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# 🏙 Stevenson Planning Commission Highlights - April 14, 2025
- URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/stevenson-planning-commission-highlights-april-14-2025/
- Published: 2025-04-30T06:39:57.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-30T06:39:57.000Z
- Description: A major sewer ordinance proposal, DEI in urban design, and calls for affordable planning defined this month’s commission meeting.
- Author: Dispatch Squatch
- Tags: Stevenson, Stevenson Planning Commission

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 →](https://www.ci.stevenson.wa.us/pc/page/april-2025-planning-commission-meeting?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io)

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## 🗣️ 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.”

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## 🏗️ 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:

1. **Already connected:** Paying monthly sewer rates and supporting system-wide improvements.
2. **Adjacent but unconnected:** Would be required to connect under current and future rules.
3. **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.

### 💬 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

> 💡 Commissioners suggested sending general support to City Council, but no formal vote was required.

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## 🧠 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.

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### 📬 Stay Connected

Planning Commission meetings are open to the public and available via Zoom.  
📧 Comments and questions: **cityhall@ci.stevenson.wa.us**

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*Thank you for staying engaged with the future of Stevenson’s neighborhoods.*