Gig Harbor planning commission hears 2026 work plan emphasizing housing, code overhaul and environmental rules

On Jan. 22, 2026, Community Development Director Eric Baker presented the Gig Harbor Planning Commission with the department work plan for 2026, saying the city must revise zoning and subdivision codes, update critical areas regulations, and plan for infrastructure to serve growth. "We are a city of 13,000 people. We've doubled in population pretty much over the last 15 years," Baker said, citing 2024 data on daytime and vehicle loads that influence planning choices.

Baker told commissioners the city faces a state-driven agenda: an update to the critical areas regulations (required every 10 years by state statute), changes required by new housing statutes, and several specific projects in or near Gig Harbor North that could bring substantial housing. He said the comprehensive-plan housing target translates to roughly 600 units over a 20-year horizon (through 2044) and noted some nearby proposals could produce hundreds of units in a shorter timeframe. "We will be changing our development regulations as it applies to zoning and subdivision," Baker said, adding that code work often requires precise, quasi-judicial language.

Why it matters: Baker framed the work as a balancing act between increasing housing supply, protecting environmental features and maintaining community character. He highlighted wetlands, streams and fish-and-wildlife habitat areas as likely flash points in the critical areas update and said the city will follow "best available science" from state agencies and consultants. He cautioned that buffer shifts may affect private yards and that mitigation and site-specific analysis will remain options.

Key details: Baker described policy tools under consideration including a draft multifamily tax-exemption program, reduced impact fees or property tax incentives for affordable units, expanded allowance for accessory dwelling units and townhomes, and potential reductions in parking requirements. He warned incentives redistribute revenue and that affordability remains influenced by market factors including financing and developer capacity. He also said impact fees and SEPA-based project conditions would be used to allocate infrastructure costs, but that development can only be charged for its proportionate impacts.

Community context: Baker cited housing affordability figures used in current planning: average home price around $900,000, area median income about $107,000, and typical apartment rents roughly $2,300 to $2,700 a month. He stressed the need to provide housing options for seniors and younger workers and to consider transit and support services for shelters or transitional housing.

Next steps and calendar: Baker said the first draft of the critical areas ordinance may be released the following week for review; zoning and subdivision code work will likely be a repeal-and-replace exercise and take longer. Commissioners were invited to a Jan. 19 meet-and-greet with staff and the mayor's designee; the commission's next regular meeting was set for Feb. 5.

The presentation was substantive and procedural; no formal land-use decisions or votes on code changes occurred during the meeting. The commission will review draft ordinances, hold public hearings as required, and return recommendations to the council.