Ocean Shores planners back restroom and path signage, public commenter flags RCW ordinance limits

At the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting, the Ocean Shores Planning Commission agreed to move forward with placing directional signs to existing public restrooms and asked staff to coordinate with the mayor and project manager Becky Leach on implementation. Commissioners said signage could be a separate, low-cost action to help visitors find current facilities while longer-term restroom planning continues.

The commission debated the best locations and number of signs, with participants suggesting at least two signs — one at the roundabout and one further down Point Brown Avenue — to guide visitors. A commissioner suggested packaging signage work with an April LTAC (lodging tax advisory committee) funding application if the commission pursues funding for a new facility.

Separately, the commission agreed to forward the municipal-code/handbook packet to City Council after the commission updates its membership list next month; commissioners noted they had already approved the substantive edits and only needed to update signatures and member names.

During public comments, a resident identified as Rita raised legal concerns about draft ordinance language and urged staff and commissioners to consult the city attorney. Rita said Washington code cities’ enabling legislation limits an ordinance to a single subject and cited RCW 35.21.010, warning that combined topics in one ordinance can create form deficiencies unless a required public hearing has taken place. Rita also said she believed some past local ordinances (she cited Chapter 17.21 on architectural features) may have mixed topics without a public hearing.

Another public commenter asked about a previously planned walking/biking path led by an outside 'blue group.' Commissioners said state funding for that project was pulled and the group is defunct in its prior funding form, but the map and path markings still exist; the commission agreed to add the path signage back to the agenda for the next meeting so the commission can consider city-led signage options.

The meeting concluded after additional routine business and adjournment.