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Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO:
Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM:
Stacie Hoskins, Planning Manager, DCD ~ ~
Michelle McConnell, Associate Planner, DeD ~
DATE:
October 4, 2010
SUBJECT:
Responsiveness Summary on Locally Approved SMP - Timeline Extension Request:
Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Comprehensive Update (MLA08-475)
ATTACHED: Draft extension request letter
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: DCD requests the Board sign the attached letter requesting a timeline
extension for submittal of the Responsiveness Summary.
BACKGROUND
After Board approval of the Locally Approved SMP (LA-SMP) in December 2009 (Resolution #77-09),
the Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD) sent the complete submittal
packet to WA Department of Ecology (Ecology) on March 1, 2010. Ecology conducted a state-wide
public comment period and public hearing in AprillMay 2010 that yielded some 340 written comments
and verbal testimonies. Per state administrative rules (WAC), the County must prepare a
Responsiveness Summary to review and respond to the issues raised by the public comments and
testimonies. Ecology will then review this summary as they prepare their Findings and Conclusions
regarding the consistency of our LA-SMP With state requirements, and then issue their decision on
whether to approve/deny/require changes to the LA-SMP prior to final state adoption. Staff needs
additional time to prepare a draft summary document, review and finalize it with the Board and submit
the summary to Ecology.
ANAL YSISISTRATEGIC GOALS: The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan calls for shoreline
management to protect natural resources and maintain quality of life for area residents, including
revisions to the SMP as directed by state laws and rules. The SMP Comprehensive Update (MLA08-
475) has been in progress for several years.
The Locally Approved SMP is the result of significant efforts by the Board, Planning Commission, DCD
staff, consultants and two advisory committees. The public process supporting local approval of the
SMP was extensive including 12 months of formal review that followed some two years of technical
analysis and informal public participation. The Locally Approved SMP meets state requirements while
Board Agenda Request
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Regular Agenda
allowing significant flexibility for property owners in view of local circumstances. Throughout the public
review process, citizen input has been received and considered, both in favor of and opposition to the
resulting LA-5MP.
The SMP Guidelines found at WAC 173-26-120 require Ecology to request:
'...a review of the issues if any, Identifled by the public, Interested parties, groups, agencles, and tribes, and
a written response as to how the proposal addresses the Identified Issues consistent with the policy of RCW
90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines.'
The guidelines aiso require the County to provide a Responsiveness Summary:
'Local government shall submit Its response to the department within forty-five days of the date of the
departmenfs lelter requesting a response.'
Ecology previously extended the original July 30, 2010 due date for submittal of the County's
Responsiveness Summary to October 4, 2010, in response to the Board's July 2010 request. Due to
the unprecedented volume of public input and some continued challenges in the review process, staff
needs additional time to ensure a thorough review of the issues raised and to involve the Board in
finalizing the summary document for submittal to Ecology.
FISCAL IMPACT: Department of Ecology Grant #G0600343 funds expired June 30, 2009 and the
contract has been completed. The DCD staff work that continues on the project is funded by the
Department's annual bUdget. No change is anticipated as a result of submitting a timeline extension
request to Ecology.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Board sign the attached letter requesting a 40-day
timeline extension to Ecology, making the new due date November 30, 2010 for submittal of the SMP
Responsiveness Summary.
REVIEWED BY:
J~c:?
Date
Board Agenda Request
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1820 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phll Jo_... DfstrIct 1 DaWl W. Sullivan, District 2 John AustIn, DIstrIct 3
October 4, 2010
Washington Department of Ecology
Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program
Attn: Jeffree Stewart, Project Officer
Paula Ehlers, SW Region Section Manager
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
SUBJECT: Responsiveness Summary - Request for Additional Time
Dear Mr. Stewart and Ms. Ehlers,
As you know, the County has been working diligently on a Responsiveness Summary as part of the state-
required comprehensive update to the Shoreline Master Program (JCC 18.25). Your agency conducted a public
comment period and hearing in April/May this year resulting in nearly 400 written comment letters and verbal
testimonies.
State administrative rule WAC 173-26-120 allows local jurisdictions 45 days from the receipt of comments
from Ecology to prepare this response. The original deadline was extended by your agency to October 4,
2010, per correspondence dated July 30, 2010.
At this time, preparation of the Responsiveness Summary is progressing, but we do not anticipate completion
by the October 4 deadline. The delay is due, in part, to the unprecedented volume of public input, continued
challenges with the review process, as well as staff work load, vacation and sick leave absences. In addition,
we want to ensure that we conduct a thorough review and work with staff in the preparation of the summary
document.
Therefore, we request an additional 40 business days, making the new submittal deadline November 30,
2010 for our Responsiveness Summary. We remain committed to meeting the WAC requirements and to give
due diligence to considering the large volume of public input.
We look forward to your prompt approval of this request.
Sincerely,
David Sullivan, Chair
Phone (360)385-9100 Fax (360)385-9382 jeftbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us