Comp plan changes approved by council
By RICK WOOD Staff Reporter
Rebecca Lind, city planning and community development director, has the future of Stanwood in her hands — at least on paper.
Lind detailed the wording in seven city-initiated comprehensive plan changes during the city council meeting Thursday evening.
"This has been a process," said Lind. "These items have been thoroughly reviewed."
Most of the amendments were rewrites of portions of the introduction, capital facilities, transportation, land use, and economic development elements of the plan.
"Mostly, they're slight changes," she said.
Changes came from recommendations made by the planning commission during workshops held with council members, she said.
"All of the zoning changes were discussed in the workshop," said Lind.
Text changes in the transportation section include updated language that reflects the Stanwood train platform currently under construction.
A significant change in residential construction codes stipulates that a structure's lowest floor must be elevated to one foot above base flood elevation.
"This change is due to specific wording that must be used to meet FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) requirements.
Compliance with FEMA guidelines will allow flood insurance to continue to be sold to homeowners in city limits, said Lind.
Council members adopted the seven changes to Stanwood's Comprehensive Plan amendments and a re-zone within the city's traffic overlay.
In other city council news:
• The council gave their support for the city to repair and replace fencing around a city-maintained pond at Candle Ridge Estates.
• Federal stimulus money will help pay for the extension of 68th Avenue NW. Council approved contracting with WH Pacific to manage the project.
Reporter Rick Wood: 629- 8066 ext. 104 or rwood@scnews. com.
