Thomas Cappa

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) for the City of Westport acts as a comprehensive guide for managing and protecting the city's shoreline resources, aligning with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act. Its core objectives are to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, and to ensure no net loss of ecological functions while striving for long-term ecological improvement. The program addresses key strategic areas including economic development, public access, recreation, circulation, shoreline use, conservation, historic and cultural preservation, flood hazard prevention, restoration, and estuary management.

The Westport Comprehensive Plan aims to guide the city's physical, economic, and social development. It focuses on creating an aesthetically pleasing city, promoting economic growth in sectors like fisheries and tourism while preserving the city's seaside character, and enhancing community resilience against natural hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis. Key strategies include promoting diverse housing options, supporting existing businesses while attracting new ones, protecting environmental amenities, improving transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, and incorporating hazard mitigation measures into development projects. The plan also emphasizes community participation and long-term sustainability.

The Planning Commission meeting on December 17, 2013, approved the minutes from the November meeting. Discussions included revisions to definitions for various land use categories, with some deferred for further review. The commission approved Resolution No. 171, vacating ten feet of a platted alley for Mr. and Mrs. Gary Vining, with the city maintaining a water easement. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

The Westport Planning Commission meeting on July 21, 2015, approved the June 16, 2015, minutes and reviewed the second draft of Critical Area Regulations for the Shoreland Master Plan. The commission also discussed the City Council's request to review marijuana issues, with a motion passed to hold a public hearing on August 18, 2015, to address this matter. The meeting concluded with the approval of proposed changes to the Planning Commission's Rules and Procedures.

The Westport Planning Commission held a regular meeting on March 17, 2015, primarily focusing on a public hearing for Westport Cold, LLC's rezone request. The hearing involved presentations from Westport Cold, public comments expressing both support and opposition, and discussion of potential impacts on traffic, noise, and property values. The commission voted 3 to 1 to forward the rezone application to the City Council after considering various perspectives and concerns.