HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 11 19 CAO One page PC Meeting.pdf finalCAO Update:
Eliminating the Cumulative Effect of Imprecise, Inaccurate or Confusing Language
By Ariel Speser, Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
CAO Compliance with Resolution No. 17-19 on regulatory reform.
• Regulatory reform required by the Comprehensive Plan.
• Jefferson County’s Joint Board of County Commissioners and Board of Health Resolution No. 17-19, a joint
resolution “Establishing a Joint Program of Regulatory Reform.”
• Consistency with relevant RCW or WAC provisions is required by Resolution No. 17-19.
• Eliminating the cumulative effect of imprecise, inaccurate or confusing language in the Revised CAO is
required by Resolution No. 17-19.
• Consistency is a key to having a good ordinance.
Consistent use of terminology about the scope of regulation under chapter 18.22 JCC and each of its articles.
• Scope language is used consistently in the revised CAO.
• Use “development, land disturbing activity or use” together for the broadest regulatory coverage.
Consistent buffer terminology.
• Harmonization of buffer terminology between the Revised CAO and the Shoreline Management Program
(SMP).
• Buffer terms defined in chapter 18.10 JCC Definitions revised for ease of reading and consistency with SMP.
• Convention to simplify and make consistent buffer language when connected to its associated critical area.
Application of Other Regulatory Reform Requirements.
• Rules of construction in JCC 01.01.040 and JCC 18.10.005.
• Use “may” when and item is allowed.
• Use “shall” when an item is mandatory.
• Use “should” when an item is recommended but not required.
• Use JCC for references to the Jefferson County Code.
• Use RCW for references to the Revised Code of Washington.
• Use WAC for references to the Washington Administrative Code.
• Use “person” for individuals, organizations and state or local agencies.
• County, chapter, section, and title should appear in lower case.
• Lists convention.
• Subsection convention.
• Font convention.
• Automatic numbering convention.
• Paragraph convention.
• Defined terms must be used.
• Accurate word choices must be made.
• Terms undefined in chapter 18.10 JCC must be eliminated:
• Make parallel changes in other chapters of the JCC.
• Add, delete or modify definitions.
• Terms used consistently.
• Remove unnecessary words.
• Acronym consistency.
• Capitalization consistency.
• Gender-neutral consistency.
• Header formatting consistency.
• List consistency.
• Eliminate slashes (/) to avoid confusion.