[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6056421,"mediaKeyId","3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61","parentId",3310243,"title","Resident urges La Conner to prioritize bicycle infrastructure amid town expansion","audioSeconds",124,"startMs",254000,"endMs",378000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61&start=254&end=378","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61/thumbnail_254000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056421/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Resident-urges-La-Conner-to-prioritize-bicycle-infrastructure-amid-town-expansion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056421-b36eed01a4b61cc857a809881add5178/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150648&Signature=iCZUNnQo~PsOA-mdLmZp~9fHJthpeRoFNlxJonfIJcw16AVQHsgOpgRIfThUeSfwlZI0RSAXFvIIxFY9-5lNjXdp9lItMizcAgx14zTYbZnfxdgI-qDg1SqffvF0Wrw2aWVExm32YcXte-9zJv3lIPnFJ9TUeCaDovIJnh0xzHW7eTD8CR1iRnlis5Zueyg7cw0rZ-SPb0-Y0UkQpELhglNy92p1F33d8Ob9EH-UsYsRRfsCR9jctKPwL~MiYwx9LGtCLlTS3fe2a4HQpBqTh-fseSX0HXRq~ce-jIFgBn~vJWUoPVgjfryXvIBe9--fsnWH38v7gGUacRz6m5fNbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Conner, WA","date","2025-05-06T00:00:00Z","article","A resident urged the La Conner Planning Commission to prioritize bicycle infrastructure as the town grows, calling for bike lanes, decorative bike racks and attention to bicycle storage in multi‑story housing so residents would not be discouraged from cycling.

The commenter said the town already owns decorative bike racks and recalled a quoted price of $1,200 for a replacement rack in prior discussions; the speaker asked the town to re‑install racks in new areas and to ensure new housing designs include secure bike storage for upper‑floor residents. The resident noted that multi‑story units without convenient storage (for example, bike racks inside units) would discourage cycling and increase car use.

Commission and staff responses included acknowledgement of the point and a note that Public Works inventories and installs street furniture and racks; no formal motion or policy change was proposed at the meeting. The exchange took place during the public‑comment period and was recorded as a comment only.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting - May 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident urged the planning commission to include bicycle infrastructure and bike parking in future development plans, noting a lack of racks and the need for storage in multi‑story housing.","taxTitle","La Conner, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",60298,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056426,"Atkinson project on hold; La Conner and Skagit County share permit responsibilities, town says",141,385000,526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61&start=385&end=526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61/thumbnail_385000.jpg","/articles/6056426/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Atkinson-project-on-hold-La-Conner-and-Skagit-County-share-permit-responsibilities-town-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056426-eefa510e80d10179930745b5b4e39451/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150648&Signature=Yultsu5cnt7E-YsUQJOhGRW8795f6ODv05Cap3WPhq-REw8wjYBhCPNrpdm6wF30WMFWcg56euUNl5-IdZrSZ00nXjRYN9QKAxIZTvmUTjk1r5rYaheQIfPF1BRzxOqABgU7sQHtt9ghGhfLbKiYksPYuvw3k~ZOG8DCLj8gCcBahO215VfrcZ~RALSZdRhB4LqxXIJuIewBsNjTEShDRdW8LEnQtvqrO9ePr6xzB4QBMEZPwxMrj4UjrJyUaz-VLlVgmFp-wqCIYhzWtCa0RWZ3bald0fscd1WVzAg7V9d8YeFp~6ZjiS5CQP3Wm03OXgMS9-kG2Y-6yxZp7TZcYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment a resident asked whether the Atkinson project was proceeding. Planning staff responded that, from the town's records, the applicant had not contacted Public Works to schedule the mandatory pre‑construction meeting required before starting work. Staff said building permits issued by the town have a five‑year expiration from the date of issuance; the precise permit expiration date would have to be checked in the file.

Staff explained the split in jurisdiction: the Town of La Conner reviews land‑use matters outside the building (for example, critical areas, utility connections, and exterior infrastructure). Skagit County handles internal building‑code review and permitting (International Building Code, International Fire Code, energy, mechanical and plumbing codes) because the county has the certified building examiners and officials. When the county issues a building permit it will incorporate the town’s conditions of approval; inspections and the certificate of occupancy are coordinated so both jurisdictions’ conditions are satisfied before final occupancy is issued. Staff identified Skagit County building official Randy Johnson as the county staff they coordinate with but did not have details on the county’s current review status for the Atkinson project.

Staff told the resident that the project timeline is driven by the applicant, that further information about county permit status is a public record, and suggested contacting the Skagit County permit line for status or submitting a records request. The exchange closed with acknowledgement that noise and construction timing during summer would be an appropriate public concern.","A resident asked about the Atkinson property; planning staff said the applicant had not scheduled a required pre-construction meeting with Public Works and that building permits expire after five years. The town clarified that it reviews land‑use and exterior work while Skagit County reviews internal building code compliance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056431,"Planning commission approves exterior colors and interior bar top for 512 S. First St.",458,2590000,3048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61&start=2590&end=3048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61/thumbnail_2590000.jpg","/articles/6056431/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Planning-commission-approves-exterior-colors-and-interior-bar-top-for-512-S-First-St","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056431-0c967fafde39925be235b74a781a3def/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150648&Signature=MGYSbHxAWQXFABpkYCaCTCIdT-aDzxy0S-J3CGTHxvEXUdAWZ5gZYa6pglTu1YcNPrMbCR9pPMzbdD1FQy1h45D~povpJ314Z3uX78dCSXml9CJCFPRXDfaHV2Y4Z-SDfpycOQnnjQuzoTGcknaiqZ-PdzVAAY~kQkoDZUISz-eBuRsFBFGjJ7rVclIbrFD11k-lAUtDv7BM5PnxnXVLGdnL72Ov7K6Tgll6KLHgApdbXomvS5gGN8q43ByN9tBC9a2jKB-vWwRHTrI1DpYWY0COdXND6wY0DM8b7o3S-gCidbR2OAlCMv1~BXmqdcVg1HY7i5gp8KchKFBtY64Q7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Conner Planning Commission opened a public hearing on LU 25-17 (512 South First Street) and approved exterior color changes and an interior bar top for the business occupying that address. The commission required a separate submittal for the final sign design, asking the applicants to return with finalized sign details for review and permitting.

Applicants described the scope as painting the storefront area shown in the packet, adding a flat (non-projecting) sign, and installing an interior bar top approximately 12 by 5 feet. Staff reminded the commission that interior changes (for example, a bar top) are typically reviewed by the county for building-code compliance, but the commission evaluated the consolidated package presented for exterior appearance and signage location. The applicants said they may use the patio with an entrance from the boardwalk and discussed the possibility of live music; staff advised that any entertainment would require appropriate licenses (for example, a cabaret or similar entertainment permit).

Commissioners moved to approve the colors and the interior bar top as presented; the motion carried with the commission's recorded \"aye\" votes. Staff instructed the applicants to return to town hall with a finalized sign plan so the technical sign permit can be processed separately. The applicants said their target opening is mid‑June.","The commission approved exterior color changes and an interior bar top for the business at 512 South First Street and told applicants to return with final sign plans for separate review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056436,"La Conner planning commission narrows short-term rental use in South Commercial zone, clarifies height and review rules",1215,1270000,2485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61&start=1270&end=2485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61/thumbnail_1270000.jpg","/articles/6056436/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/La-Conner-planning-commission-narrows-short-term-rental-use-in-South-Commercial-zone-clarifies-height-and-review-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056436-2b32639ce4c8444652fbf28af078bc6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150648&Signature=lQOVA~1vxWpL8LcBkwDlfxQd-rV3f9~r7CrFOdO8jWneZcmnbA5eDyeZSfdf4x5-uBEmNN~B3fTn3mnvfkuUPUbyoo7VQjmLFolEiG1N~BHO01dg~ISYhBkdGdOkrCy7BR2pV~eBOvbkVbA942shu1ceTqTbOVmAnSYGV5F4VlY6iJ0--2u0LDKMF3yxDyEe0GDe9tGvh3Bg176D7gwcB0w4IBLo0YYwcamfRmEs13grbma-qE14V4SUZWKUX-wfJyLIgCT~uy0fm7f4RttH3oEiNjpNBvVA-YGzLrkCI390mU6oIUow63LphMgX7UUWkpEADk2BkmOq2MaYICDQfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Conner Planning Commission voted to amend the South Commercial zone code to add a clear prohibition on short-term rentals in residential units located on upper floors of live‑work buildings within that zone. The change was adopted as an addition to the permitted-uses section and was intended to preserve housing availability for longer‑term residents while retaining lodging for commercial, event, or trade/art‑school uses.

Staff explained that current language permits \"lodging establishments, including short-term residential uses associated with trade or art schools or special event facilities,\" and that the proposed clarifying sentence would read in full: \"Live-work buildings where residential uses are located on upper floors provided that said residential uses shall not be used as short-term rentals.\" Commissioners and members of the public debated the policy trade-offs: supporters cited the need to attract creative‑industry developers and to host short-term visitors for workshops or classes, while others warned of the displacement effects seen in other tourist towns.

The commission also discussed building-height rules for the South Commercial zone and how height is measured in areas affected by floodplain management. Staff noted building height is calculated relative to base flood elevation plus one (per local floodplain rules), and that proposed language clarifies roof-access requirements and that roof access is subject to fire‑chief approval. The code retains a Class 3 design-review requirement (public process and hearing) for major development in the transition area to allow visualizations and public input before permits are issued.

Commissioners voted to add the specific sentence banning short‑term rental use in the specified live‑work residential units; the motion carried. Staff offered to return with any additional clarifying language if the commission wanted it but said they believed the current phrasing was adequate. Members asked that future development proposals include visual models to show how new heights would fit into the historic and residential context.","The commission added a restriction to the South Commercial zone to prohibit upper-floor residential units in live‑work buildings from being used as short‑term rentals and discussed building-height measurement and design-review safeguards.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056440,"La Conner planning commission approves museum sign for Old Log Park",444,721000,1165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61&start=721&end=1165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310243-c25a3e2fddfb763c69e637af167a9d61/thumbnail_721000.jpg","/articles/6056440/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/La-Conner-planning-commission-approves-museum-sign-for-Old-Log-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056440-6a4daa80e19a9ce0f3eb6a636ef15867/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150648&Signature=DQy9HiMzIfte22WwDOZ-7DmorUwKRRwhn1GuMZFhHqrVJj9AT5IQYlRyxeRCn~po4d5ewnc60kLvLnfMjE9VqZ2h7tW2NHrHCXvowI-t60~ndifHqwXbhsbJYL0d6b2W5wU7Hqf5~qLepbvaqob7YHI4tfLcCfuwRv8sm4QH~cziylyIhRNjknzf6AO0khjtLnmnvbz8OVVSYncW~xjYODS2Mb3i~tS2lsXcDBB7FDg1rbCf1nmr43773ReqgBYxlBZv7n9eDv3FPb09ZsUDoOyaKxKv~IJo0Ua35k~GCQJBYitT7AM~d0snnGp8Rqk~h~-43OmFQvTkbqYullQU-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The La Conner Planning Commission approved a new sign for Old Log Park that will highlight the town's museums, the commission said during its meeting. The commission also agreed that Public Works will select the final backing material and that a small tribal \"hat\" graphic shown on the submitted rendering would be removed after consultation with the mayor and tribal representatives.

The Parks Commission previously recommended the sign; because Old Log Park lies within the Creeds Historic Preservation District, the Planning Commission reviewed and voted on the placement and appearance. Staff said the printed copy included in the packet had the bottom portion cut off by the scanner but that the full museum names appear on the actual sign. Project participants and residents spoke in favor of the sign and offered suggestions on materials and longevity.

Resident Dorothy Bird identified herself for the record and said she wanted to be involved in the finishing stages. Project participant Bob Mortensen recommended laminating the visitor map portion to extend durability, estimating it could last at least five years without replacement. Staff noted a remaining question about whether the existing wood backing would be replaced with an alternate material; that decision is to be coordinated with Public Works.

A motion to approve the submitted rendering, with the tribal hat graphic removed and leaving material choice to Public Works, passed unanimously. Staff told applicants to return to town hall with finalized sign details when ready so the formal sign permit process can proceed.

The action clears the way for installation pending Public Works decisions on backing material and final fabrication. Commission members noted the sign will support the town's creative-district application and invited continued community input on placement and finishing details.","The planning commission voted to approve a new sign highlighting La Conner museums for Old Log Park, with final material selection left to public works and removal of a small tribal \"hat\" graphic after consultation with the mayor and tribal representatives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges La Conner to prioritize bicycle infrastructure amid town expansion

Atkinson project on hold; La Conner and Skagit County share permit responsibilities, town says

Planning commission approves exterior colors and interior bar top for 512 S. First St.

La Conner planning commission narrows short-term rental use in South Commercial zone, clarifies height and review rules

La Conner planning commission approves museum sign for Old Log Park