by Richard Uhlhorn
The City of Chelan Planning Department has five priorities which Community Development Director John Ajax laid out for the City Council and staff. Those priorities are:
- LongRange Planning
- Long-term Financial Sustainability and seeking funding for the Tax Increment Area (TIA).
- Zoning Code Updates
- Affordable Housing Implementation
- Departmental Growth and Efficiency Improvements
Ajax was elevated to the position of Community Development Director when Craig Gildroy passed away suddenly. Ajax admits to being on a large learning curve and while overwhelmed at times, he has done a credible job of leading the department into the future.
LongRange Planning:
“We are really going to look at our Comprehensive Plan and the dynamics of what is going on,” said Ajax. The Comp. Plan updates are scheduled for completion by 2026. When completed it will hopefully guide the City’ growth and development for 20 years.
Affordable housing:
The department plays a crucial role in the future of the City. It is where contractors and residents apply for permits. “We are receiving a lot of sales tax money from construction projects,” said Ajax. However, according to the City’s Finance Director Jackie Tuppling, the economic outlook is not good. “Building permits are down,” she says. “Less people are buying now.”
Financial stability:
The department under Ajax will be seeking sustainability by exploring alternative funding mechanisms. Some of those alternatives include opions such as an affordablie housing sales tx or the establishment of a transportation benefit district (TBD) to diversify revenue sources. The department will also evaluate development impact fees.
With over 40 percent of real estate sales being second homes, the department is committed to implementing the Housing Action Plan and will work with a variety of stakeholders, developers and non-profit organizations. “The second home issue has a huge impact on rentals,” said Ajax.
The department’s goal is to look at all affordable housing options and hopefully improve access to housing for all residents.
New home construction relies on available land and resources. There are a number of developments planned for the future.
Tax Benefit Area (and financing):
The TIF (Tax Increment Financing) program has raised many questions from the Junior Taxing Districts, i.e. Chelan Fire and Rescue and Lake Chelan Health. The City is working with these and other junior taxing districts to find common ground. The TBA (Tax Benefit Area) takes in most of East Chelan and when the TIF program begins, new construction sales taxes within that area will go to the City to help fund the proposed water improvement project that includes a one million gallon reservoir.
The Planning Department and City administration will explore other funding mechanisms to hopefully take the pressure off the Junior Taxing Districts. These funding (grant and low-interest loans) appropriations would help reduce the burden of debt service for public improvements.
Zoning Code Updates:
The department is proposing to prioritize short-term and long-term improvements in its Zoning Code. These updates would be used to address emerging challenges, and hopefully enhance the effectiveness of zoning regulations. Public input will be sought throughout the process.
A few of these updates will include an adaptive re-use of Public Buildings (old Hospital) and revising Downtown Code Uses, such as single-family and height restrictions.
Long range updates include GMA requirements in the Comprehensive Plan. These changes could include allowing two accessory dwellings per residential lot.
Planning Department growth and efficiency:
Ongoing training and education of department staff will be a priority to help improve its efficiency. Ajax would also like to see internal processes streamlined to help the department’s customer service and better serve the needs of the community.
All Things Lake Chelan 