Friday Harbor Town Council September 3, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, September 3, 2026

Mayor Perrollaz announced that the Town has appointed Aaron Lewis of Thompson, Gildner & Associates as its attorney. The Snohomish-based firm specializes in municipal law.

Josh Cole has been hired as the new Town Finance Director. 

The Council approved Interim Zoning Ordinance 1842, regarding interim zoning regulations for lighting standards in the downtown core and historic overlay districts; landscaping requirements for subdivisions and separation between uses; and historic preservation incentives. The Community Development Director stated that some businesses have started using LED instead of incandescent bulbs, with a color that is cooler than the historic subdued warm yellow lighting. He noted that some of this lighting is brighter than town streetlights. This ordinance addresses lighting to be in the amber-yellow color spectrum. The landscaping requirements match those of San Juan County.

The Council opened a public hearing which will continue till September 17 for LUA2026-0014-15-16 variance regarding the Little Project at 240th First Street. The developer is requesting variances to the height of driveway obstruction, the roof pitch, and landscaping.  This is a mixed use 11-unit project for long term and transient accommodations. 

Council approved using up to $45,000 LTAC funds to purchase an artificial Christmas tree.

The County Manager reported that the District Court will move to the former Banner Bank Administration Building when work on the historic courthouse begins. The courthouse project is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

The Town’s last Celebrating America 250 event will be an American Revolution History Trivia game held at San Juan Brewery on October 3.

 Recording of Town Council meetings can be viewed from this site.  Town Council | Friday Harbor, WA

*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.