HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO Comment Joseph Halcomb
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1383/2025-Critical-Areas-Ordinance-Update
TO: Greg Ballard, Development Code Administrator, Jefferson County
RE: Critical Area Ordinance Revision
I am a long time working farmer in Jefferson County, and I appreciate the concerns expressed
by the owners of One Straw Ranch with respect to how the definition of agricultural lands in the
critical area exemption section is too restrictive. Not all agricultural lands are being worked all
the time, but the use should still be protected from unnecessary regulation. Otherwise,
agriculture in Jefferson County will cease to exist.
State law recognizes the need to treat “Farm and agricultural conservation land” as a category
of land that needs to be protected, but Jefferson County is yet to do so. The Critical Area
ordinance is just one example. I would like to suggest the following language for 18.22.230.
18.22.230 Exemptions
………
(3) The following activities in a critical area or its associated buffer are exempt when in compliance
with all of the requirements in this section, including those additional requirements in this
subsection:
a. Agricultural activities.
Agricultural activities, as defined in JCC 18.10.010, are exempt and may continue in
substantially the same manner; provided the agricultural activity does not result
in unmitigable impacts to a critical area or its associated buffer. This exemption shall include
maintenance and repair of lawfully established structures, infrastructure, drainage and
irrigation ditches, and farm ponds; provided, maintenance work does not expand further into a
critical area. This exemption applies on lands meeting at least one of the following criteria:
1. Has current and on-going agricultural activities.
2. Taxed as “Farm and agricultural land” under 84.34.020 (2) RCW.
3. Defined as “Farm and agricultural conservation land” under 84.34.020 (8) RCW.
Thank you,