Council OKs new commercial/residential code

Stanwood City Council unanimously approved amending the building code to allow pre-1980 single-family residences in specified areas to be used for commercial purposes while retaining the option of reverting to residential structures Thursday night.

“This creates a lot more flexibility for the property owners,” said Rebecca Lind, director of community development.

Prior to the amendment, once property was filed for commercial purposes, it couldn’t revert to residential.

Councilman Timothy Loney said this was “a very valuable amendment.”

“Rather than converting property to a business, then having that business go out and the property stand empty because the owner is unable to revert to residential, this gives people options,” he added.

Mayor Dianne White agreed, “This might spur a little bit of activity.”

Lind said the new zoning regulations will protect the commercial tax base while increasing flexibility and make it easier for property owners to get financing.

She also hopes the possibility of dual uses will encourage maintenance by keeping properties from sitting vacant, she said.

Two exceptions to the amendment are Main Street and 270th Street. Present regulations will remain along these two streets, restricting residential dwellings to second stories above commercial ground floors.

Per an amendment by Councilman Bill Carlton, notification of the new ing regulations will be mailed to all affected property owners.

In other city council news:

• Officer Rick Nauman of the Stanwood Police Department was honored for serving 30 years on the force.

“As you might imagine,” said Chief Ty Trenary, awarding Nauman a plaque, “it’s tough to serve 30 years in this business.”

Nauman has done an exceptional job, he said.

“Often, when people come into the station,” Trenary said, “they don’t want to talk to any of us – they want to talk to Rick Nauman.”

“I think that says something,” he added. “I’m proud of how much work and effort Rick has put into this town.”

Trenary also thanked Nauman’s daughter, Kelli- Jo, for the mural she painted in the station’s lobby.

• White reported that she began her service on the Community Transit Committee. At her first meeting, about 85 upset residents voiced frustration that the Boeing run was cut from the schedule.

White also reported Snohomish County Board of Health believes the H1N1 virus “won’t make a third run at us,” and praised the success of local vaccination clinics.