County looking for Freeland code input

Island County Planning and Community Development is seeking more feedback on its draft development regulations for Freeland.

As a result of earlier public comments, the department added new definitions for art studio and artisan workshop to the code.

For now, the code would allow studios to be anywhere retail is allowed, but workshops will have different districts or conditions to address noise, dust and materials storage, according to senior long range planner Beckye Frey.

Frey is open to scheduling meetings with interested groups to go over the regulations and answer any questions.

“I’m really happy with the feedback we’ve received,” she said. “I would love more.”

The final draft of the code is set to be completed by the end of January, but she said she will be scheduling meetings through February as well.

Those who have projects planned for the area can also volunteer to use their projects as a test to see what it would look like under the new regulations. “It’s a really good way to make sure there aren’t any bugs or bumps in the code,” said Frey.

The draft was to be presented during the planning commission meeting on Monday, Jan. 8.

• Those interested in learning more can contact Beckye Frey at b.frey@co.island.wa.us.