The city's Shoreline Master Program governs what happens along the 42 miles of shoreline in the city, including about 15 miles of salt water shoreline. The city began this review in 2006 and has held 40-some public meetings which generated dozens of recommendations and requests.
At Monday's public hearing, Sharene Elander suggested changes be made that would restrict advertising and signs along the waterfront. She said," There is no need for there to be advertising signs over the water blighting views and the public's enjoyment of their waterways.
This prompted a comment by Council member Cynthia Richardson, who said, "We need to distinguish between advertising signs and other signs." Larsen assured the Council that signs built along the shoreline would need to be approved by the city as a conditional use permit.
Michele Pope asked the Council to ensure that the rowing group OARS (Old Anacortes Rowing Society) could continue to maintain it's temporary boat shelter despite a proposed restriction on boat houses and houseboats.
Bunny Heiner objected to the urban-retail designation for the area around Loveric's Marina, suggesting it would be urban maritime. He said, "We need to preserve a variety of water-related uses, not encourage retail, professional offices, hotels or residences" there.
At Monday's City Council meeting, City Planning Director Ryan Larsen led the Council through proposed revisions, one at a time. The matter will be before the Council later this month and will be forwarded to the state Department of Ecology for formal review. DOE is expected to hold public hearings before handing it back to the Council.