach phase begins, staff said.

Why it matters: the package combines a policy update with zoning clarifications staff says are largely administrative but that could alter how residential projects are built. Staff recommended an R48→R49 alignment and a switch to gross‑density calculations; at the meeting staff summarized that change as "for the most part it's going to be the equivalent of an additional one unit per acre roughly," a shift intended to align density math with the city’s nine‑lot short‑plat allowance and state guidance.

Staff emphasized the distinction between permitted density and visual form. Under the proposed rules, additional attached housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may change built form and lot coverage without increasing the numeric maximum density. Staff noted the city will allow two ADUs under state rules and that ADUs generally would not count toward the density cap.

Site‑specific recommendations: staff recommended approving a request to redesig­nate a highlighted parcel from highway commercial to low‑density residential to make nearby properties conforming and easier to develop for residential uses; outreach found three of four adjacent property owners supportive, one opposed. Staff also recommended several HTLI→CMU (high‑tech/light‑industrial to community mixed‑use) redesignations to encourage market interest on under‑used parcels and described an alternative path for a nonprofit (Serenity House) via new affordable‑housing exceptions in Title 18 so the organization would not need a rezoning.

Other code updates: staff said the LDR (low‑density residential) height cap would be increased from 18 to 25 feet. Open‑space and landscaping requirements are being clarified; open‑space rules would largely be removed for single‑family development while preserved for binding site‑plan and multifamily projects so overall set‑asides remain comparable. Staff also plans minor use‑type expansions in highway and regional commercial zones to improve tenant prospects.

Public concerns and messaging: commissioners warned of a public perception that the city is pursuing 'maximum density' and urged clearer outreach that the changes are not intended to transform Sequim’s character. The commission discussed how publicly displayed diagrams can give the impression of Seattle‑scale density; staff said messaging for public hearings should emphasize the modest scale of numeric changes and existing limits on height, lot coverage and required open space.

Administrative and next steps: staff will give site‑specific applicants a final opportunity to withdraw requests before public release and will share the residential draft zoning code with developers at a pre‑release forum later in March. Staff reiterated the public release schedule for April 2026.

Director's update and local matters: in director’s report the DCD director announced they had been selected as the city's permanent director (removing an 'interim' designation) and noted upcoming computer replacements for staff. During 'good of the order' a participant identified as Alex raised privacy concerns about frequent email solicitations from a license‑plate‑reading vendor, saying, "I've noticed we're getting a lot of email advertisements for Flock Safety..." The commission discussed local business openings, potential tiny‑home/RV rental availability and confirmed no substantive public comments were filed during the meeting.

Outcome: the commission approved the February 17 minutes with a roll‑call correction and set the schedule for the public release and subsequent hearings; no land‑use decisions requiring a vote were taken at the March 3 meeting. The commission adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

Looking ahead: staff plans the public release in April 2026, followed by hearings and a Title 18 package that will include clarified definitions, open‑space rules, and the residential chapter.