Comprehensive plans are policy documents that set the direction for future growth in a jurisdiction over a 20-year period. Periodic updates are required every 10 years to comply with changes to state law, changes to land use, and to plan for updated population growth, housing, and employment projections. A periodic update is also an opportunity to engage the public and ensure the plan represents the community’s priorities and values.

The Draft Elements, Development Regulations, and SEPA documents were published on December 10, 2025, for a 60-day comment period, through February 9, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Written comments can be submitted:

• Below, via the comment forms under the "Draft Comprehensive Plan" and "Draft Code" tabs.
• Via email: CompPlan@islandcountywa.gov.
• Via mail: Planning & Community Development, 1 NE 7th St, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Verbal comments can be submitted:

• At any Planning Commission meeting (in person or online)
• At Board Tuesday Regular meetings (in person or online)

For meeting schedules and more information, visit www.islandcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter.

Draft Elements Available for Public Comment (click on element name to view drafts):

• Staff Memo
• Glossary
• Introduction
• Land Use
• Economic Development
• Housing
• Natural Resources
• Parks and Recreation
• Transportation
• Capital Facilities and Utilities
• Climate
• Clinton Subarea Plan
• Appendices

Elements that are not being updated during this comprehensive plan update include Historic Element, Shoreline Element, and the Freeland Subarea Plan.

To view all element updates in one PDF, click here.

Earlier in 2025, draft goals and policies were released to the community to gather preliminary feedback. Utilizing that input and input solicitated from the Board of Island County Commissioners, Planning Commission, Community Based Organizations, and the general public throughout the two year planning process, the elements were drafted consisting of narratives, maps, data, and the goals and policies. Development Regulations were updated and can be found in the "Code Updates" tab on this page.

Note: an account is not required to submit a comment.

Development regulation (also known as Island County Code) updates that support and implement the comprehensive plan are required to be adopted at the time of comprehensive plan adoption, per RCW 36.70A.040(3). These changes are specifically related to meeting the housing allocations and demonstrating capacity as required by HB 1220. Other development regulations updates, not related to housing capacity, will be implemented following the periodic update process.

View draft development regulations.

Draft Code Include:

• Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRDs): clarifying the character and development standards for mixed-use LAMIRDs, including minimum housing densities.
• Rural Clusters: revised existing Planned Residential Development code to rural clusters, consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, to encourage affordable clusters through a density bonus.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): updates to comply with new state requirements (RCW 36.70A.681) to allow two ADUs in UGAs and allowing sale as individual units; additional permits to support moderate income ADUs.
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs): allowance of one RV on any lot zoned for single family residences, for up to one year with permits.
• Unit Lot Subdivision: changes to reflect 2023 legislation that allows cities and counties update subdivision and short plat code (RCW 58.17.060(3)).
• Co-Living Housing: changes to reflect 2024 legislation that requires cities and counties adopt development regulations allowing co-living housing (RCW 36.70A.535).
• Supportive Housing: changes to reflect HB 1220 requirements that all cities and counties adopt code changes to allow supportive housing (RCW 36.70A.070(2)).

Note: an account is not required to submit a comment.

Work sessions at the Board and Planning Commission on the draft comp plan materials are planned for the following dates and topics (materials can be found in agenda center the week prior to the meetings):

• December 17 - Overview of Key Themes and Major Updates
• January 7 – Housing (Housing and Land Use Elements, Development Regulations)
• January 14 – Environment (Climate and Natural Resources Elements)
• January 21 – Infrastructure (Transportation, Parks, and Capital Facilities and Utilities Elements)
• February 4 – Economic Development and Clinton Subarea Plan

Public Meetings on the draft comp plan materials are planned for the following dates:

• Oak Harbor, at The Center: January 15 from 5 to 6:30 PM
• South Whidbey, at the Clinton Community Hall: January 20 from 5 to 6:30 PM
• Camano, at the County Annex Building: January 24 from 10 to 11:30 AM

Staff will present an overview of the released materials. Presentations will begin 30 minutes after meeting start time listed above. There will be time for questions at the end. All meetings will follow the same format, join any date that is convenient for you.

Visit our Comp Plan website for general FAQs (bottom of page). If your question isn't answered there, please ask it below. Staff answer questions here every Friday.