Shelton community development nears comprehensive plan finish, discusses animal control contract

Community development staff told the Shelton council on Feb. 10 that the long-running comprehensive plan update is nearing completion and that the department will follow with code amendments and other implementation work.

Staff said they expect the comprehensive plan to be before the hearing next month and that several development-code updates — including accessory dwelling unit (ADU) changes and possible critical-areas adjustments — will follow. "I'm expecting to have it before hearing next month," a community development presenter told the council.

The department is also reviewing nuisance regulations, noting the city has not updated those rules in decades and that clarifying language could speed code-enforcement compliance. Staff emphasized cross-department work with public works and building in drafting revisions to make enforcement more straightforward.

Council members asked about an effort to transfer shelter and animal control operations to the Mason County Humane Society. Staff said negotiations continue, with outstanding insurance and contract details being resolved with city attorney input; the goal discussed in the presentation is a potential transition and coordination on staffing and operations with a targeted transition date discussed internally for June 1.

Staff said they will bring final contract language and related documents to council for approval once legal review and mutual board approvals are complete.

Next steps: staff will present the comprehensive-plan hearing materials and return with a formal contract for animal control if negotiations reach final form.