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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4c-CP Action Plans ReferenceLAND USE ------- 1.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 1-27 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Land Use Element over the next ten years (prior to the next periodic update). several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 1-27 Land Use Action Plan Action Description Implement Overlays Integrate healthy and active living into system plans and codes Encourage urban densities in UGAs Encourage legislative solutions to address needs of rural counties Economic Development • Address Highway 20 View Corridor Overlay on Zoning Maps and UDC as appropriate. • Work with economic development entities on a study and potential location for Highway/Commuter Corridor Overlay. • Implement goals and policies supporting active living and access to healthy foods, into development plans for the UGA, Non-Motorized Transportation & Recreation Plan, the PROS Plan, and into the Unified Development Code. • Address approved means of wastewater treatment that do not preclude future urban services. • Consider adopting a mixed-use zone or mixed-use overlay to encourage vertical and horizontal mixed-use in the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA, particularly in the commercial core within the service area of the PHU GA Sewer System where existing and planned services are concentrated. • Support the Road Map initiative by the Ruckelshaus Center and other legislative initiatives that address needs of rural counties, particularly affordable housing and living wage jobs. • Review LAMIRDs and add additional flexibility to boundaries and uses (particularly within the Rural Village Centers), meeting the GMA requirements. Seek legislative amendments to the GMA, where appropriate. • Pursue infrastructure investments in the Rural Village Centers that support development but do not constitute urban levels of service. • Seek opportunities for additional economic development in Glen Cove. • Prioritize Glen Cove and Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA as priority economic development areas. I Refer to the Economic Development Element for additional information Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 l-143 NATURAL RESOURCES ---~- 2.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 2-7 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Natural Resources Element over the next eight years (prior to the next periodic update). several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 2-7 Natural Resources Action Plan Action Description Forest Resource Lands Forest Health and Resilience • Implement climate adaptation actions to address forest health and resilience, as well as actions to increase carbon sequestration consistent with the countywide sequestration goal. Mineral Resource Lands Mineral Lands Inventory and Assessment • When new mapping becomes available from federal, state, or local sources, conduct a detailed review of available data on mineral resources in Jefferson County, including assessment of economic impact of mineral extraction and projected future needs. • Establish an updated baseline inventory of lands to be protected for future mineral resource extraction. • If new data and review warrants, refine and expand mineral lands overlay to capture all areas of long-term commercial significance. Agricultural Lands Conservation Agricultural Use Regulation Review Agricultural Community Outreach Agricultural Lands Resilience • Evaluate current development regulations for agricultural activities and accessory uses including agritourism and other innovative techniques per RCW 36.70A.l77 to address land supply and affordability challenges for local farmers. • Continue and strengthen communication with Jefferson County agricultural producers, including the Jefferson County Climate Action Committee Local Food System Group regarding innovative methods to grow the local agricultural economy and conserve farmland. • Implement climate adaptation actions to address agricultural viability and resilience. Local Food Systems and Public Health Local Food Partnerships • Work with the Jefferson County Local Food System Council, Jefferson County Public Health Department, Community Health Improvement Plan, local schools, Peninsula Food Coalition and other community groups to identify opportunities to strengthen Jefferson County's local food system. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 2-30 HOUSING ------ 3.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 3-14 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Housing Element over the next ten years prior to the next periodic update, several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 3-14 Housing Action Plan Action Description Remove Potential Barriers to Housing Create additional housing opportunities Seek and promote funding sources to retain and add housing ■ Evaluate short-term rentals using available local and state data sources. Determine if a registration program and limits on numbers, zones, or locations are appropriate to help ensure a sufficient housing supply for year-round residents. ■ In the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA, allow some development activity on approved alternative wastewater treatment systems. "' In the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA, offer incentives and fee waivers, as funding is available, for infill housing such as ADUs and for lot consolidation. ■ Participate in planning efforts with other jurisdictions and housing stakeholders to address housing affordability and those experiencing homelessness. "' Publish a residential development workflow/flowchart with predictable timelines, fees, cost considerations, and expectations (including possible causes for timeline extensions) to increase predictability and transparency of the permitting processes. "' Evaluate the overall role and purpose of emergency, transitional, and affordable housing categories-including types of structures such as tiny homes and RVs-and evaluate their place within housing strategies, including opportunities, locations, and consequences. "' Allow Homestead Parcels for resource lands and potentially agricultural activities on larger lots in rural areas. A minimum parent parcel size, and siting criteria, may need to be set to ensure that this allowance does not interfere with goals of supporting agriculture. "' Develop a housing incentives program for Urban (Irondale and Port Hadlock) and Rural areas to advance housing variety and affordability per RCW 36.70A.S40. "' Emphasize the longevity of incentives to builders to maximize the number of affordable units and encourage permanent/long-term affordability. "' Consider utilizing surplus or underutilized public land for permanent affordability models to developers, non-profits, or other housing providers. "' Advocate the legislature for multifamily tax exemptions in unincorporated UGAs in smaller rural counties. Pursue multi-family tax credits, especially at the federal level such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and project-based vouchers (Section 8) "' Support Commerce's Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program for rural property owners. Determine how the county can help educate rural property owners about the program. "' Support expansion of federal tax credit programs, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 3-42 HOUSING ------- Action Description Regularly monitor housing production trends • Create a plan for monitoring the type and number of new housing units added annually. Reassess policies and development regulations if housing production trends do not match needs identified in this element and Appendix E. • Regularly review production trends with Planning Commission and the Board to discuss remediation strategies if needed. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 3-43 OPEN SPACE, PARKS & REC, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION - 4.5 ACTION PLAN The PROS Plan includes a detailed implementation plan, based on the needs assessment and capital improvement plan contained in that document. The action plan in Exhibit 4-2 highlights a combination of implementation measures based on the policies of the PROS Plan and this element. Exhibit 4-2 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Resources Action Plan Action Description Jefferson County Park and Recreational Resources Continue implementation of the PROS Plan. Continue funding and development of trails projects to create community linkages. Bring parks and recreational programming to underserved populations Review service standards and inventory in the next PROS Plan update. • Maintain and optimize services at existing recreational facilities. • Implement facility improvements, expansions, and acquisitions according to the PROS Plan Capital Improvement Plan. • Continue developing partnerships and volunteerism to ensure adequate staffing and increase available programming at Jefferson County recreation facilities. • Partner with the City of Port Townsend and the State of Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to plan future corridors and identify feasible funding opportunities. • Identify underserved populations, whether by geography or by other barriers to participation, and implement strategies to serve those populations with updated parks programming and facilities accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. • Seek to establish a consistent funding source for parks programs, recreational programming, and facilities. • Address any existing deficiencies (e.g., special use facilities) and consider location of parks relative to historically marginalized and underserved populations in the next PROS Plan update. Consider revisions to park ELOS as needed. Historical and Cultural Preservation Develop internal inventory of historical and culturally sensitive sites to aid development permit review. • Partner with tribes, community groups, and other agencies to identify culturally significant sites that could be adversely impacted by development and establish development permit review procedures to protect culturally significant locations. • Incorporate information from DAHP, such as the WISAARD database, to supplement local knowledge of culturally significant sites. • Continue to develop collaborative relationships and consult with area tribes. • Identify Jefferson County's historical sites and seek ways to preserve high- priority historical elements. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 4-15 ENVIRONMENT------------------------- 5.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 5-7 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Environment Element. Exhibit 5-7 Environment Action Plan Action Description Watershed Planning and Fish Habitat Recovery Management Continue to support and participate in watershed and fish habitat studies and planning. • Integrate water resource management for human needs with fish and wildlife habitat protection and restoration. • Engage local tribes with usual and accustomed areas in Jefferson County environmental planning and sustainability efforts. • Evaluate and pursue equitable distribution of conservation efforts so that vulnerable populations benefit equally. Critical Areas Protection Periodically update critical areas development standards and include as Best Available Science and considerations of anadromous fish. • Ensure appropriately updated development regulations for critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, and wetlands Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques Encourage the use of low- impact development techniques and other innovations that benefit ecosystem vitality. • Support resiliency of the county's local environment in coordination with other community needs, such as economic development, affordable housing, and healthy living opportunities. • Potential for reduced site preparation costs, resulting in savings to developers. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 5-22 TRANSPORTATION ------ 6.5 ACTION PLAN The Transportation Element is implemented by on-going updates to capital plans and system plans, as well as implementation of the county's code, such as with concurrency standards. Exhibit 6-9 Transportation Action Plan Action Description Multi-modal System Investments Transportation Improvement Program Capital Facility Plan Annually update the six-year transportation improvement program. Include 6-year and 20-year transportation system improvements. System Plan & Code Implementation Transportation Levels of Service and Concurrency Implementation Coordination Participate in Regional Forums Consider implementing LOS and concurrency provisions in County code to include multimodal levels of service. Continue to coordinate in regional forums through the PRTPO and collaborate with WSDOT, Jefferson Transit, and Port of Port Townsend on road, airborne, and marine travel. Source: Jefferson County, 202S. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 6-33 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ----- 7.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 7-10 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Economic Development Element over the next ten years (prior to the next periodic update), several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 7-10 Economic Development Action Plan Action Description Workforce Development Align education resources and current and target industries. 11 Through the Olympic Workforce Development Council, connect businesses and local employers with the North Olympic Development Council (NODC) local school districts, colleges, and other educators to co- design training and re-skilling programs. 11 Introduce educators, high school counselors and students to experiential education settings for agriculture, advanced manufacturing, maritime and marine trades, and related career paths. Diversify & Strengthen Industries Support current and target industries that leverage existing strengths 11 Develop a long-term strategy for the Glen Cove Light Industrial Area addressing diversity of businesses, zoning designations, and intensification of uses, in collaboration with the City of Port Townsend, the Port of Port Townsend, and economic development stakeholders and agencies. 11 If requested, consider rezoning the Port of Port Townsend's Quilcene Marina, currently residentially zoned property, to a public facility zoning category . .. Support storage and processing facilities to increase food production, add value to agricultural products, and reduce agricultural waste by both augmenting on-farm capabilities and fostering larger collaborative facilities. Placemaking for Visitors & Residents Strengthen branding for Jefferson County communities as a tourist destination. Infrastructure Improvements Make investments in infrastructure to attract and retain industries. • Continue to support collaboration and partnership of the Tourism Coordinating Council with the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission and local communities and agencies. 11 Partner with Team Jefferson and other local partners to create a strategic marketing plan that highlights the assets of different communities. 11 Support the provision of high-quality, reliable broadband to support industries, service provision and increase quality of life. 11 Secure additional funds and financing to expand the PHUGA Sewer System. 11 Address needs for improved wastewater treatment in Brin non and Quilcene . .. Develop opportunities to open new dialogue regarding LAMIRDs and how the GMA can be amended to better serve rural communities with the appropriate level of needed infrastructure. 11 Advocate for enhanced ferry service to support tourism and other sectors. Study New Economic Opportunities Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 7-3S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -------------------1- Action Description Conduct a cooperative study into zoning for economic development in transportation corridors. " Coordinate with economic development groups to study business and economic development opportunities in highway and tourist corridors. The study may consider highway and tourist commercial development zoning to promote economic development. " The study may consider the following: assessing how to promote job growth and economic development along highway and tourist corridors while maintaining rural character and guarding against sprawl; access to the site for workers, tourists, and other visitors; maintaining scenic views; non-motorized transportation and recreation opportunities;, safety design for commuters, visitors freight movement, trucks, cars, and pedestrians; node connectivity, and other topics of interest to economic development and community groups. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 7-36 CAPITAL FACILITIES & UTILITIES----------------- 8.7 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 8-7 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Capital Facilities and Utilities Element over the next ten years (prior to the next periodic update), several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 8-7 Capital Facilities, Essential Public Facilities, and Utilities Action Plan Action Description Capital Facility Plan • Maintain a fiscally constrained Capital Facility Plan for the 6-year period; conduct planning level reviews of facility needs and future revenues. Update it as needed at the time of budget. • Implement guidance and action strategies for capital facility projects per the Capital Facility Plan Technical Appendix D. Essential Public Facilities ► Review the JCIA Master Plan 2074, as amended, for development regulations, e.g. height, non-aviation supporting uses, etc. Utilities • Support JPUD energy conservation and broadband implementation with appropriate permit procedures, and potential development incentives as they are affordable (e.g., energy conservation above and beyond State Energy Code may receive some development incentives in UGAs). Pursue state and federal funds as they may become available. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 8-44 CLIMATE ------ 9.5 ACTION PLAN Exhibit 9-8 highlights key activities the county can use to implement the Climate Element over the next ten years (prior to the next periodic update). several in partnership with other entities: Exhibit 9-8 Climate Action Plan Action Sector Nexus Description Climate Change Outreach and Education Climate Science Updates Update Zoning and County Code ► Emergency Management ► Communication & Collaborations ► Zoning & Development ► Water Resources ► Ecosystems ► Agriculture & Food Systems ► Buildings & Energy ► Transportation ► Climate Modeling ► Zoning & Development ► Water Resources ► Cultural Resources & Practices ► Agriculture & Food Systems ► Buildings & Energy ► Emergency Management ► Transportation ► Continue climate centered communications and create outreach tools that can be used to inform Jefferson County residents about climate change impacts and resilience strategies. Strategies should include actions that residents and businesses can take at home to bolster resilience, reduce GHG emissions, and reduce water consumption. ► Build staff capacity to conduct targeted outreach to community organizations, businesses, and schools, to help these organizations integrate better climate practices, including both preparing for climate impacts and reducing GHG emissions. ► Encourage department and agency development of climate hazard-related emergency plans. ► Partner with relevant stakeholders across the county to implement the policies in this element, including the CAC Outreach group. ► Conduct periodic updates of climate information such as sea level rise, flooding, heat, precipitation and snowpack, and more. ► Integrate climate findings into County plans and policies, noting impacts to County infrastructure or operations. ► Climate Action Committee to organize qualified team to perform periodic countywide GHG modeling of sector-based emissions, and forest and trees GHG inventory. ► Integrate climate data and projected future conditions into policies impacting zoning and land use decisions and building and infrastructure requirements. ► Leverage planning, conservation, and restoration efforts to improve natural and built infrastructure resilience to climate hazards. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 9-38 CLIMATE ------ Action Sector Nexus Description Infrastructure Improvements Support Local Economy ► Zoning & Development ► Buildings & Energy ► Ecosystems ► Water Resources ► Agriculture & Food Systems ► Agriculture & Food Systems ► Ecosystems ► Cultural Resources & Practices ► Communications & Collaborations ► Promote Outdoor Recreation ► Continue efforts to increase built infrastructure resilience to climate hazards, including culvert replacement for fish passage, and through implementation of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. ► Provide support for implementing new modes of transportation as feasible and as funds are available, including infrastructure for active transportation to encourage safe walking, biking, and rolling, and the use of electric vehicles and transit buses. ► Agriculture, timber, marine, and tourism industries; support of established economic activities that also increase climate resilience and ecosystem health and promote carbon sequestration. ► Support plans and policies to protect key county natural resources and natural resource economies. ► Support the development of a county food system resilience plan by collaborating with the CAC Food Systems group. ► Expand recreational opportunities by increasing hiking trails, campsites, and associated amenities (shelters, picnic facilities}. Provide signage for all improvements and guide brochures featuring accessible and short-hike options. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan July 2026 9-39