Council discusses Department of Commerce letter and next steps on comprehensive plan; placeholder set to discuss deadline extension

Planning Director Patty Charnas updated the council on a preliminary report from the Washington State Department of Commerce addressing the city—s comprehensive plan and housing element under the Housing Accountability Act. Charnas said the Commerce letter requests expanded narrative sections, a revised capacity analysis and map, and other actions to demonstrate how the city will meet state housing targets.

Charnas recommended staff prepare a game plan itemizing required tasks and to allow the Planning Commission to complete its public hearing and record before the council acts on the plan. She identified staff and sequencing constraints and introduced Darren Buchanan as the planning manager who will carry the work forward.

Council members debated whether to extend the council’s self‑imposed adoption deadline so staff and the Planning Commission have time to respond to Commerce. Some members argued an extension is premature until Commerce—s comments are fully digested; other members said Commerce had confirmed verbally that the jurisdiction will remain out of compliance until the housing element and development regulations are amended and Commerce issues a decision of compliance, so extra time may be prudent.

After discussion, council approved placing a future business meeting item to discuss amending the resolution that set the adoption deadline so council can consider changing the date in light of Commerce's requirements. Separately, council revisited and voted to rescind a prior direction to the Planning Commission related to base floor‑area‑ratio (FAR) analyses; members were split on whether that rescission clarifies or increases uncertainty for the Planning Commission.