HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEARING Comp Plan Update - 0700626 Agenda Request
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Josh Peters, County Administrator
FROM: Jeremy Williammee, Community Development Director
DATE: July 6, 2026
SUBJECT: Public Hearing and Potential Action to Adopt the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan Periodic
Update and Associated UDC Amendments
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Jefferson County Planning Commission (PC) has completed its review and public hearing process for
the 2025-2045 Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan (CP) Periodic Update and targeted amendments to
the Unified Development Code (UDC, Title 18 of the Jefferson County Code). Following a duly noticed
public hearing on May 13, 2026, the Planning Commission voted 6 in favor, 0 opposed, and 3 absent to
recommend adoption of the CP and UDC amendments and has transmitted those recommendations to the
Board of County Commissioners.
On June 22, 2026, the Board received a progress update from staff, reviewed the Planning Commission's
transmittal letter and recommendations, and voted to schedule a public hearing on the proposed CP and
UDC amendments. The Board approved the Notice of Public Hearing for publication, and the hearing was
duly noticed for July 6, 2026. The Board is now requested to conduct the public hearing, receive public
testimony, and consider whether to adopt the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan and associated UDC
amendments.
ANALYSIS:
Jefferson County is required under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) to periodically update its
Comprehensive Plan. The current update has been underway for nearly three years and addresses
community needs related to housing, economic development, parks and recreation, utilities, transportation,
natural resource stewardship, and expected population growth through 2045.
Public Hearing versions of the CP and UDC were completed on April 15, 2026. A State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA) threshold determination was issued the same date, and the documents were distributed
to agencies and interested parties. Public testimony was received during a May 13, 2026, hearing, with
written comments accepted through May 15, 2026. The Planning Commission reviewed 15 comments
received during the comment period. Proposed resolutions are documented in the accompanying
comments matrix included in the transmittal packet.
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Key issues highlighted by the Planning Commission for Board consideration include:
• Concurrency and State Highways: The PC agrees with the Transportation Element's findings on
concurrency and the County's limited authority over state highways. Based on a WSDOT letter
dated May 14, 2026, the PC recommends the County address concurrency for housing projects in
the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA). Development of a concurrency ordinance will be the
next action the PC undertakes following adoption of the CP. In the interim, DCD will continue to
use the SEPA process for project review.
• UGA Height Limits: The PC requests that the Board review height requirements in Table 3A-2
(Section 18.18.050). Most Urban zones currently allow a 70-foot height limit. The PC asks
whether a 70-foot height is appropriate in the UGA given fire protection capabilities for structures
of that height.
• Middle Housing UDC Amendments: The PC reviewed and recommended a package of targeted
UDC amendments focused on middle housing, responding to state legislative mandates and
expanding regulatory options to encourage more diverse and affordable housing typologies.
A Notice of Public Hearing was approved by the Board on June 22, 2026, and published in the newspaper
of record on June 24 and July 1, 2026. During this hearing, the Board will receive public testimony on the
2025-2045 CP and UDC amendments and consider the Planning Commission’s recommendations.
Following the hearing, the Board may adopt the CP and UDC amendments as recommended, adopt them
with modifications, or continue the matter for further consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT/COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
There are no direct fiscal impacts associated with this public hearing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Hold the hearing and receive public comment on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. Begin
deliberations on ordinance adoption and/or schedule time for potential action at a future Board meeting.
REVIEWED BY:
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator Date
7/1/2026