This section provides updates and background information on planning, development, and policy issues affecting Anacortes. We summarize key developments, explain relevant processes, and share information that helps residents better understand how local decisions are being made and how those decisions may affect the community.
Housing
Proposed Changes to Conditional Use Permits in Low Density Zones
March 24, 2026
In Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) Case No. 0002c, Ian Munce and Evergreen Islands v. City of Anacortes, the Board addressed my issue as to ongoing, pre-existing critical area destruction in my immediate neighborhood by pointing out that AMC 19.70.040 as newly adopted simply prohibits such ongoing destruction. Pages 7 and 8 are attached for review and consideration. Yet, these…
Housing
Housing Element Overview
March 5, 2026
I guess we should have expected it, but it’s disappointing none the less. Since “affordable housing” is a critical issue for all our communities, it is now being used as a cudgel or enticement for what would otherwise be an unacceptable development options. For Skagit County, the implementation of GMA was particularly painful. We were delinquent in implementing the law…
Comprehensive Plan
Understanding the Cost of Growth
February 16, 2026
Dear Mayor and City Council Your proposal for fee updates really needs more work, i.e. a cost recovery analysis for each permit type. The permit system needs to be financially self-supporting and not have development applications funded by existing ratepayers and taxpayers (as they obviously currently are). The public also needs to know well in advance what further increases in…
Housing
Housing Element Summary
December 5, 2025
As house builder, past president of Skagit Habitat, and strong advocate for affordable housing (Bill) and John a past president of SHH, a City administrator for LaConner for 14 years, we comment below on the many failures of the Housing element of the CP. We sent the City Clerk for your review links to 2 GMB recent decisions, Mercer Island…
Public Participation & Transparency
Conditional Uses in Local Planning
June 22, 2025
Letter to Council and local citizens, Councilman Walters dislike of public comment and due process is apparent in his aversion to a conditional use permit process for impactful projects marks a major departure from previous City Council members recognition that: ‘neighbors have property rights too’ design standards need to take into account existing neighborhood character staff often have to deal…
