Forks council remands tiny‑home permit appeal back to Planning Commission

The City of Forks City Council voted on June 8, 2026 to remand an appeal of a Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional‑use permit (CUP) for an eight‑unit tiny‑home development at 170 Sportsman Club Road back to the Planning Commission for further review.

Mayor James Tim Fletcher opened the closed‑record hearing on the appeal filed by neighbor Cora Sasticum, who read a prepared statement and raised concerns about unit occupancy and well impacts. Interim Attorney Archer reviewed quasi‑judicial procedures for the record; Councilmember Pearson recused herself from the proceedings and left chambers. Councilmember Patel disclosed that he also works in the hospitality business but declined to recuse after Archer said a conflict was not apparent and gave the option.

Applicant Tom Tucker responded that Ms. Sasticum had introduced new information during her statement; Interim Attorney Archer noted that some comments regarding wells were beyond the scope of the closed‑record appeal but also said the information was included in the Planning Commission packet. After council deliberation in a limited closed session, Councilmember Soha moved to remand the matter to the Planning Commission to review the specific units to be utilized and whether the building code applies to those units; Councilmember Gingell seconded the motion and it carried. The Council then authorized staff to prepare a written finding and decision to send to the Planning Commission for the Mayor’s signature.

The action is procedural: remanding the CUP returns the matter to the Planning Commission for additional review rather than approving or denying the permit at the Council level.