Project News – 2025 Comprehensive Plan & Development Regulations Update

Capital Facilities and Utilities Elements - Goal/Policy Amendments

Preliminary amendments to the Capital Facilities and Utilities elements goals and policies are available for public review and comment.  There will be a Planning Commission public hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:00pm.  Draft documents and info on how to submit comments can be found here:  https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1716/Draft-Documents-for-Review-Comment

Housing-Related Code Amendments

The City is currently working on code amendments that would implement some of the recommendations of the 2023 Housing Action Plan (HAP).  The HAP’s purpose is to identify ways to encourage construction and preservation of both affordable and market-rate housing in a greater variety of types, densities, and cost levels.  Some of the HAP’s objectives are to support the local economy and workforce with more rental homes, to create a greater variety of homeownership opportunities, to slow down and stabilize the rise in housing prices, and to refine regulatory strategies to reduce barriers to housing development. 

The Planning Commission reviewed a Discussion Draft of the potential code amendments at their 2/12/25 regular meeting and will continue review and discussion at their next meeting on 2/26/25 at 6:00pm.  Planning staff will refine the Discussion Draft per Planning Commission feedback and publish a Proposed Draft for public review and comment within the next several months.  A public comment period and Planning Commission public hearing will also be advertised.

City’s Docket Request to Expand Anacortes Urban Growth Area (UGA) to Include ACFL-Adjacent, City-Owned Parcels

The City of Anacortes has submitted a Skagit County docket petition to expand its Urban Growth Area (UGA) as part of the 2025 Skagit County Periodic Comprehensive Plan update. The petition seeks to incorporate nine (9) city-owned parcels, totaling 107.24 acres, into the Anacortes UGA. The parcels are currently being used—and will continue to be used—for recreational purposes. One of the parcels is also used for Anacortes Public Works soil storage in addition to trail use. The City is not requesting this boundary change for growth purposes, but rather for recreational and operational needs.

The Board of Skagit County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing with possible action scheduled February 25, 2025, at 3:30 PM. A public comment period will be held from February 6, 2025 and will close Friday, February 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM.

Three options for public comment – mailing, emailing, or attending the public hearing on February 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
Mail to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA
Email to pdscomments@co.skagit.wa.us

Relevant Documents

• BoCC Staff Report and Recommendation Regarding Docketing Anacortes UGA Expansion Request
• Exhibit A – Anacortes UGA Expansion Request Application
• Exhibit B – Parcel Map
• Exhibit C – Anacortes UGA Expansion Resolution
• Slide Deck – Anacortes UGA Expansion Docketing Request
• Notice of Availability – Anacortes UGA Expansion Docketing Request