🏙 Stevenson Planning Commission Highlights - April 14, 2025
A major sewer ordinance proposal, DEI in urban design, and calls for affordable planning defined this month’s commission meeting.
A major sewer ordinance proposal, DEI in urban design, and calls for affordable planning defined this month’s commission meeting.
📄 View the full meeting packet →
🗣️ Public Comment: Equity in Urban Design
Mary Repar encouraged the Planning Commission to incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into long-term city planning.
- She emphasized that infrastructure like curb cuts and accessible sidewalks are essential for aging residents.
Mary shared a memorable analogy:
“Equality means everyone gets size 8 shoes. Equity means everyone gets shoes that fit.”
🏗️ Main Discussion: Sewer & Septic Ordinance Workshop
Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance under City Council consideration that updates when and how properties must connect to city sewer systems.
🔍 Three Stakeholder Groups Identified:
- Already connected: Paying monthly sewer rates and supporting system-wide improvements.
- Adjacent but unconnected: Would be required to connect under current and future rules.
- Future extension zones: Notified in advance, with phased requirements over up to 7 years.
⚖️ Ordinance Features:
- Allows single-family and duplexes to stay on septic in some areas.
- Requires multifamily, commercial, or higher-density development to connect to sewer.
- Offers low-income assistance, system development charge waivers, and phased connection timelines.
- Requires new lot subdivisions to be sewer-serviceable for future connections.
đź’¬ Community & Commissioner Concerns:
- Some residents fear being pushed into unwanted development or higher costs.
- Others worry about environmental risks from aging septic systems.
- Commissioners supported the proposal’s balance but emphasized:
- Aligning the ordinance with capital improvement planning
- Revisiting zoning and annexation strategies in tandem
đź’ˇ Commissioners suggested sending general support to City Council, but no formal vote was required.
🧠Thought of the Month:
Vitruvian Triad: Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas
Commissioners reflected on the Roman architectural ideal of designing for durability, usability, and beauty — and how these values can still shape modern communities.
📬 Stay Connected
Planning Commission meetings are open to the public and available via Zoom.
📧 Comments and questions: cityhall@ci.stevenson.wa.us
Thank you for staying engaged with the future of Stevenson’s neighborhoods.