[{"_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",6152480,"mediaKeyId","5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54","parentId",5498234,"title","Staff: short‑term rental enforcement limited to online monitoring; policy changes remain in place","audioSeconds",58,"startMs",2689000,"endMs",2747000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54&start=2689&end=2747","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54/thumbnail_2689000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6152480/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Staff-shortterm-rental-enforcement-limited-to-online-monitoring-policy-changes-remain-in-place","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152480-334f700cc41c75916ad9ee96542b0a15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770897722&Signature=btV8Ptqxap142daBryfDCQh6jALvV1zvCPqg-LWqrHfy0aHF9SVH8iBlCWdO4isFG3Y6NUkDjtBc0YyAE--bfmxeH7g8fkiVhjCX0NRD6xisUipLE0h7gzXLvmaCvI1ih42oxbkrYgJb0M0j2gJR03W6o2yvSjtLjJNSbGw-gwNmEM40V7G9FHmtbNe5so8XRv1aRcahR6EtLT1K1E0QJXDtxOLHCzRudM9Cp68iIb-dFkWg5ORele2YUqVjn636JnLOOL6hgQ6C41vEy2zXEWUfgK45qSL4JI8ebjUn3VBii-Bok8ru9Wqd7YJh5lQHFUzRpd-t5GEqCuJxLlEEoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Conner, WA","date","2025-07-15T00:00:00Z","article","Planning staff reported that the town has banned short‑term rentals in residential zones, continues to allow owner‑operated bed and breakfasts, and requires a conditional use permit for short‑term rentals in commercial zones. Staff said enforcement capacity is limited and currently relies primarily on periodic manual monitoring of online listing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

“We did ban short term rentals within the residential zone completely, and short term rentals require a conditional use permit for the commercial zone as well,” planning staff said. Staff added that owner‑operated bed and breakfasts remain allowed provided the owner also resides on the property; staff said they would double‑check specific residency language.

On enforcement, staff said available staff time varies and the commission’s primary enforcement tool has been checking listing platforms; commissioners discussed options such as engaging volunteers or a citizen group to help monitor listings but no formal change to enforcement responsibilities was adopted.

No enforcement fines, permit revocations or new enforcement program was approved at the meeting; staff said they are open to troubleshooting alternative monitoring ideas but that staffing limits the town’s current capacity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission 2nd Meeting - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff said short‑term rentals are banned in residential zones, require conditional use permits in commercial zones, and enforcement is primarily limited to periodic online checks of listing sites because of limited staff time.","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},6152485,"Commission asks staff to investigate stalled Moore‑Clark/Anacortes redevelopment and legal options",365,1197000,1562000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54&start=1197&end=1562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54/thumbnail_1197000.jpg","/articles/6152485/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Commission-asks-staff-to-investigate-stalled-MooreClarkAnacortes-redevelopment-and-legal-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152485-7e49bdc31363dd2862652cb017365906/orig.mp4?Expires=1770897722&Signature=bPqohsjLZfW98dVFDl3bg7G2KinO9w~wGB4lkOnEEY5ha~Z8JIwK7kfhc5cTQkWubIiL1Fm8HgMuzRYD-f0cP5RxEL255OiPE2GAYKGtFOo2U60JeuU1ACOKGwybDuqafk5Ztvo9UX6bQQpVOblpxvExaNLhqkMIZrY60LQVI5JvU0m-h5vyng2nubsUZpv16F4N6HKC2Yot2OR3z-BNAPYsI-0mVSiQ18QRuOwKpZbg81KQoLQLYOWr52EihSI-xBN-V1H0jaLwgGrDmq~wsu8Wd8ZzoNda5U5rU7IMEo1B5gFHza89P80HgK0BmhC79X6uGrcCV9LTER2Z8GHNdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed a stalled redevelopment project involving property owners in the Moore‑Clark/Anacortes area and asked staff to gather additional legal and tax information.

One commissioner said the developers were initially engaged but later “dropped off” and the town lost contact. Staff said they would consult with the town administrator and mayor and attempt to provide a summary of the current status and any pending legal actions. A planning staff member noted that approximately 12 feet of at least one building encroaches on town property, which could bear on takings or remediation discussions.

Commissioners discussed legal remedies such as condemnation or eminent domain but acknowledged such steps could be costly and time‑consuming and might require significant litigation. Staff said they would not provide legal advice but would collect information from administration and assessors, including whether the parcels are being assessed for property tax and the amounts shown in county records, and would report back on what public records indicate.

No formal action to pursue condemnation or other legal remedies was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to assemble factual background for a future discussion.","Commissioners discussed a stalled redevelopment project (referred to as the Moore‑Clark/Anacortes properties), potential legal options including eminent domain and the fact that some building extent overlaps town property; staff will query administration and the county assessor to assemble more details.",{"_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},6152490,"Commissioners seek review of historic‑district rules, permit fees and sign code after resident complaints",696,1688000,2384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54&start=1688&end=2384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54/thumbnail_1688000.jpg","/articles/6152490/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Commissioners-seek-review-of-historicdistrict-rules-permit-fees-and-sign-code-after-resident-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152490-556c5e66b7c1ccdbde41d6cb983de36a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770897722&Signature=cbhqhL0-b0wYyeBITDLnhfOgKYuZRO1JkYXsVydK-ExWsdwHoodHmed5fOqXzpzg4Nm2ZEofVUkrslZhvqcDXfjoE5vbDV9pEB4Sm2aAENe-~AkbqWEO16XWA73GtEPkNxOwgsdw~VwOvgE15hZ-nbYJLuknYvPGkid4JhG0I-MUHuvMnks4mf6MiNt4zl8IR-bn1VKODpqWgWp6AzE-a7So~5y6SaMYLPrpBUcxTX4YbKR0EQN~DIr0PIaTsRG2CjzdIJmrikA0IPUBHmblGylmhp559Uw4YryNELmdmqGwrYvPIsHUyuDaHlUCNwahyafCWHFK3pDfKZiNK3MxOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff told the commission that unclear definitions in the Historic Preservation District code — especially the term “material change” — have led to situations where minor work triggers full planning commission review and higher permit fees.

“Repainting something to a new color costs an applicant upward of $1,000 in permit processing fees,” staff said, describing how ambiguous code language and missing definitions create unexpected requirements for property owners. Staff acknowledged the interpretation difficulties and said they will document applicant comments and emails and present compiled examples for the commission, likely in September.

Commissioners identified three code review priorities for 2025: reviewing permit fees, revising the Historic Preservation District code to reduce ambiguity, and updating the town’s sign code, which commissioners called “clunky” and lengthy. Staff also recommended a development code review that would remove items that do not require mandatory state (Department of Commerce) review from Chapter 15 (UDC), potentially moving them to a different chapter to reduce unnecessary Commerce submissions and staff workload.

Commissioners suggested practical fixes, such as publishing a short list of preapproved paint colors (sourced from recognized manufacturers such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin‑Williams) so small repainting projects would not require full review. Staff reported an intern review from Western Washington University that identified remaining subjective language and said staff will work through those recommendations.

The commission directed staff to compile complaints and examples from applicants, prepare candidate code edits to reduce subjective language and unclear terms, and to report back with a timeline for review and public outreach.","Planning staff said repainting and minor changes in the Historic Preservation District are triggering full planning reviews and sizable permit fees; commissioners asked staff to catalog complaints and bring a public report to a future meeting.",{"_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},6152494,"Commissioner raises concerns after town council adopted 2025 comprehensive plan",357,644000,1001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54&start=644&end=1001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54/thumbnail_644000.jpg","/articles/6152494/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Commissioner-raises-concerns-after-town-council-adopted-2025-comprehensive-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152494-c9ada7cfb69d4feba23c0c4e41b0f08c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770897722&Signature=hRe5J2Q0sZ3Ea30kmhrMGHTVXpMf8pK9GuLCRYZoDmQcI96RRJIt~OPYQZ3LLRvG4ntV0sv83UqKgvNsCZpQ-FnYmTJrcb1XS8AJhotmLdLy5OmfrdqC5c4eZECP-GyuTWVsApL5CReQUEWz6xhfLw3XU4Gs-C6CmNFb1O3IkFrcBdGiNg7udtAQ8-Kh5KF-K79sIakIATVllIKSTesa769YD57aOhIuzC9j1dQZ9G2uoBxRKO7TbKycBM2lDkk7W0-UFmxPSYPOkfAEwqTWHCb5kPGfhlZ6GJytb7k7Nm-kwjTDaCd0LaR8~93oX~xodKwDKELiBB00X9CiR1Y3lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A planning commissioner told colleagues she remained concerned about language in the housing element after the town council adopted the town’s amended Comprehensive Plan for 2025.

“I do still have concerns about the language in the housing element,” the commissioner said after watching the council meeting recording. The commissioner said she and other commissioners had asked for more time and noted they had not received a definitive explanation about whether missing the council’s schedule would have cost the town grant funding.

Planning staff said the town council has passed the 2025 comprehensive plan amendment and that the planning commission can discuss proposed changes in coming months. Staff recommended pausing detailed revisions until fall and then reopening conversation in October and November; commissioners noted the January docket is the month when anyone may submit a comprehensive plan amendment or update, though the commission may begin earlier discussions.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify grant‑funding timelines and to document whether the town could have extended grant allocation or used a reallocation. One commissioner said outreach between commissioners and at least one council member had occurred but expressed disappointment the council voted while the commission still had concerns. Staff said they would bring the item back for discussion in October and that formal amendments could be submitted the following January as part of the annual docket process.

No change to the adopted comprehensive plan was made by the planning commission at this meeting; the town council action stands until formal amendments are filed and processed according to the town’s amendment schedule.","Planning commissioners discussed the town council’s recent adoption of the 2025 comprehensive plan and voiced concern about the housing element language and the speed of the council’s vote; staff said the commission may resume review in October and amendments can be considered in a future docket.",{"_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},6152499,"Planning commission schedules Aug. 19 community mingle to collect ADA and transportation input",328,273000,601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54&start=273&end=601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5498234-1a0610bcdb620436dbc6897b79406d54/thumbnail_273000.jpg","/articles/6152499/La-Conner/Skagit-County/Washington/Planning-commission-schedules-Aug-19-community-mingle-to-collect-ADA-and-transportation-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152499-ba89517c18613bd3cff23076c93b5520/orig.mp4?Expires=1770897722&Signature=EyLNpJzqSBzInJSRNNWlT0Wox4gq6-Z7yjivcczRkweYW4XQOVtN7k7HJydaDb1CcZBF467BPR-4q9O1MiBn1XrPHA5YHcV2~GehBT4aNRZCwj~g7P6PzGTEtQtznO4NPunHTlKXHuP285M6n42E8PGJ4Ra5HMfxNC-csfJMhM6NK2gP3xDayErLIiG1CIviteCFPZzLFnIbKS2o9GsBGZGhPqV~Ap7wklyC-qWQWKlXD~NAk5EX2qrN91Fqld-682f04yU~LSvXd9BVBxIODuHsXiKF2Bu5bGrMnkSe0QtKGbsrQT-tbu4DRMuUGz6db6RIF9r6nK5cMODtj0Lzuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Planning Commission voted to hold a community “mingle” on Aug. 19 downstairs in Maple Hall to collect resident input on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access points, sidewalks and other local transportation pain points.

The session will be scaled down so the community mingle is the primary agenda item, and staff said they will provide alternative ways for residents to comment if they cannot attend. “What we are doing with this feedback is we're gonna work with public works to integrate that into the 6 year transportation improvement program and the 6 year capital improvement program,” Jennifer Herring, administrative clerk and planning staff, said.

The commission described the mingle as an early step to identify recurring problems — for example, missing sidewalks, crosswalk safety and a four-way stop by Sixth Street that commissioners said needs additional study — and emphasized the event is intended to surface issues for budgeting, not to deliver immediate fixes. Staff said integrating items into the six-year programs will help ensure projects are budgeted, though timelines may be extended because they would be funded through regular capital planning rather than emergency grants.

Commissioners discussed scheduling and venue trade-offs. The Garden Club was mentioned as an option but would prevent a recorded session because it lacks Wi‑Fi; the chosen location, Maple Hall (downstairs), allows recording but may be echoey. Staff also said a second mingle could be held in early October if attendance and feedback warrant further outreach.

Commissioners asked staff to publicize the event carefully, noting it is not a one‑night fix but a way to gather priorities for future capital budgeting. Staff said they would accept written comments and other alternative inputs before and after the Aug. 19 session.

The planning commission will bring a streamlined agenda on Aug. 19 so the mingle can be the primary focus; commissioners asked staff to note relevant ADA, sidewalk and stop‑control concerns raised at the event for follow-up with Public Works and inclusion in the capital and transportation programs.","The town planning commission set a community feedback session for Aug. 19, to gather resident input on ADA barriers, sidewalks and near-term transportation priorities; staff said the event will feed the six-year transportation and capital improvement programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff: short‑term rental enforcement limited to online monitoring; policy changes remain in place

Commission asks staff to investigate stalled Moore‑Clark/Anacortes redevelopment and legal options

Commissioners seek review of historic‑district rules, permit fees and sign code after resident complaints

Commissioner raises concerns after town council adopted 2025 comprehensive plan

Planning commission schedules Aug. 19 community mingle to collect ADA and transportation input