Sequim staff set July release, schedule public hearings on comprehensive plan

Sequim planning staff told the Planning Commission on June 2 that the city is nearing completion of key functional-plan updates and expects to release its development regulations and supplemental environmental impact statement on July 10, with public hearings likely at the end of August or in early September. Carla, a planning staff member, said the Transportation Master Plan is expected this Friday and that final drafting and internal reviews will follow.

The update matters because the release of the development regulations and SEIS will set the timetable for public outreach and the Planning Commission’s formal hearings on the city’s comprehensive plan. "We're almost there," Carla said, adding that staff will provide a final schedule as soon as the transportation plan is received. She told commissioners that, if the transportation plan arrives sooner than expected, the schedule could accelerate.

Staff said the comprehensive-plan work depends on integration of public-works functional plans and the capital facilities plan component. Commissioners were told to expect targeted public outreach and that the Planning Commission’s hearings would likely be scheduled at the end of August, though the timeline could tip into early September depending on final drafting and reviews. "If we can get it all done sooner, we will," Carla said.

Procedural items from the meeting included approval of the May 19 minutes after a motion and second; the minutes were approved by raised hands. The meeting adjourned after a separate motion to adjourn passed with no opposition.

Next steps: staff will issue the development-regulation and SEIS release (target July 10) and circulate a final meeting schedule to commissioners ahead of the public hearings.