Stay informed about government news and updates in Gig Harbor, WA.
The City of Gig Harbor has made significant progress on the Commercial Fishing Homeport project at Ancich Waterfront Park, with the City Council adopting the feasibility study and funding for its full buildout. This initiative aims to enhance dock access and moorage facilities for commercial fishermen, reflecting the community's commitment to supporting local fisheries and preserving waterfront access.
Gig Harbor is poised to ease restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) following the approval of House Bill 1337, which mandates local governments to allow at least two ADUs on single-family lots. The article highlights the potential benefits of ADUs as affordable housing options, contrasting current restrictive regulations that have led to only five approvals since 2007. With a city council meeting scheduled to discuss proposed amendments, residents and city planners are hopeful for a significant shift in local housing policy.
A recent change in state law is set to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier in Gig Harbor, where only five have been approved since 2007. House Bill 1337 mandates that local jurisdictions accommodate more ADUs, addressing housing affordability and flexibility for residents. The Gig Harbor City Council is expected to discuss amendments to municipal codes to align with these new regulations soon.
The "Community Diversity & Engagement Mayoral Ad Hoc Committee" event scheduled for March 22, 2024, aims to foster collaboration and outreach within the Gig Harbor community. This initiative emphasizes the importance of social and environmental governance, targeting local engagement and community involvement to address pressing issues.
The City of Gig Harbor Water Utility is hosting a public forum to discuss updates to its Water Use Efficiency Goals, aiming to reduce residential water consumption by 0.25% annually for the next six years. The forum will also address the city's commitment to maintaining distribution leakage below 10% and expanding its reclaimed water program, which has been in development for over 20 years.
The City of Gig Harbor is hosting a series of presentations on utility rate adjustments, focusing on property tax implications and utility submetering for residents. This initiative aims to educate the community about changes in water utility rates and their impact, particularly on older adults. Participants can find more information and resources on the city’s website.
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of Gig Harbor plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the city's historic properties and advising the city council on preservation matters. Established on June 12, 2023, the HPC is part of Washington State's certified local government program, ensuring that local heritage is recognized and maintained. Meetings are held quarterly, with minutes and recordings made publicly available to foster transparency.
Gig Harbor has implemented new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) following extensive stakeholder engagement and public input. The recently adopted Ordinance 1507 introduces a structured permitting process and performance standards for STRs, enhancing compliance and data collection regarding their impact on the community.
Gig Harbor Municipal Court will hold all criminal court hearings in person starting October 1, 2022, while civil infraction hearings will continue via Zoom until further notice. Participants are advised to prepare adequately for remote appearances, ensuring their demeanor reflects the seriousness of court proceedings. For those unsure about their hearing format, contacting the court is recommended.
The Washington State Supreme Court's ruling in State v. Blake has rendered simple drug possession convictions unconstitutional, allowing individuals in Gig Harbor to vacate their convictions and potentially receive refunds for legal financial obligations. The Gig Harbor Municipal Court will automatically review these cases, eliminating the need for defendants to take action. Refund requests must be submitted through the Administrative Office of the Courts via an online portal.