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Commission debates waterfront business-residential wording, public-access and museum allowances
Summary
During its zoning review the commission discussed whether to emphasize 'water accessible' in the WBR preamble, the scope of permitted waterfront uses (boat docks, slips and fisheries), and whether museums should be limited to nautical themes or treated alongside galleries and studios.
Commissioners returned to the waterfront business-residential (WBR) zone preamble and questioned whether its primary intent should explicitly include the phrase "water accessible." One member said the zone label and early sentences emphasize waterfront access but later language omits water references; another commissioner cautioned that the city has limited control over actual public access because much of the waterfront property is privately owned.
Members also discussed use lists in 4.1 d and whether museums should be limited to nautical themes. One commissioner suggested removing the 'nautical themes' qualifier so that waterfront museums and art galleries could both be considered (special permit where appropriate). On boat docks and slips, staff noted commercial fishery uses would be subject to the special-permit process and may trigger additional review (harbor/state agency permits).
