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Council ratifies updated countywide planning policies after county reallocation
Summary
Langley City Council ratified revised Island County countywide planning policies that reduce the county's 2045 population projection and adjust Oak Harbor's housing allocation; councilors discussed annexation "donut holes," interlocal agreements and implications for Langley—s housing targets.
The Langley City Council voted to ratify updated countywide planning policies adopted by Island County, changes county staff said were made after a land-capacity analysis reduced Oak Harbor—s projected ability to absorb new housing. Director Penny and an Island County planner explained the county reduced its 2045 population projection and adjusted Oak Harbor—s allocation; Langley—s allocation remains at 446 housing units.
"The Oak Harbor urban growth area had a deficit of 1,333 dwelling units," a county planner explained during the presentation; county staff said additional annexation planning, capital facilities and infrastructure work will be required before any urban growth area expansion. Emily Carr, an Island County planner participating online, said Coupeville had ratified the changes and Oak Harbor planned to ratify soon.
County Commissioner Melody Bacon, who joined the discussion, urged the interlocal agreement to resolve pockets of unincorporated county land inside Oak Harbor—s perimeter that complicate annexation and services. Bacon said those "donut" pockets will require careful negotiation because sewer connections and costs are substantial. The council discussed how any interlocal agreement would set the stage for future comprehensive plan updates and how reduced allocations were distributed across income tiers rather than shifted entirely to unincorporated areas.
A motion to ratify the countywide planning policy changes was moved and seconded and the council recorded the motion as approved by voice vote. No further amendments were made at tonight—s meeting; staff will incorporate the ratification into ongoing planning work and interlocal negotiations.
