City of Anacortes - Planning Commission Meeting (9/15/26)

The City of Anacortes Planning Commission held a meeting on September 15, 2026, primarily focused on proposed amendments to the city's development permit review process. The amendments aim to implement the mayor's executive order to make permit reviews more efficient, predictable, and outcomes-focused by clarifying permit types, improving coordination, and allowing limited administrative flexibility for minor numeric adjustments. Key topics included distinctions between project permits, site construction permits, and building permits, as well as proposed administrative flexibility allowing up to a 10% reduction in certain numeric standards under specific conditions. Public comments emphasized concerns about the pace of the process, the need for stronger public participation, and potential impacts on ecological areas. The commission agreed to delay formal recommendations until revised code language reflecting recent staff refinements is provided. They did, however, express tentative support for a 10% flexibility threshold with safeguards. No contract awards or procurement decisions were discussed.