HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Agenda 06-18-2014JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4450 PlanComm@co.jefferson.wa.us
MEETING AGENDA
6:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Quilcene School, 294715 Hwy 101, Quilcene
6:30 PM A. OPENING BUSINESS:
•Call to Order – Kevin Coker, Chair
•Roll Call & Quorum of Members
•Approval of Agenda
•Staff Updates
•Committee Reports/ Commissioner Announcements
6:45 PM B. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
1.Continuation of public hearing on proposed Sign Code amendments, JCC 18.30.150
(UDC Text Amendment MLA12-00226)
•Staff Presentation
•Public Testimony
•Deliberations
•Recommendation to Board of County Commissioners
8:00 PM 2.Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update (GMA Periodic Update 2016)
8:45 PM 3.Planning Commission Public Survey
9:00 PM Observer Comment
9:15 PM C. CLOSING BUSINESS:
•Summary of today’s meeting –
Follow-up action items
•Agenda items for next meeting –
July 2, 2014 at 6:30 pm at Gardiner Community Center
9:30 PM D. ADJOURNMENT
2014 Meeting Schedule: Regular Planning Commission meetings are held the 1st Wednesday and the 3rd Wednesday of
each month, or as otherwise scheduled. Meeting time and location may vary but will be announced in advance. Special meetings may also be convened as needed. All meetings are open to the public and noticed in the Leader newspaper.
Learn more on the Planning Commission website at http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/PlanningCommission.htm
PLANNING COMMISSION
\Vednesday,June18,2014
Public Hearing Procedure
JEFFERSON COUNTY CODE AMENDMENT
JCC Chapter 18.30
Development Standards
Specifically: JCC 18.30.150 Signs
Clzair: The public hearing that was opened on May 7, 2014, and
continued until this time is now in session, regarding the
proposed amendment to the Jefferson County implementing
regulations dealing with signs standards. This is a legal
process from which a decision must result. Both oral and
written testimony is allowed. These are legislative
proceedings. In making our recommendation to the Board of
County Commissioners the Planning Commission will follow
strict procedural requirements. The Planning Commission will
consider all testimony and evidence for or against a proposal.
Procedural due process is followed in order to ensure a fair
hearing. Common courtesy is expected from all participants.
First, will be the staff report, followed by public testimony.
Chair: Turn to the Project Planner
Staff Report: (Carl)
MLA 12-0026 A proposed amendment to JCC 18.30.150,
development standards pertaining to signs. These provisions
apply to the entire County except the City of Port Townsend.
Page 1 Planning/PC Master Folder/PC General I
Initial presentation of the facts: What is the proposal? Review
the background information. What is the staff recommendation?
Back to the Chair
The floor is now open to the public; the Planning Commission
will hear public testimony in support or opposition to the
proposed amendment. The testimony is being recorded,
therefore when you speak, begin by stating your name and
address. Each person will be allowed to speak for up to 3
minutes.
The Chair calls on the p ublic. Repeats until all have spoken.
On ce testimony is complete, the Chair announces:
The public hearing is now closed.
The Chair turns to the Planning Commission members:
]. Is there a motion?
2. Is there a second?
3. Discussion and deliberation, enter findings of fact and conclusions of law, growth
management indicators, circumstances, assumptions, and values. See JCC 18. 45. 090
which sends you back to JCC 18.45.080(l)(b) and (I)(c) as applicable.
4. VOTE ... needs 5 to pass
5. The Planning Commission affirms by a vote of the membership that the
recommendation reflects the decision of the Planning Commission and the staff will
forward the same onto the BOCC.
G:\PLANNfNG\JCC -UDC -Other Codes\UDC MASTER FOLDER\Signs\Sign Code 2014\PC & BOCC approval docs\PC Public
Hrg JCC-UDC Amendment script-Signs 6-18-14.docx
Page2 Planning/PC Master Folder/PC General
Sign Code Update: PC meeting of June 18, 2014
Response to Comments at Planning Commission Public Hearing of May 7, 2014
Public or Planning Commission Comment
1. There are no enforcement provisions in the
proposed sign code
2. DCD has not adopted the IBC appendix for
signs. This should be done for safety.
3. Private roads are not addressed. How can
potential impacts be addressed?
4. Signs in the public right of way should have the
name and contact info of the party posting the
sign.
Staff or Planning Commission Response
Enforcement provisions for the entire Unified
Development Code (U DC) are provided at JCC
18.50.
The IBC Appendix "H" was intentionally not
adopted as it has provisions in conflict with the
County's sign code. Additionally, Appendix "H"
does not specify when a sign needs a building
permit.
Staff recommends that determining when a sign
needs a building permit should be an administrative
decision upon reviewing a sign application.
Authority for such decisions is granted to the
building official in JCC 15.05.020, and to the
Planning Administrator in JCC 18.30.150(2).
The proposed sign code prohibits signs that
" ... create a safety hazard for pedestrians or
vehicular traffic" (18.30.150(5)(f).
Also, pursuant to Section 18.30.150(5)(f), signs that
present a public hazard are prohibited and subject
to abatement.·
Public roads are specifically identified in the sign
code because the code allows individuals to post
signs in the public road right of ways. There is no
similar right of the public to post signs in the right of
way of private roads.
The sign code applies to private and public
property, (including any private roads affected), as
stated in Section 18.30.150 -Applicability: "No
sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any
purpose or in any manner except as permitted by
the regulations of this Section or as specified
elsewhere in this code".
Additionally, existing zoning regulations will apply
and control signs for their size, height, setbacks,
and liqht trespass.
Section 18.30.150.(S)(e) is proposed to be revised
to show this.
Also, this section states that signs in the ROW are
limited to 90 days. Staff recommends that this time
limit be increased to 180 days, to allow ample time
for campaign and other signs in the ROW. 3
5. Criteria from the Public Works Department Staff proposes to delete this reference. The Public
referenced in section 18.30.150 (9) is not works criteria are general in nature and not suitable
codified. for codifying. Additionally, the intent of the PW
criteria is substantially met in the proposed sign
code.
6. Need better definition of height. Is it top or Proposed clarifying language has been added to
bottom? Sections 18.30.150(6)(d), 18.30.150(8)(c), (d), (e)
and (k).
7. 45 day limit for temporary signs comes late in The 45 day limit applies to temporary signs so it is
the code. appropriate to provide this information in the
section that addresses temporary signs.
Section 18.30.150(8)(a).
8. The size limit for handheld signs (12 s.f.) is too The larger the sign, the more risk there is that the
small. A sign could be worn on the front and user may lose control due to the weight of the sign
back of a person larger than 12 s.f. or effect of wind, resultiing in a hazardous sign.
Section 18.30.150(6)( o ). Suggestion: enlarge size to 16 s.f. total, which can
be divided into two or more areas (for instance for
wearing 8 square feet on the front and 8 s.f. on the
back of a hand held sign user).
9. Why the restriction on signs facing seaward? The purpose of this section is to reduce or avoid
sign clutter of commercial signs facing the water
Section 18.30.150(6)(i). that may inform relatively few boaters but cause an
impact to the most sign viewers who experience
signs from the landward side and receive no benefit
if only the rear of the sign is visible.
Staff proposes to revise this section to exempt non-
commercial signs on private property, so they could
face seaward. However, Section 10 already allows
for non-commercial signs to be substituted for any
other sign.
10. The term "continuously maintained" is Staff proposes revising this section as shown in
undefined. Section 18.30.150(6)(9).
11. One section refers to signs that project more These two sections are not inconsistent because
than six inches from a building and another they address different purposes.
section refers to signs that project more than
12 inches from buildings. Section 18.30.150(6)(e) refers to any sign, not
necessarily a projection sign. The purpose is to
18.30.150(6)(e). prevent a hazard to someone walking beneath a
The size of signs in square footage shall be sign that projects out more than six inches.
calculated by the outside dimension necessary
to frame the information displayed. Any sign
projecting beyond six inches from a
perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet
above grade.
18.30.150(3)(t)
Projection sign" means a sign that is wholly or
partly dependent upon a building for support
and which projects more than 12 inches from
such building
12. 18.30.150(6)(c)
The restrictions on changing message signs
could prohibit Christmas signs.
13. Off site signs that advertise a business are
prohibited.
14. 18.30.150(4)(i)
Signage on vehicles should not be limited to
those "in the conduct of business".
15. 18.30.159(6)(e) and (f)
Section (6)(f) says no more than two signs in
rural commercial zones but Section (6)(e)
does not limit the number of signs.
16. Not all changing message signs are electric or
illuminated.
17. 18.30.150(6)(m)
One small off site sign per business should be
Section 18.30.150(3)(t) refers specifically to
projection signs, which can project out several feet
or more from the building face. This section
defines what a projection sign is, as a sign
projecting more than 12 inches from a building.
Christmas signs are included in signs exempted
from the sign code in Section 18.30.150(4)0)-
"seasonal displays or decorations ... •
The purpose of this code is to reduce visual clutter
of off-site signs. However, existing legal
nonconforming off-site signs are permitted until the
County has a "Wayfinding" sign program, per
18.30.150(7).
Event off-site signs are permitted (fairs, festivals,
directional signs}, per 18.30.150(8)(b).
Staff proposes striking everything after the word:
"vehicle".
Correct. Section 18.30. 150 (6)(f) Only two signs
permitted in Rural Commercial or Industrial zones.
In Rural Residential zoning (Section
18.30.150(6)(e), does not limit the number of signs;
only the total sign area is limited (32 s.f.). Therefore
a person can have more than one sign that add up
in total to not more than 32 s.f. This provision is
intended to allow more ways to communicate
personal messages.
The definition of changing messages sign includes
only those that are electronic or illuminated.
Therefore, changing message signs that are
manually changes or non-illuminated are not
subject to this requlation. 18.30.150.(3)(i).
Staff proposes revisions to allow this at:
allowed. 18.30.150(6)(m)
G:\PLANNING\JCC -UDC -Other Codes\UDC MASTER FOLDER\Signs\Sign Code 2014\Response to public comment at 5-7-14
sign code hearing (6-3-14).docx
5
18.30.150 Signs.
Planning Commission meeting of June 18. 2014
Sign Code Proposed Revisions from Comments at the
Planning Commission Public Hearing of May 7. 2014
1) Purpose: These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and
welfare, the need for a well-maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate
methods of communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
a. To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
b. To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and
hazards from signs;
c. To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and "rural character"
in accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
d. To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
e. To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content
of signs. No part of this Section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over
another and if any provision of this Section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to
not regulate on the basis of speech content.
2) Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner
except as permitted by the regulations of this Section or as specified elsewhere in this code.
All non-exempt signs shall be subject to review and approval and may require issuance of a
sign permit and or a building permit by the Administrator according to a Type I permit approval
process as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
3) Definitions:
a ) "Abatement" means to repair, fix, rebuild, demolish and or remove any sign or sign structure to
remove any feature that is non-compliant with this Section.
b) "Abandoned sign" means any sign that, for a period of more than six (6) months, no longer
correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, product, event or activity
conducted or available on or off the premises on which the sign is located~
c) "Administrator" means the Planning Manager of the Jefferson County Department of
Community Development or his/her designee.
d) "Banner Sign" means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, non-rigid material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.
e) "Billboard sign" means any outdoor sign containing advertising which is not related to any use
or activity on the premises on which the sign is located, but not including directional signs as
defined in this title.
f) "Commercial sign" means signs that exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
g) "Community signs" mean signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated
place.
1
h) "Directional sign" means a sign which serves solely to designate the location of any place, area,
Gf organization, except or businesses, whether on premises or off-premises.
i) "Changing message sign" means a type of "moving sign", where only the display of words,
symbols, graphics or images can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or
automatic means, and where the image and/or message remains fixed for at least 3 seconds,
and where only the changing message exhibits movement and where the brightness or
illuminance of the sign does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured
during the night between the hours of 1 O:OOpm to 2:00am using a foot-candle meter at a preset
distance depending on sign size. The measuring distance in feet shall be determined by the
square root of the product of the sign area and one hundred. In addition, illuminated moving
signs with changing messages shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which
automatically adjusts brightness due to ambient light conditions.
j) )"Event signs" means signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special
events, and grand openings.
k) "Foot-candle" means a unit of luminance or illumination, equal to one lumen incident per
square foot.
I) "Freestanding sign" means a sign which is supported by permanent uprights, pole or braces to
the ground and which is not connected to a building.
m) "Hand held sign" means a sign held or worn by a person.
n) "Moving sign" means signage that exhibits movement, including inflatable structures, fluttering
material, revolving or moving parts or lights to provide motion or the optical illusion of motion,
animation or changing images. Moving signs may employ one or more of the following
methods to provide motion or the illusion of motion: (a) naturally occurring energy, such as the
wind; (b) electrical energy, (c) mechanical energy, or (d) human power.
o) "Nonconforming sign" means any sign in existence within the County on the date of adoption of
the ordinance codified in this chapter which does not conform with the provisions of this
chapter, but which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the date the sign was originally
erected.
p) "Noncommercial signs" means signs that do not exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
q) "On-site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
r) "Off-site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is not available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
s) "Portable sign" means any sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure or
building. This definition includes movable reader boards, banners and sandwich boards that are
placed so as to be seen from public right-of-ways.
2 '1
t) Projection sign" means a sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and
which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
u) "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale, lease, or
rental of a particular building, property, or premise upon which it is displayed.
v) "Sandwich board sign": See "portable signs".
w) "Sign" any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors,
which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person,
institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including
words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
Excluded from this definition are signs required by law, such as handicapped parking signs,
and the flags of national and state governments.
x) "Subdivision real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale, lease
or rental to more than one lot, house or premise within a subdivision.
y) "Temporary sign" means a portable sign intended for use for a limited number of days within
any 12 consecutive months.
z) "Wayfinding signs" means, upon its establishment by the County, a program of uniform signs
that are designed, installed and maintained by the County intended to assist the public in
finding goods, services, events and places. Private or public entities may be approved to locate
their messages on the Wayfinding signs, upon payment of a fee intended to defray the cost of
the program.
aa) "Use" means the purpose that land or building or structures now serve or for which they are or
may be occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, or intended.
4) Exemptions: The following signs are exempt from the requirements to apply for and receive a
land use sign permit or building permit; provided that exempt signs must meet all other applicable
requirements of Section 18.30.150, and any other applicable requirements of JCC 18.
a) Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;
b) W indow and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product
dispensers, illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber poles;
c) National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;
d) Legal notices required by law;
e) Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;
f) Noncommercial signs on private property;
g) Structures with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use, such as recycling
containers and phone booths;
h) Real estate signs;
3 B
i) Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized vehicle.:. that is operated to transport
goods or people in the conduct of business.
j) Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly incidental and customary and commonly
associated with any national or local event, occasion or holiday or religious or cultural observance.
k) Murals or signs consisting solely of paint or other colored media that is applied on existing
structures.
I) Portable signs.
m) Signs in the public right of way.
n) Temporary signs.
5) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
a) Abandoned signs;
b) Billboard signs;
c) Moving signs, excepting signs where the movement is induced entirely by naturally occurring
causes, such as the wind or human power and also excepting signs that display changing
messages may be allowed pursuant to Section 18.30.1 50(6)(c).
d) Off-site signs which advertise a business; except as provided in Section 18.30.150(6)(m).
e) Signs or sign structures, which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict with
traffic-control signs or devices;
f) Signs which impede or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic; and
g) Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs.
h) Signs placed within public rights-of-way except as allowed by Section 18.30.150 (4)
Exemptions, and Section 18.30.150 (8) Temporary Signs.
i) Signs that are not in compliance with Section 18.30.150.
6) Design Standards. All signs must meet the following standards:
a) The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or
brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights-of-way
or create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public, or to surrounding properties.
b) No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving parts; consist of banners,
streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights, provided that
exceptions to this standard are temporary signs associated with local festivals, fairs, parades,
or special events pursuant to Section 18.30.150(8)(b); moving signs where the movement is
induced wholly by naturally occurring causes, such as wind or human power; and changing
message signs allowed pursuant to Section 18.30.150(6)(c).
4
c) Changing message signs are allowed only in commercial and industrial zones and must be
directed away from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including properties
across a public right-of-way. No changing message sign may be located closer than 200 feet
from property zoned residential or open space, as measured from the sign location to the
nearest property line of the residential or open space zoned property. Only one changing
message sign is allowed per property. Multitenant buildings on a single property are permitted a
single electronic changing message sign. Changing message sign displays must be turned off
between the hours of 1 O:OOpm and 6:00am when located within 300 feet of a residentially
zoned property. All new applications for changing message signs must be certified in writing by
the sign manufacturer or installer to meet the illumination requirements of Section
18.30.150(3)(i). All existing changing message signs that are non-conforming with this Section
in regards to brightness and motion must be brought into conformance with the brightness and
hours of operation standards within five years of adoption of this code.
d) For any uses within any commercial or industrial land use district the total square footage of
signs shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided that any sign size may be increased up to 50%
larger than the standard size, upon approval of the Administrator, based on a finding that the
larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of Section 18.30.150(1 ). Multitenant
developments may have one freestanding sign for each access point, commonly identifying the
businesses within multitenant developments provided such signs total no more than 64 square
feet in aggregate. The maximum aggregate size for projection signs placed on a building is
limited to one percent of the floor areas of the building, except that each occupant is allowed a
sign of at least two square feet. In no case may an individual occupant's sign be larger than 15
square feet. The size of signs in square footage shall be calculated by the outside dimensions
necessary to frame the information displayed. Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a
perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet above grade as measured from the ground to the
bottom of the sign.
e) On-site signs for any use located in any rural residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet
of total sign area, with the exception of community signs, which shall not exceed 64 square
feet; provided that, any sign size may be increased up to 50% larger than the standard size,
upon approval of the Administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent
with the provisions of Section 18.30.150(1 ).
f) Uses located in any rural commercial or rural industrial land use districts shall have no more
than two on-site signs, except as allowed in this Section for multitenant developments.
g) All signs shall be continuously maintained to be structurally sound. intact. secured in its place
and not present a public hazard .. Pursuant to Section 18.30.150(5)(f), signs that present a
public hazard are prohibited and shall be subject to abatement.
h) The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing
beneath them. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian
clearance to a minimum of eight feet, as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
where applicable.
i) No signs, other than those related to water dependent uses, such as a marina, or non-
commercial signs on private property or are permitted to face seaward, excepting signs
relating to safety concerns, such as cable-crossing, construction-dredging, fuel area, etc.
j) No sign shall be placed in a way as to obstruct a driver's vision of motor vehicle traffic,
bicyclists or pedestrians, or traffic signs
5 10
k) Community Signs are permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to
one per entrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eight feet in height~
measured from the ground to the top of the sign. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders,
fraternities and the like shall be permitted as part of the community sign.
I) Portable sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:
i) No more than two sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
ii) Sandwich board signs shall not exceed four feet in height or three feet in width;
iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only; and
iv) Sandwich board signs, where located on sidewalks, shall provide a minimum of 36" of
continuous horizontal clear space between the sign and any building or the edge of the
sidewalk, to provide for the free passage of pedestrian traffic.
m) Off-site signs may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards:
i) Are directional in nature as defined in Section 18.30.150(3)(h).
ii) Located on private property along a major or minor arterial;
iii) Located not less than 600 feet from an intersection; and
itl_No larger than 32 square feet; or 3 square feet for a commercial sign.
!¥fv) Only one off-site commercial sign per commercial destination may be allowed;
not more than 8 feet tall. as measured from the ground to the top of the sign; and
located not more than 1 ,320 linear feet from the turn-off to the destination of the sign.
n) Banner signs shall be no larger than 64 square feet and not placed on utility poles without the
permission of the utility.
o) Hand held signs shall not exceed ~.1§ square feet.
7) Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of these standards
and not in conformance with these standards shall be considered legal , nonconforming signs, and
may remain as provided below:
a) Legal Nonconforming off-site signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of an
ordinance establishing a "wayfinding sign" program, which is intended to provide off-site sign
locations where businesses can place signs. Until adoption of a wayfinding sign ordinance,
legal non-conforming signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally
altered. Nonconforming off-site signs may be replaced by off-site directional signs as allowed
in Section 18.30.150(6)(m).
b) Legal Nonconforming on-site signs may remain provided they are continually maintained, not
relocated, and not structurally altered.
8) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a sign permit,
subject to the following standards:
a) Temporary signs shall be limited in size to 32 square feet and shall not obstruct safe visibility
of any motorist or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be secured in their location so as
to not collapse, become airborne or otherwise cause a safety hazard. Unless otherwise
noted, temporary signs may be displayed not more than 45 days within any 12 consecutive
month period.
6
'
b) Event Signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand
openings may be displayed up to 30 days prior to the event, and shall be removed no later
than seven days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event
signs may be located "off-site." To ensure consistency with this Section, "event" signs subject
to the requirements of JCC 8.20 shall be reviewed by the Administrator for a "special event
permit".
c) Real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of either: (1) the date the new owner or
lessee takes possession of the property, or (2) the date of the expiration of the listing and (3)
shall not be more than 12 square feet in size and not exceed 8 feet above existing grade. as
measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
d) Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots or dwelling
units located within a subdivision shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be no more
than 1 sign per subdivision entrance, and each sign shall be no greater than 32 square feet in
area and no greater than 8 feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
These signs shall be removed with in seven days following the initial sale of all lots or dwelling
units within the subdivision.
e) Signs in the public right-of-way, excepting governmental signs, must not exceed 4 square
feet in size, not exceed 3 feet above existing grade to the top of the sign and must include the
name and contact information of the party posting the sign, date of posting and must be
removed by the party who posted the sign or their agent not later than 180 days after
posting.:. and in addition to this code, are subject to criteria published by the Jefferson County
Public Works Department.
9) Signs along state highways. All signs along state highways in Jefferson County are also subject to
sign regulations and permit requirements established by the state of Washington.
1 O) Substitution. Noncommercial signs are allowed in all districts and may be substituted for any sign
expressly allowed under this code.
G:\PLANNING\JCC. UDC ·Other Codes\UDC MASTER FOLDER\Signs\Sign Code 201 4\PC & BOCC approval docs\Sign code w-o strike
through for public hearing (6-18-14).docx
7
18.30.150 Signs.
Planning Commission meeting of June 18, 2014
Sign Code Proposed Revisions from Comments at the
Planning Commission Public Hearing of May 7. 2014
1) Purpose: These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and
welfare, the need for a well-maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate
methods of communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
a. To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
b. To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and
hazards from signs;
c. To maintain public and private property values. scenic resources and "rural character" in
accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
d. To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected.
e. To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content of
signs. No part of this Section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over
another and if any provision of this Section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to not
regulate on the basis of speech content.
2) Applicability: No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner
except as permitted by the regulations of this section or as specified elsewhere in this code. All
non-exempt signs subject to this section shall be subject to review and approval _and may
require issuance of a sign permit and or a building permit by the administrator according to a
Type I permit approval process as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC. The administrator may waive
certain requirements of this section or require additional conditions for any sign permit, if
deemed necessary to maintain consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.
3) Definitions:
a ) "Abatement" means to repair. fix, rebuild, demolish and or remove any sign or sign structure to
remove any feature that is non-compliant with this Section.
b) Abandoned sign" means any sign that. for a period of more than six (6) months. no longer
correctly identifies. exhorts, or advertises any person. business. product. event or activity
conducted or available on or off the premises on which the sign is located~
c) "Administrator" means the Planning Manager of the Jefferson County Department of Community
Development or his/her designee.
d) "Banner Sign" means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, non-rigid material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.
1 13
e) "Billboard sign" means any outdoor sign containing advertising which is not related to any use or
activity on the premises on which the sign is located, but not including directional signs as
defined in this title. Billboard signs are prohibited.
f) "Commercial sign" means signs that exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
fg) "Community signs" mean signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated
place.
£th) "Directional sign" means a sign which serves solely to designate the location of any place. area,
organization, or businesses, whether on-premises or off-premises.
Ai) "Electronic changing message sign" means a type of "moving sign". capable where only the
display!filt of words, symbols, graphics or images tAat can be electronically or mechanically
changed by remote or automatic means, and where the image and/or message remains fixed for
at least 3 seconds, and where only the changing message exhibits movement and where the
brightness or illuminance of the sign does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as
measured during the night between the hours of 1 O:OOpm to 2:00am using a foot-candle meter at
a preset distance depending on sign size. The measuring distance in feet shall be determi ned by
the square root of the product of the sign area and one hundred. In addition, illuminated moving
signs with changing messages shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which
automatically adjusts brightness due to ambient light conditions.
i) )"Event signs" means signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events,
and grand openings.
k) "Foot-candle" means a unit of luminance or illuminati on. equal to one lumen incident per square
foot.
I) "Freestanding sign" means a sign which is supported by permanent uprights. pole or braces to the
ground and which is not connected to a building.
m) "Hand held sign" means a sign held or worn by a person.
n) "Moving sign" means signage that exhibits movement, including inflatable structures, fluttering
material, revolving or moving parts or lights to provide motion or the optical illusion of moti on,
animation or changing images. Moving signs may employ one or more of the following methods
to provide motion or the illusion of motion: (a) naturally occurring energy, such as the wind; (b)
electrical energy, (c) mechanical energy, or (d) human power.
o) "Nonconforming sign" means any sign in existence within the County on the date of adoption of
the ordinance codified in this chapter which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter,
but which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the date the sign was originally erected.
2
p) "Noncommercial signs" means a sign that does not exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
q) "On-site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity. use,
product, or service which is available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
r) "Off-site sign" means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is not available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
s) "Portable sign" means any sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure or
building. This definition includes movable reader boards, banners and sandwich boards that are
placed so as to be seen from public right-of-ways.
t) Projection sign" means a sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and
which projects more than 12 inches from such building
u) "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale, lease, or rental
of a particular building, property, or premise upon which it is displayed.
v) "Sandwich board sign": See "portable signs".
w) "Sign" means any object. device. display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or
indoors, which is used to advertise. identify. display. direct or attract attention to an object. person.
institution. organization. business, product. service, event or location by any means, including
words, letters. figures. design. symbols. fixtures, colors. illumination or projected images. Excluded
from this definition are signs required by law. such as handicapped parking signs, and the flags of
national and state governments.
x) "Subdivision real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale.
lease or rental to more than one lot. house or premise within a subdivision.
y) "Temporary sign" means a nonpermanent portable sign intended for use for a limited number
of days within any 12 consecutive months.
z) "Wayfinding signs" means. upon its establishment by the County, a program of uniform signs
that are designed, installed and maintained by the County intended to assist the public in finding
goods. services. events and places. Private or public entities may be approved to locate their
messages on the Wayfinding signs. upon payment of a fee intended to defray the cost of the
program.
aa) "Use" means the purpose that land or building or structures now serve or for which they are
or may be occupied, maintained. arranged, designed, or intended.
4) Exemptions. The following signs are exempt from the requirement to apply for and receive a land
use permit or building permit, provided that exempt signs must meet all other applicable requirements
of Section 18.30.150, and other applicable requirements of JCC 18.
3 15
(a) Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;
(b) Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product
dispensers, Ae&A illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber poles;
~! National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or
business;
(d} Legal notices required by law;
(e) Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;
(f) Personal Noncommercial ~signs on private property.._displaying personal messages such as
"yard sale" or "no trespassing" or political messages not to exceed eight square feet*;
(g) Structures with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use, such as
recycling containers and phone booths;
(h} Real estate signs~
(i) Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized vehicle.Lettering painted on 08
magnetically flush mounted onto a mQ!Qr ~I~ Qperating in the nOffl'tal course of business
ffi.,. Temporarv signs. Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly incidental and
customary and commonly associated with any national or local event. occasion or holiday or
religious or cultural observance.
(k) Murals or signs consisting solely of paint or other colored media th at is applied on existing
structures.
(I) Portable signs.
(m) Signs in the public right of way.
(n) Temporary signs.
5) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Abandoned signs;
(b) Billboards signs;
(c) Flashing, revoli.•ing or Mmoving signs, excepting signs where the movement is induced
entirely by naturally occurring causes, such as the wind or human power and also excepting
signs that display changing messages may be allowed pursuant to Section 18.30.1 50(6)(c).
4 Ito
(e) Signs or sign structures, which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict
with traffic-control signs or devices;
(f) Signs which impede or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic; and
(g) Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs.
(h) Signs placed within public rights-of-way except as allowed by Section 18.30.1 50 (4)
Exemptions: Section 18.30.1 50 (8) Temporary Signs.
(i) Signs not in compliance with Section 18.30.150.
d§) Design Standards. All signs must meet the following standards:
a) The following standards apply to the illumination and illustration of signs:
lL_ The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or
brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights-of-
way or create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public, or to surrounding properties.,.
~
ii) No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating , revolving, or moving parts; consist of
banners, streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights. provided
that ~exception~ to this standard areis temporary signs associated with local festivals,
fairs, parades, or special events pursuant to subsection Section-18.30.150 (8)(b); (4)(a) of
this section; moving signs where the movement is induced wholly by naturally occurring
causes. such as wind or human power: and electronic changing message signs allowed
pursuant to section 18.30.1 50 (6) (c).
iii) Electronic changing message signs are allowed only in commercial and industrial zones and
must be directed away from adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including
properties across a public right-of-way. No electronic changing message sign may be located
closer than 200 feet from property zoned residential or open space. as measured from the
sign location to the nearest property line of the residential or open space zoned property.
Only one electronic changing message sign is allowed per property. Multitenant buildings on
a single property are permitted a single electronic changing message sign. Electronic
Changing message sign displays must be turned off between the hours of 1 O:OOpm and
6:00am when located within 300 feet of a residentially zoned property. All new applications
for changing message signs must be certified in writing by the sign manufacturer or installer
to meet the illumination requirements of Section 18.30.150 (3) (i). All existing electronic
changing message signs that are non-conforming with this section in regards to brightness
and motion must be brought into conformance with the brightness and hours of operation
standards within GAe five years of adoption of this code.
b) Sign size and number shall be regulated as follows:
lL_ The total square footage of signs shall not exceed 64 square feet for any business within any
commercial or industrial land use district. For any use within any commercial or industrial
land use district the total square footage of signs shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided
5 11
that any sign size may be increased up to 50% larger than the standard size upon approval
of the Administrator. based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent with the
provisions of Section 18.30.150 (1 ). Multitenant developments may have one freestanding
sign for each access point, commonly identifying the businesses within multitenant
developments provided such signs total no more than 64 square feet in aggregate. The
maximum aggregate size for projection signs placed on a building is limited to one percent of
the floor areas of the building, except that each occupant is allowed a sign of at least two
square feet. In no case may an individual occupant's sign be larger than 15 square feet. the
Directional. identification or advertising The size of signs in square footage shall be
calculated by the outside dimension necessary to frame the information displayed. Any sign
projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet above
grade. as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
ij----On-site signs for any use located in any rural residential district shall not exceed 32 square
feet of total sign area. with the exception of community signs, which shall not exceed 64
square feet; provided that, any sign size may be increased up to 50% larger than the
standard size. upon approval of the 7Administrator. based on a finding that the larger sign
size is consistent with the provisions of Section 18.30.150(1 ).
ii) The square footage of signs shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to
frame the information displayed. No sign mounted on a building shall extend abo1.ie or
beyond the eave, rake, or parapet of the wall on which it is mounted. Any sign projecting
beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least se\.ien feet abO\'e grade.
Ht=
iii) Directional, identification or advertising On site signs for any use located in any rural
residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet, with the exception of institutional
community use signs, 'Nhich shall not exceed 64 square feet.
c) Uses located in any rural commercial or industrial land use districts shall have no more than
two on premiseon-sites signs, except as allowed in this section for multitenant developments.
d) Signs attached to or painted against the structure to which it relates shall nQ! be computed as
a part of the overall total square footage, or number of signs allowed.
ejd) All signs shall be continuously maintained to be structurally sound intact. secured .n
1the1r places and not present a public hazard. Pursuant to Section 18.30.150 (5)(f), 8.§.igns that
present a public hazard as determined by the Jefferson County building official or department
of public works shall be subject to abatement.
f.)fil The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing
beneath them, unless otherwise permitted by the Jefferson County department of public
works. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian clearance to a
minimum of eight feet, from the ground to the bottom of the sign. where applicable.
~fl.Signs should be incorporated into the landscaping of the site when landscaping is provided . .:.
~g) No signs, other than those related to water dependent uses, such as a marina, o '"'O
commercial signs on private propei"N are permitted to face seaward, excepting signs relating
to safety concerns, such as cable-crossing, construction-dredging, fuel area, etc.
6 18
ij_ti_lNo sign shall be placed in a way as to obstruct a driver's vision of motor vehicle traffic,
bicyclists or pedestrians. or traffic signs at intersections in the public right of way or in the
vision clearance triangle of intersections. drivewavs. or a.AG curb cuts, unless otherwise
approved by the Jefferson County department of public works.
j) A building permit with engineered plans must be submitted for proposed signs meeting the
following criteria:
i) The proposed sign is in excess of 32 square feet in size:
ii) The proposed sign is in excess of six feet above grade: or
The proposed sign is roof mounted on a structure.
4Z) Specialty Signs. Specialty signs may be established when consistent with the standards set forth
below:
a) Signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand openings
may be displayed up to 30 days prior to the event, and shall be removed no later than seven
days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign remo';al. Event signs may be
located "off site."
~ Community Signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated place are
permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to one per entrance, and
may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eight feet in height as measured from the ground to.
1the top of the sign. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders, fraternities and the like shall be
permitted as part of the community sign.
l)!LBusinesses may erect temporary on site sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:
i) No more than ti.vo sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
ii) Sandwich board signs shall not exceed f-Our feet in height or three feet in width;
iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only;
iv) Sandwich board signs shall not be placed on sidewalks; and
v) Sandwich board signs shall not be placed in public road rights of way unless approved by the
Jefferson County department of public works.
I) Portable sandwich board signs are subject to the following criteria:
i) No more than two sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
ii} Sandwich board signs shall not exceed four feet in height or three feet in width;
iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only; and
Jv) Sandwich board signs. where located on sidewalks. shall provide a minimum of 36" of
continuous horizontal clear space between the sign and any building or the edge of the
sidewalk. to provide for the free passage of pedestrian traffic.
Sandwich board signs shall be located on site and not be placed on sidewalks.
a} Real estate si!!IR& aFe s1s16jeet te tRe h1llewir:ig a88itieRal eriteria:
i} Real estate siar:is sRall ee roef:Ae¥e9 wiU:iir:i se':.4eR eeys ef eitRer:
(1} tRe eete tRe Re'N ewRer er lessee tel(es pessessieR ef tRe prnpeFty. er
(2) tRe €late ef tRe e)(piratieR ef tRe listii:ig.
(3) SRall R8t &e ~ere tRaR 12 s~were feet iR si:ze aRe A8t exeee€l a feet 908¥9 frnistiAg
~
b) Off-site signs may only be allowed when the meet all of the following standards:
i) Are directional in nature as defined in Section 18.30.150.(3))h).
7
i) Located on private property along a major or minor arterial;
ii) Located not less mGra -than 600 feet from an intersection; and
filLNo larger than ~32 square feet.
mjj) Community banners Banner signs no larger than 42 64 square feet and not placed on
utility poles without the permission of the utility.
R}k) Hand held signs shall not exceed 42 16 square feet.
~) Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of these
standards and not in conformance with these standards shall be considered legal, nonconforming
signs, and may remain as provided below:
a) Legal Nonconforming off-site premises signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of
the ordinance codified in an ordinance establishing a "wayfinding sign" program. which is
intended to provide off-site sign locations where businesses can place signs. this code. Until
then, such signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.
Nonconforming off-premises site signs may be replaced by off-site directional signs as allowed
in this section.
at
b) Legal Nonconforming on premiseon-sites signs may remain provided they are continually
maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.
c) Billboards which are in place prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this code may
remain provided they are continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.
[Ord. 8 06 § 1]
99. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a sign permit, ara
subject to the following standards:
~a) Temporary signs shall be limited in size to 32 square feet and shall not obstruct safe visibility or
of any motor vehicle mobile or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be secured in their location
so as to not collapse. become airborne or otherwise cause a safety hazard. Unless otherwise
noted, temporary signs may be displayed not more than 45 days within any 12 consecutive month
period.
c)
c) Event Signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events. and grand
openings may be displayed up to 30 days prior to the event. and shall be removed no later
than seven days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event
signs may be located "off-site." To ensure consistency with this section. "Event" signs subject
to the requirements of JCC 8.20 shall be reviewed by the Administrator. or designee. for a
"special event permit".
d)
e) Real estate signs are subject to the following additional criteria:
i) Real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of either:
(1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of the property. or
(2) the date of the expiration of the listing.
~Shall not be more than 12 square feet in size and not exceed 8 feet above existing
grade as measured from the ground to the top of the sign!
f)-
8 l.0
g) Real estate signs are allo·.ved subject to the following additional criteria:
i) Real estate signs shall be removed within seven days of eithed
(1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of the property, or
@) the date of the expiration of the listing.
ii) Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots or
dwelling units-located within a subdivision shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be no
more than 1 sign per subdivision entrance. and each sign shall be no greater than 32 square
feet in area and no greater than 8 feet in height as measured from the grot.md to the top of
the sign. These signs shall be removed removed within seven days following t$eR the initial
sale of all lots or dwelling unitsclosing of subdivision sales. within the subdivision.
lliL
Hiiv) Signs in the public right-of-way. excepting governmental signs, must not exceed 4
s uare feet in size not exceed 3 feet above existin rade as measured from the round t
he top of the sign and must include the name and contact information of the party posting
the sign , the date of posting and must be removed by the party who posted the sign or their
agent not later than 18d days after posting ..
4-010. Signs along state highways. All signs along state highways in Jefferson County are also subject
to sign regulations and permit requirements established by the state of Washington. Property
owners and sign installers should familiarize themselves with these rnguirements[cs1]. See
Chapter 468 66 Washington Administrative Code .
.++1 1. Substitution. Noncommercial signs are allowed in all districts and may be substituted for any sign
expressly allowed under this ordinance code.
G;\SllA~~~~·l§fl-COG~r+Ke--ffifE~l4Gf~-!)lll:)llG
hearmg 4 29 14.eecx
G:\PLANNING\.JCC -UDC -Other Codes\UDC MASTER FOLDER\Signs\S19n Code 2014\PC & BOCC approval docs\Draft sign code w-
stnke-throuqh for PC public hearing 6-18-14 docx
9 ti
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4450
Guidance to Create Findings for MLA12-00226
UDC Text Amendment
For
JCC 18.30.150 & 18.18.100
Sign Code
Proposed Amendment to:
Jefferson County
Unified Development Code, Title 18
June 18, 201 4
To: Board of County Commissioners, Chair John Austin;
Department of Community Development, Director Carl Smith; and
Interested public of Jefferson County
Date: June 10, 2014
Attached: Proposed Text for JCC Chapter 18.30.150 and JCC 18.100 Signs
In preparing our recommendation, we have considered the growth management indicators and other
general guidance on required findings, pursuant to JCC 18.45.080, and therefore do hereby declare
the following findings and conclusions in support of our decision:
1. Deliberations-discussion of proposal and entering findings & conclusions
"For all proposed amendments, the planning commission shall develop findings and
conclusions and a recommendation which consider the growth management
indicators set forth in JGC 18.45.050 (4)(b)(i) through (4)(b)(viij, as well as the
following:"
[NOTE: text from JGC 18.45.080 (1)(b). The indicators mentioned in .050 will be
introduced and addressed later in this worksheet.]
a) Required findings; adapted from JCC 18.45.080 (1)(b)(i-iii):
(i) Have circumstances related to the proposed amendment and/or the area in which it is
located substantially changed since the adoption of the Jefferson County Comprehensive
Plan? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. A citizen's lawsuit in 2006 resulted in a court order to void a portion of the
Jefferson County sign code, related to constitutionally protected speech. This court ruling
necessitates the proposed amendment.
(ii} Are the assumptions upon which the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan is based
no longer valid; or is new information available which was not considered during the adoption
process or any annual amendments of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan?
PC Response: No. The Comprehensive plan is still valid.
(iii) Does the proposed amendment reflect cu rrent, widely held values of the residents of
Jefferson County? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why}
PC Response: Yes. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character'' by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
"In addition to the required findings set for in [the subsection above], in order to recommend
approval of a formal site-specific proposal to amend the comprehensive Plan, the planning
commission must also make the following findings:"
b) Additional required findings, adapted from JCC 18.45.080 (4)(c)(i) through
(4)(c)(viii)
(i) The proposed site-specific amendment meets concurrency requirements for
transportation and does not adversely affect adopted level of service standards for
other public facilities and services. [Answer 'yes', 'no', or 'not applicable' and describe
why]
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLA12-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 2 o/7 t3
PC Response: N/A -The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{ii) The proposed site-specific amendment is consistent with the goals, policies and
implementation strategies of the various elements of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan. [Answer yes', 'no', or 'not applicable' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A -The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{iii) The proposed site-specific amendment will not result in probable significant
adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated, and will not place uncompensated burdens
upon existing or planned service capabilities. [Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A-The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{iv) The subject parcels are physically suitable for the requested land use
designation and the anticipated land use development, including planned surrounding
land uses. [Answer yes' or 'no' ancf describe why}
PC Response: N/A-The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{v) The proposed site-specific amendment will not create a pressure to change in
the land use designation of other properties, unless the change is in the long-term best
interests of the county as a whole. [Answer yes', 'no: or 'not applicable' and describe
why}
PC Response: N/A-The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{vi) The proposed site-specific amendment does not materially affect the land use
and population growth projections that are the bases of the Comprehensive Plan.
[Answer yes', 'no', or 'not applicable' and describe why]
PC Response: N/A-The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
'flow to Decide' Supp lement for Planning Commission
MLA12-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 3 o/7 t4
(vii) Within an Urban Growth Area, the proposed site-specific amendment does not
materially affect the adequacy or availability of urban facilities and services to the
immediate area and the overall UGA. [Answer 'yes: 'no', or 'not applicable' and
describe why}
PC Response: N/A -The proposed sign code update is not site-specific.
{viii) The proposed amendment is consistent with the Growth Management Act
(Chapter 36.?0A RCW), the County-Wide planning Policies for Jefferson County, any
other applicable inter-jurisdictional policies or agreements, and any other local, state or
federal laws. [Answer yes' or 'no ' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
c) JCC 18.45.050{4)(b){i) through {4)(b)(vii)
Inquiry into the Growth Management Indicators:
i) Is growth and development as envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan occurring faster
or slower than anticipated, or is it failing to materialize? [Answer yes' or 'no ' and describe
why]
PC Response: More slowly, due to the "great recession" of 2008-2009.
ii) Has the capacity of the county to provide adequate services diminished or increased?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Diminished, due to lower tax revenues from lower economic activity as a result
of the "great recession" of 2008-2009."
iii) Is there sufficient urban land, as designated and zoned to meet projected demand and
need? {Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why]
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLAJ 2-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 4 of7
PC Response: Yes, due to growth rates less than projected in the comp plan. However this
indicator does not apply since this is not a Comp Plan amendment, but an amendment to the
development code.
iv) Are any of the assumptions upon which the plan is based no longer found to be valid?
{Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. The assumptions in the Comp Plan are still valid, but growth is occurring
more slowly than projected. The land use types, amounts and public facilities are still valid
and appropriate to accommodate future growth, but the demand for the public facilities is
anticipated to take longer than estimated due to slower growth rates.
v) Are there changes in the county-wide attitudes? Do they necessitate amendments to
the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and the basic values embodied within the
Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement? [Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
''rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
vi) Are there changes in circumstances which dictate a need for amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan? [Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
vii) Do inconsistencies exist between the Comprehensive Plan and the GMA or the
Comprehensive Plan and the Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County?
{Answer 'yes ' or 'no' and describe why]
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLA 12-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 5 o/7
PC Response: No. This proposed sign code amendment maintains a balance between
providing constitutionally protected free speech, supporting economic development through
the ample and effective use of signs, and upholding community held values for maintaining
"rural character" by controlling the number, placement, type and size of signs.
d) The Record
1) In addition to the guidance provided by GMA, the County-Wide Planning Policies,
the Jefferson County Code, and the Comprehensive Plan, what else is in the record
with respect to this proposal? [Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why}
PC Response: Please see the attached: "Jefferson County Sign Code Update: Facts and
Findings, April 2014", regarding the public record for this proposed amendment to the sign
code.
2) Can assertions in the record be confirmed by information from other sources?
[Answer 'yes' or 'no' and describe why}
PC Response: Yes. The attached Facts and Findings can be confirmed by public records,
such as audio recordings, public notices, and meeting minutes (where available) of Planning
Commission meetings.
3) Is the decision we are about to make based on the record? [Answer 'yes' or 'no'
and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. The proposed decision is based on discussions by the Planning
Commission and input by citizens and staff at multiple open public meetings before the
Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, and at two public hearings. All of
these events are part of the public record. Additional public re cords:
a) This proposed amendment is based on findings as required by JCC 18.45.080.
b) The two public hearings for this proposed amendment has been duly noticed per the
requirements of JCC 18.45.080.
c) This proposed amendment has been duly assessed for environmental impacts via a SEPA
Checklist, as required by Chapter 197-11 WAC (SEPA rules).
d) This proposed amendment recommendation is based on the record, following two open record
hearings and following the close of the open record hearings, consideration by the Planning
Commission of any written or oral comments.
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLA 12-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 6 o/7 t7
e) This proposed amendment satisfies legal criteria.
f) This proposed amendment is being provided for a 60 day review to the Washington State
Department of Commerce, Growth Management Services, as required by RCW 36. 70A.106
(GMA).
4) Does the decision we are about to make, as far as we know, satisfy legal criteria?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why]
PC Response: Yes. The proposed amendments to the sign code have been reviewed by the
County's Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and found to meet legal criteria.
5) Is the decision we are about to make limited to the specific request at hand?
[Answer yes' or 'no' and describe why)
PC Response: Yes. This decision is limited to updating the County's sign code regulations.
Are there any additional findings of fact or conclusions of law pertinent to this decision?
PC Response: Yes. Please see the aforementioned Facts and Findings regarding the public record
and other facts and findings for this proposed amendment to the sign code.
2. Repeat motion and vote (one of the following):
a. In favor -Yea
b. Opposed -Nay
c. Abstain -I
Based on these findings, on June 18, 2014, the Jefferson County Planning Commission voted to
approve, __ to deny and __ abstentions for MLA 12-0026 and recommend that the BOCC
approve I deny the Planning Agency's request to amend the JCC as proposed in MLA 12-0026.
Kevin Coker, Chair Date
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Decide Worksheet Sign Code 3-19-14.docx
'How to Decide' Supplement for Planning Commission
MLA 12-00226 Sign Code
6-18-14
Page 7 ofl
Proposed Jefferson County Sign Code Amendment (MLA12-00226)
Facts and Findings
Planning Commission Public Hearing: June 18, 2014
1. In September, 2006 a lawsuit was filed in Clallam County Superior Court by a Jefferson
County citizen challenging certain provisions of the sign ordinance, codified as JCC 18.30.1 50
Signs. The Citizen's concerns centered on restrictions of free speech relating to political signs
as outlined in JCC 18.30.150(2)(f).
2. In October of 2006, the Clallam County Superior Court issued an injunction preventing
Jefferson County from enforcing section 18.30.150(2)(f) of the Jefferson County Code which
states, "Personal signs on private property displaying personal messages such as "yard sale"
or "no trespassing" or political signs not to exceed eight square feet."
3. On April 23, 2008, staff of the Department of Community Development (DCD) transmitted a
staff report to the Planning Commission with recommendations for revising the sign code.
4. On May 8, 2008, The Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to
the sign code. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to recommend to
the BOCC, certain amendments to the sign code. The vote for amendments was not
unanimous and a "minority report" was submitted to the BOCC, dated May 15, 2008.
5. On May 27, 2008, the proposed amendments voted for by the Planning Commission majority
were transmitted to the BOCC.
6. On June 16, 2008, the BOCC held a public hearing on the proposed sign code amendments.
Following the public hearing , the BOCC voted to remand the sign code back to staff and the
Planning Commission for additional work.
7. On May 21 , 2012, the BOCC voted to put review and revision of the sign code on the DCD's
annual workplan for 2012. $10,000 was allocated from the County general fund to retain
professional services for this work.
8. Following the BOCC action of May 21 , 2012, DCD contin ued work on the Sign Code, under
the permit application number: MLA 12-226, to revise the sign codes for both JCC 18.30.150
(County at large) and JCC 18.18. 100 (Port Hadlock) to be constitutionally sound and
defensible under Federal and State requirements; and to add additional clarifying provisions.
9. To select a consultant, an informal "request for proposal" process was issued to three firms
selected from the County's small works roster. The selected consultant was Aaland Planning
Services. A contract with this firm was signed on August 13, 2012.
1 O. Following execution of the consultant contract, DCD staff worked with the consultant to
prepare revisions to the sign code.
1
11. On November 27, 2012, proposed revisions to the sign code were the subject of a public
hearing before the Planning Commission. At the public hearing, public comments were
received. The Planning Commission discussion at the hearing raised certain questions and the
Commission requested additional information, and did not take a vote on the proposed sign
code amendments.
12. In response to the comments and questions at the November 27, 2012 public hearing, the
consultant prepared a memo of issues dated December 31 , 2012.
13. The Planning Commission continued discussion of potential amendments to the sign code at
the Planning Commission meetings February 6, March 6, May 1, June 6, July 17, August 7,
October 2, November 6, December 6, 2013, and January 15, and February 19, 2014. At the
meeting of February 19, the Planning Commission reached consensus on the present draft of
proposed sign code amendments, dated February 25, 2014.
14. On May 7, 2014, the Planning Commission intends to conduct a public hearing on proposed
amendments to the sign code.
15. For sign regulations to be upheld as constitutional, court cases have tested them against the
following principles: they need to be (1) justified without reference to the content of the
regulated speech; (2) narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest; and (3)
leave open ample alternative channels for communication of information. The proposed
revised sign code satisfies this test. The proposed sign code is consistent with the County's
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies to maintain "rural character", as established by
policies including the following :
16. The proposed sign code does not specify when a sign requires a building permit, as this
cannot be ascertained with certainty without review of the sign application, and therefore, no
proscriptive standard is set for such a requirement. Furthermore, the International Building
Code does not specify such standards.
17. The proposed sign code does not define or make particular requirements for "political" or
"campaign" signs. Instead, these signs will be controlled by whatever sign code rules apply in
the underlying zone where these signs are located.
18. The proposed sign code for personal signs on private property limits the total sign area on
each particular parcel of property but not the total number of signs, providing flexibility to users
of these signs while setting an upper limit on total sign area.
19. The proposed sign code offers greater opportunity to use certain types of signs, including non-
powered fluttering signs, roof top signs and banner signs.
20. The proposed sign code provides greater usability through more definitions, increased clarity
on time, manner and place of signs.
21 . The proposed sign code does not make any distinction on the types of public signs that may
be placed in the public right of way. Instead, a total time limit for any such signs is set.
2 30
22. The control of signs, including the size, number and location of signs. is consistent with
comprehensive plan goals and policies support maintaining "rural character" though uses of
appropriate "scale" of development.
Examples of such goals and policies from the adopted 2004 Comprehensive Plan:
Land Use and Rural Element
Goal: LNG 4.0: Establish and maintain the size and configuration of the County's Rural Village
Centers and provide for the development of appropriately scaled commercial uses.
Policies: LNG 4.2: Encourage a variety of commercial, retail , professional, tourist-related,
community service. cottage industry, and residential uses, including duplexes, triplexes and
assisted living facilities , within the designated boundaries of Rural Village Centers (RVC) at a
scale appropriate to protect the rural character of the natural neighborhood.
LNG 4.6: Ensure visual compatibility of Rural Village Center commercial infill development
with the surrounding rural area, through the creation and implementation of community based
"rural character" design and development standards. Uses within Rural Village Centers shall
be scaled and sized to preserve the natural character of the neighborhood.
Comprehensive Plan Appendix C-community involvement (excerpt)
Rural Aesthetics: Preserving views of natural beauty is key to maintaining rural character.
Development activities should at the least be buffered from view to provide visual relief.
Rural Character: The size and scope of commercial developments should be consistent with
the small town, rural and agricultural character.
RCW 36.70A030(14) GMA definition of rural character (excerpt):
" ... rural character refers to the patterns of land use and development established by a county
in the rural element of its comprehensive plan:"
a) In which open space, the natural landscape, and vegetation predominate over the built
environment" ....
23. Certain court cases are considered precedent setting for establishing case law regarding the
permissible regulation of signs in order to be constitutional. Through multiple court cases, a
"test" for whether sign regulations are constitutional has emerged with the following
requirements:
a. They do not discriminate based on the content of the speech (content neutral).
b. They are narrowly tailored to serve a legitimate government interests.
c. They leave open amble alternative channels for communication.
Multiple court rulings have found that safety and aesthetics of a community are a legitimate
government interest. Therefore, communities may regulate the "time, manner and place" of
signs.
24. A few examples of precedent setting cases are shown below with the key legal ruling:
3 31
a. Metromedia, 453 U.S. at 507-08. and 511-12. U.S. Supreme Court.
i. Regulating the size, height and location of signs is constitutional for promoting
traffic safety and community aesthetics. For the same reasons, Billboards may
be banned.
b. Collier vs. the City of Tacoma. 854 P2nd. 1046 (Washington 1993).
i. Time limits on political signs are perm issible to advance aesthetic interests.
c. National Advertising CO. v. City of Denver. 912 F.2°d 405 (10th Circuit Court)
i. Off premise signs may be banned.
d. Hill v. Colorado, 530 U.S. 703, 719-21 (2000) U.S. Supreme Court.
i. A sign code is not content-based simply because an official must review the
content of the sign to determine which provisions of the code apply.
e. Taxpayers v. Vincent. U.S. Supreme Court.
i. Signs are content based if speech is regulated to favor some speech or
viewpoints at the expense of others.
f. G.K. Travel v. City of Lake Oswego. 436 F. 3d 1064 (9th Circuit Court) 2006.
i. Exemptions from code requirements for certain categories of signs (for
instance public signs, legal notices, hospitals, etc) are not content-based, and
instead are based on certain types of speakers, and not the speech.
g. Linmarl< Associates Inc .. v. Township of Willingboro . 431 U.S. 85 (1977) U.S. Supreme
Court
i. Local government may not prohibit temporary real estate signs in residential
areas as it unduly restricts the flow of information.
h. South Suburban Housing Center v. Greater South Suburban Bd. of Realtors, 935 F.2"d
868 (71h Circuit Court) 1991 .
i. Restrictions on the size, placement and number of realty signs were upheld to
protect aesthetics of community.
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4
LAND USE AND RURAL
• Chimacum
Chimacum is a historic commercial area that includes a post office and is located adjacent to the
public school, therefore serving as a focal point for the local community. Existing uses sucli as a
farm equipment and supply store serve nearby agricultural activities in the Chirnacum Valley, while
other uses such as mini-storage provide a community level of service. The logical boundary
recognizes and contains existing commercial uses and provides for limited infill on a parcel along
Chimacum Road.
• Four Comers
The Four Comers NeighborhoodNisitor Crossroads, which historically served the nearby area with
a sawmill, contains a convenience store and gas pump, a construction yard, and an auto recycling
yard, an UPS distribution office, and a mini-storage rental. The boundary of this commercial area
recognizes and contains the existing uses, and allows for limited infill development only through
subdivision or redevelopment of existing parcels, all of which are developed.
3. General Crossroads -General Crossroads are existing commercial areas that provide a broad range of
commercial goods and services for a higher population base in the northeastern part of Jefferson
County. These areas provide several regional uses, as well as multiple uses at community levels of
service. Uses in these areas include Convenience and NeighborhoodNisitor uses, as well as building
materials, hardware and farm equipment, auto repair with subordinate auto sales, appliance sales and
repair, clothing and accessories, mini-storage, RV repair and sales, and an expanded range of
specialty stores, professional services, and public and social service offices. Performance standards
for general commercial uses shall allow for sizes and scales of new development larger than those for
NeighborhoodNisitor Crossroads, but be more limiting than those for Rural Village Centers.
• State Route 19/20 Intersection
Under the criteria for commercial crossroads boundaries, this area has been downsized considerably
from 1994 zoning designations. Existing development on one side of State Route 19 was recognized
and contained, consisting of a nursery/garden supply store, an auto dealership under a Binding
Commercial Site Plan, and a vacant parcel with a vested building permit application. Commercial
uses excluded from the crossroad include an auto repair business adjacent to residential uses and a
drive-in movie theater. These uses have been excluded to limit access near an intersection with hioh 0
traffic volumes and, prior to the installation of a traffic light, a relatively high incidence of accidents.
Auto retail will be allowed in this crossroad only, in order to limit this regional commercial use from
occurring in other crossroads.
Rural Village Centers
Rural Village Centers are established, historically settled areas with commercial uses that address most
of the essential needs of the rural population, supply a large variety of goods and day-to-day services, and
provide a broad range of professional and social services. The designated Rural Village Centers contain
mixed residential and commercial uses, and are designated for residential as well as commercial uses
according to historic patterns of mixed development.
Rural Village Centers are intended to provide for a mixture of commercial, residential, and
community/public services uses. The infill allowed takes into account affordable housing goals through
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-13 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 !3
LAND USE AND RURAL
limited multi-family (duplexes, triplexes) and assisted living/special needs housing, as well as by
preserving the existing housing supply (see Housing Element). In addition to residential and commercial
uses, land for community clubs, churches, public facilities, and social services are necessary to meet
projected population growth and to preserve community identity. The table below provides figures for
net acreage available for infill based on the Assessor's land use codes.
Table 3-7
f c Infill Acrea!?e or Rural Villa2e enters
Total Land within Land in Vacant
Rural Village Center RVC Boundary Parcels
Acres/%*
19.24 acres
Brinn on 65.97 acres 29.16%
14.47 acres
Ouilcene 50.54 acres 28.63%
* Undeveloped parcels are defined as parcels that have a land use code of 9100 (undeveloped and unused land area) in the
Jefferson County Assessor's database.
Source: Currenr Land Use Codes of Commercial and lndusrrial Zones in Jefferson Counry, Washingron, October 21, 2004
1. Brinnon
The historic community of Brinnon is located on U.S. Highway 101 at the mouth of the Dosewallips
River. The traditional community boundaries are the river on the south, the steep valley wall to the
north, and Hood Canal on the east. The designated core area consists of mixed commercial and
residential uses. Existing uses, such as a nursery and a mixed commercial/residential short plat with
an existing mini-storage and a new post office, have been included in the RVC, which was modified
through adoption of the Brinnon Subarea Plan in 2002.
The boundary allows for areas of infill in Brinnon based on the distressed economy of the area as a
result of decreased employment in logging and fishing. The seasonal increase in the visitor
population is expected to increase in the future as a r~sult of ongoing regional growth in Puget
Sound. Limited areas of infill in the Brinnon Rural Village Center will provide employment
opportunities for local residents in the transition to a more diversified economy as Brinnon attempts
to promote small-scale tourist and recreation-oriented businesses based on a location on Highway
101 adjacent to the Olympic National Park.
Areas of limited infill are also provided in support of the community goal of an extended care or
assisted living facility. A high priority for the community is a facility that allows elderly residents tO
stay in the community rather than moving away from family and friends to facilities elsewhere.
2. Quilcene
The historic community of Quilcene, similar to Brinnon, is distinct from the Port Hadlock and Port
Ludlow communities because of a location at a distance from the Port Townsend UGA and a
distressed economy due to the recent decline in forestry and fishing employment. Quilcene, located
on Hood Canal and Highway 101 at the gateway to Olympic National Park, bas an opportunity to
serve visitors and seasonal residents co build a more diversified economic base.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-14 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 34
LAND USE AND RURAL
Areas of commercial infill are intended to provide employment opportunities in a distressed and
changing economy. Commercial development can take advantage of a high volume of visitors based
on a location on both Highway 101 and Center Valley Road. The community is currently
considering a public water system with the assistance of the County Health Department and the
Jefferson County P.U.D. The amount of commercial infill development will depend on the
availability of a water system. The Washington State Department of Ecology approved a water rights
transfer in 2004 from the National Forest Service to the Pl.JD with the intent of providing public
water for Quilcene.
Community concerns in Quilcene, as in Brinnon, indicate a priority need for areas of infill in the
commercial core area that might allow an assisted living or extended care facility for elderly residents of
the community. Although such facilities will be permitted conditionally in residential areas, both
communities prefer that they be located in the Rural Village Centers. While recognition of the existing
commercial development pattern in Quilcene results in somewhat irregular boundaries, several
commercial uses southeast and southwest of the boundary have been excluded in order to avoid creating
a large area of infill that would promote sprawl.
The West End
The isolated western portion of Jefferson County has no existing commercial lands, and therefore no
commercial land for that area was designated in this Plan. The West End is not projected to experience
significant growth during the 20-year planning period, with a total 20-year population projection of 43
additional people. Convenience services are available at the Kalaloch Lodge store on National Park land
and at a Quinault Nation convenience store at Queets. The regional decline of forestry and fishing has
resulted in distressed economic conditions in this area. The decline of natural resource-based industries
requires that new employment opportunities in available economic sectors areas be developed for a
transition to a more diversified economy.
Although the population of the West End is limited, a significant number of people visit the tourist and
recreation attractions of the area year-round. During the tourist season, the area experiences a laroe • 0
influx of visitors. Situated on U.S. Highway 101 between the mountain/rainforest and the ocean beach
portions of Olympic National Park, the West End receives visitors from Puget Sound regional
metropolitan areas, as well as national and international visitors. The Hoh and Quinault Indian
Reservation communities are concentrated population centers that both contribute to and rely upon the
West End economy.
In order to encourage employment opportunities in this economically distressed area, policies in this Plan
allow commercial activities serving tourist-related uses to carry a broader range of goods and services to
meet the needs of the local population (see LNP 7.6). In addition, policies for home businesses and
cottage industries allow for greater flexibility under criteria specific to the West End (see LNP 6.1.12 and
LNP 6.2.13).
Port Ludlow Village Commercial Center -Final Boundary
The Master Planned Resort of Port Ludlow has a large residential community that is served by a Village
Commercial Center. The designated commercial area is consistent with the 1993 programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement, and has been agreed to by community planning groups. Land use
activities and performance standards will be regulated by the County, but may be limited to a somewhat
greater degree by the Master Planned Resort's internal community codes, covenants and restrictions.
Jefferson Coun1y Comprehensive Plan 3-15 UPOA TED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 3 s
LAND USE AND RURAL
Legal Existi,;.g Commercial Uses
In order to meet the requirements of the Growth Management Act, a number of commercial activities
were not included within commercial area boundaries designated in this Plan. Valid legal existing
commercial and industrial uses will be allowed to continue in business, to be replaced if destroyed, and
to expand modestly within limits. The Comprehensive Plan provides specifics on the regulation of
existing legal uses in Land Use Goal 8.0 that are intended to protect existing businesses that were
established legally under previous regulations, while at the same time limiting the impacts of the
activities on adjacent properties.
Evaluation of Rural Commercial Boundaries
The designation of Jefferson County's rural commercial areas was guided by GMA criteria as applied to
local circumstances. County decision-makers heard extensive public conunent regarding the need to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Support the economic vitality of existing historic communities for the long-term viability and
cohesion of those communities;
Provide for local employment opportunities in rural areas of the county, in particular those distant
from the City of Port Townsend UGA and Irondale/Hadlock UGA;
Provide opportunities for limited multi-family, special needs, and affordable housing;
Encourage diversification of the distressed economies of communities in the South County and the
West End that are suffering from the decline of resource-based industries;
Control the high traffic volumes on the limited number of major roadways which are frequently
congested due to a substantial increase in seasonal visitors; and
Preserve the rural character of communities .
Reduction in Commercial Land
The logical boundaries of commercial areas prevent development from expanding beyond existmg
developed areas. While areas of limited infill are provided within the designated built environment, a
significant amount of undeveloped land was removed from commercial zoning status through
implementation of the Growth Management Act in Jefferson County. There were 967 net acres zoned
commercial in unincorporated Jefferson County in 1994. With adoption of the GMA-compliant
Comprehensive Plan in 1998, that number was reduced 62% to 368 net acres zoned rural commercial.
With adoption of a zoning map for the Irondale/Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA) in 2004, the
effective percent reduction of cornmercial area from the 1994 zoning was reduced to 39%.
lt should be noted that while Rural Crossroads are designated commercial lands, land within the
boundaries of Rural Village Centers (RV Cs) is designated as both commercial and residential land, as the
existing uses are mixed to a degree that precludes separate designations within the boundaries. The
conunercial lands identified at Nesses' Corner, Irondale Road, and the Port Hadlock RVC were re-
designated as part of the Irondale/Had lock UGA.
Jefferson Councy Comprehensive Plan 3-16 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 3"
J....AJ'ILI U.:>t. A.Nl.J KU1<.AL
Evaluation of Commercial Boundaries With Respect to GMA Planning Goals
Urban Growth. The designation of rural commercial areas based on the requirements of RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d) prevents urban growth or urban-scale development outside of Urban Growth Areas by
containing existing commercial areas based predominantly on the built environment as of July 1, 1990.
Commercial uses will be restricted in implementing ordinances by a land use table that prevents certain
regional uses from occurring in other rural commercial areas.
Reduce Sprawl. Jefferson County has recognized and contained existing areas and uses by establishing
boundaries based on the built environment. The boundaries provide for limited infill and prevent the
identified pattern of development from extending beyond the designated boundaries.
Transportation. Impacts of commercial areas on the county's transportation network were reviewed by
the Jefferson County Department of Public Works. The Public Works Department concluded that the
designated commercial areas are consistent with the goals, policies and strategies contained in the
Transportation Element. Future development will be reviewed for consistency with the goals and
policies of the Plan. Because the areas designated are existing areas and infill is limited, traffic forecasts,
which are based on population projections, are not affected. Opportunities for local employment have
been provided to reduce traffic pressures that might otherwise require extensive improvements.
Housing. The commercial boundaries as drawn provide not only for limited commercial infill, but also
allow for duplex and triplex housing as affordable housing options within Jefferson County's historic
Rural Village Centers and the Irondale/Hadlock UGA. Quilcene· and Brinnon, at a greater distance from
the UGAs, have prioritized the development of senior assisted living facilities in or near the Rural
Village Centers.
Economic Development. The corrunercial boundaries as drawn provide for limited infill of commercial
development in contained commercial areas outside of the County's designated UGAs. Areas of infill in
Quilcene and Brinnon are intended to promote employment and business opportunities for economically
distressed communities.
Property Rights. The right of a property owner to utilize land is an important issue to all citizens of
Jefferson County. Policies regarding legal existing uses, home-based businesses, and cottage industries
will provide for the economic viability of businesses that are not included in designated commercial
areas.
Permits. The Jefferson County Department of Community Development provides information to the
public regarding changes in regulations related to Comprehensive Plan adoption and implementation, and
corresponding development opportunities. Public participation during the revision of County ordinances
will incorporate priorities for more timely and efficient permitting.
Natural Resource Industries. The commercial boundaries will contain uses which are incompatible with
natural resource-based industrial uses and prevent low density sprawl, thereby helping to ensure the
continuation of these industries.
Open Space and Recreation. The designated boundaries significantly reduce the area available for
commercial land use activities. The boundaries promote the protection of the County's scenic resources,
open spaces and recreational opportunities.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-17 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 3 7
LAND USE AND RURAL
Environmeni. The commercial boundaries minimize the impacts on natural features and critical areas,
especially those connected to the County's water and fish and wildlife resources. The County
Development Review Department reviewed the boundaries for critical area concerns prior to their
adoption.
Citizen Participation. Citizen participation is a cornerstone of Jefferson County's planning process.
Comments and concerns expressed by the residents of Jefferson County have been seriously considered
in the delineation of the county's commercial areas. While the County understands it cannot satisfy
every resident, it can make balanced choices that provide for the greatest public benefit.
Public Facilities and Services. Review of the commercial area boundaries by the County's Public
Works Department concluded that the areas as defined are consistent with the goals and policies
contained in the Capital Facilities, Utilities, and Transportation Elements. Such goals and policies
require that development not occur until it is determined that the facilities and services are either in place
or programmed to be in place prior to development. Because the County's capital facilities Level of
Service Standards are based on population forecasts, they are not affected by the designated boundaries.
A review of commercial boundaries by the Jefferson County Environmental Health Division for impacts
on water quantity and quality, septic constraints, wellhead protection, and ground water recharge
identified no significant issues. Because the designated commercial areas are existing areas, public
services and facilities such as transportation, fire districts, and water supply are available. A lack of fire
flow and public water requirements will restrict commercial development. Jefferson County ordinances
prohibit approval of a building permit until an adequate water supply is shown to be available to support
the proposed development.
Commercial development in both Chimacum and Four Comers Crossroads are currently served by the
P.U.D. #1 of Jefferson County. Water purveyorship issues are addressed within the context of the
Coordinated Water System Plan for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Land-use patterns
determine whether a utility is an urban or rural level of service. Any new commercial development will
be required to demonstrate the availability of water service sufficient to meet the Jefferson County Fire
Code. As a member of the Water Utility Coordinating Council (WUCC), the County will participate in
the resolution of any purveyorship issues.
Historic Preservation. The preservation of historic communities has been supported by the recognition
of existing commercial areas in historic rural communities. By focusing future commercial and industrial
development in clearly defmed existing areas and strictly limiting growth outside of these areas, the
County is helping to ensure that valuable historic, archaeological, and cultural sites will be protected
from inappropriate and/or incompatible development.
INDUSTRIAL LANDS
Rural Industrial
Rural land designated as rural industrial land in this Plan is based on existing industrial uses in areas
previously zoned as industrial. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d), counties may recognize areas of
more intensive industrial development and contain them within logical boundaries to limit infill
development. Designated under this Plan are the following industrial zones: Port Townsend Paper Mill
as Heavy Industrial (HI), Glen Cove as light industrial and associated commercial (LI/C), Quilcene and
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-18 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17 -1213-04 3 B
LAND USE AND RURAL
Eastview Industrial Plat as light industrial (Ll/M), and forest resource-based industrial zones (RBIZ) a.t
Gardiner, Center, and the West End. All areas meet the following minimum criteria for designation of
rural industrial land:
1. An area or use of more intensive industrial development in existence on July 1, 1990; and
3. An area that is not located on designated natural resource lands.
Port Townsend Paper Mill Heavy Industrial Area
The Port Townsend Paper Mill has provided employment for several generations of Jefferson County
residents. The mill property has been designated as heavy industrial (HI) for the mill and for activities
ancillary to the mill. The property includes a water treatment lagoon and a port facility on Port
Townsend Bay that are directly related to activities at the mill. The mill is recognized as a heavy
industrial activity because it is a large-scale and intensive industrial activity that must meet extensive
environmental permitting requirements under industrial standards for air quality, water quality, and
wastewater treatment.
Glen Cove Industrial Area
Uses for the Light Industrial/Commercial (Ll/C) designation at Glen Cove include commercial and retail
uses that are directly associated with the light industrial uses. Associated commercial and retail uses may
include commodities and products, mechanical or electrical supplies, warehousing and storage, or may
provide support services to those who work in the industries, such as a small cafe. Allowing broader
commercial uses at Glen Cove would require addressing concerns regarding pedestrian and traffic safety,
infrastructure, and incompatible uses both visually and in terms of hazardous materials storage. Thus the
commercial designation for Glen Cove is restricted to uses which differ considerably from those in Rural
Crossroads and Rural Village Centers.
Light industrial/commercial uses allowed at Glen Cove include but are not limited to: industrial parks,
light manufacturing, construction yards, engine repair, metal fabrication or machining, plumbing shops
and yards, printing and binding facilities (non-retail), research laboratories, excavating contractors,
furniture manufacturing, software development, lumber yards, vehicle repair and restoration,
warehousing and storage, boat building and repair, craft goods, blacksmith or forge, commercial relay
and transfer stations, boat storage, and associated commercial uses as discussed above. Also permitted as
conditional uses are those such as: amateur radio towers greater than 65 feet in height, cafe, car wash,
electronic goods repair, fitness center, kennels, mini-storage, and nursery/landscape materials.
The Glen Cove industrial boundary for light industrial/commercial uses recognizes a contained cluster of
existing uses. When the County adopted the Comprehensive Plan in 1998 and established the interim
U/C zone at Glen Cove, the GMA was still in its formative years and the case law was not available for
guidance. Jefferson County was among the first counties to establish Limited Areas of More Intensive
Rural Development (LAMIRDs) allowed under GMA as amended in 1997 by ESB 6094. There was
intent to revisit the boundary after thorough analysis was completed. An expanded Light Industrial (LI)
zone was established at Glen Cove in December 2002. The Light Industrial district does not allow for
the commercial uses that are allowed in the Ll/C zone.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-19 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #!7· 1213--04 .Jt
LAND USE AND RURAL
Quilcene Industrial Area
The light industrial area at Quilcene was recognized in the final Plan based on criteria in 1997
amendments to the GMA allowing Counties to recognize and contain existing areas and uses of more
intensive industrial development (RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)). The industries need not be limited to those
serving the local population. Other criteria and considerations used for this designation include: a
minority report from the Planning Commission recommending a light industrial area in Quilcene, the
need to provide local employment in an area of distressed economic conditions located at a distance from
the Urban Growth Area, and the desire to reduce commuter-related traffic pressures on County roadways.
The existing industrial uses include a sawmill, a machine shop, and industrial storage. A vested project
for additional industrial storage is the basis for recognition of an adjacent parcel. Light industrial uses
allowed in the Quilcene Industrial Area include but are not limited to those described above for Glen
Cove, with the exception of the associated commercial and retail uses.
Transportation access is adequate, as the area is on Highway 101. New development will be restricted
until water supply issues related to adequate fire flow are addressed following the community election
for a Local Utility District in late 1998.
Easrview Light lndustriaUManufacturing Zone
The Eastview Industrial Plat borders the Paper Mill Heavy Industrial Zone on the north. Eastview
consists of six lots comprising about 8 acres that was platted in 1978. The current uses include storage,
boat yard, and repair services.
Urban Industrial
Urban Industrial lands are not bound by the requirements for rural industrial lands in RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d), and has the ability to expand beyond the July 1, 1990 built environment. There is
currently one example of Urban Industrial within the County, the Urban Light Industrial Zone with.in the
Irondale/Hadlock UGA.
Urban Light Industrial
There are approximately 25 acres of land zoned for Urban Light Industrial within the Irondale/Hadlock
UGA, most of which is currently used by a concrete batch plant and pre-existing gravel pit.
Major Industrial Development
If there is insufficient industrial land available with.in an urban growth area (UGA) for a large industrial
operation or if a natural resource-based industrial operation needs to be sited adjacent to natural
resources, there is a process within the GMA that allows for the siting of a major industrial development
(MID) outside of a UGA. Additionally, GMA allows qualified counties to designate two master planned
locations as part of Industrial Land Banks (ILBs) before December 31, 2007 for the specific purpose of
siting MIDs. MIDs sited in rural lands either through a permitting process (RCW 36.70A.365) or within
a designated ILB (RCW 36.70A.367) would be considered urban growth areas.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 40
LNP 3.6
LNP 3.7
LAND USE AND RURAL
Facilitate the multiple use function of Rural Village Centers (RVC) by establishing
siting and design criteria to provide buffering and mitigation between potentially
incompatible uses.
Provide a density exemption to allow the segregation of lots on a parcel containing more
than one dwelling unit and one septic system, provided that the dwelling unit and septic
system were constructed prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan on August 28,
1998.
RURAL COMMERCIAL LAND USE
GOAL:
LNG 4.0
POLICIES:
LNP 4.1
LNP 4.2
LNP4.3
LNP 4.4
LNP4.5
LNP4.6
LNP 4.7
EstabHsh and maintain the size and configuration of the County's Rural Village
Centers and provide for the development of appropriately scaled commercial uses.
The land use designation of Rural Village Center shall accommodate both commercial
and residential land uses.
Encourage a variety of commercial, retail, professional, tourist-related, community
service, cottage industry, and residential uses, including duplexes, triplexes and assisted
living facilities, within the designated boundaries of Rural Village Centers (RVC) at a
scale appropriate to protect the rural character of the natural neighborhood.
Establish logical outer boundaries based upon the criteria listed m RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d).
Concentrate and contain the existing built environment through development regulations
allowing for infill development within Rural Village Center boundaries.
Ensure the provision of a variety of goods and day-to-day services and a limited range of
professional, public, and social services through new infill development and existing
development which addresses most of the essential needs of the rural population and the
commuting/traveling public.
Ensure visual compatibility of Rural Village Center commercial infill development with
the surrounding rural area, through the creation and implementation of community based
"rural character" design and development standards. Uses within Rural Village Centers
shall be scaled and sized .~o preserve the natural character of the neighborhood.
Evaluate the need for revised development regulations in Quilcene following a
community Local Utility District election regarding a public water system, in order to
address issues related to the adequacy of commercial fire flow.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-49 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 4 '
LAND USE AND RURAL
LNP 10.2
LNP 10.3
GOAL:
LNG 11.0
POLICIES:
LNP 11.1
LNP 11.2
LNP 11.3
LNP 11.4
GOAL:
LNG 12.0
POLICIES:
LNP 12.1
LNP 12.2
LNP 12.3
LNP 12.4
Consistent with RCW 36.70A.367, consider the establishment of up to two Industrial
Land Banks for the siting of MIDs.
Designate sufficient land for light industrial uses within the Irondale/Hadlock UGA.
Recognize and contain the following areas and uses of more intensive industrial
development within boundaries that may allow for limited areas of infill
development:
Designate the Port Townsend Paper Mill property as Heavy Industrial.
Designate the Glen Cove area boundary as Light Industrial and Light
Industrial/Commercial, consistent with the provisions of RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d).
Designate the Quilcene industrial area as Light Industrial/Manufacturing .
Designate the Eastview Industrial Plat as Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI!M).
Locate new natural resource-based industries in rural lands and near the
resource upon which they are dependent, in accordance with RCW
36.70A.365.
Encourage the establishment of sustainable natural resource-based industrial uses in rural
areas to provide employment opportunities.
Natural resource-based industries may be located near the agricultural, forest, mineral, or
aquaculture resource lands upon which they are dependent.
Recognize and designate existing pre-1990 forest resource-based industrial uses and
activities at Center, Gardiner, and the West-End as ResoUice-Based Industrial Zones
(RBIZ).
Existing forest resource based industrial uses and activities shall be recognized as areas
of more intensive rural development under RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)(i). These Resource-
Based Industrial Zones should be allowed to accommodate conversions and/or an
intensification of these uses and activities under the provisions contained in RCW
36. 70A. 070(5)( d)(i ii).
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-58 UPDATED BY ORDJNANCE#17-1213-04 4
LAND USE AND RURAL
NATURAL RESOURCE LANDS
GOAL:
LNG 13.0
POLICIES:
LNP 13.1
LNP 13.2
LNP 13.3
LNP 13.4
Conserve and manage the for est, agriculture, aquaculture, and mineral resources of
Jefferson County for sustainable natural resource-based economic activities that
are compatible with surrounding land uses.
Conserve natural resource lands through land use designations and encourage resource-
based industries that provide rural employment opportunities.
Support cooperative resource and habitat management processes between stakeholders
and local, state, federal and tribal governments by integrating cooperative agreements
and plans into land use ordinances and regulations.
Work with resource-based industries to achieve compliance with all applicable
regulations to protect environmental values and to protect surrounding land uses.
Ensure that land use activities adjacent to resource lands are sited and designed to
minimize conflicts with resource management activities.
ENVIRONMENT
GOAL:
LNG 14.0
POLICIES:
LNP 14.1
LNP 14.2
LNP 14.3
LNP 14.4
Preserve the functions and values of critical environmental areas and protect
development from the risks of environmental hazards.
Ensure that land use decisions are based on land use ordinances which are in compliance
with the Critical Areas Ordinance and all applicable state and federal environmental
laws.
Allow residential, commercial, and industrial development in a manner that minimizes
risk from flooding, earth movement, shoreline erosion, and other natural hazards.
Support cooperative ecosystem and habitat management processes between stakeholders
and local, state, federal aI1d tribal governments.
Ensure that land use decisions along Jefferson County shorelines protect the shoreline
environment, facilitate public access, recognize the needs of water-oriented activities and
cooperate with regional plans for protection and management of shorelines. In areas of
the County under the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58
RCW), activities which are water-oriented will be preferred over those activities which
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 3-59 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17·1213-04 4 3
.•· HOUSING
HOUSING ELEMENT
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Housing Element is to assess future needs for housing in Jefferson
County by examining existing residential patterns, demographic trends and projected population growth.
Based upon these identified needs, policies are recommended to encourage safe, affordable and decent
housing options for all County residents, consistent with the requirements of the Growth Management
Act.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN
Because of the existence of complex housing issues, several other elements of the Plan analyze specific
aspects of these issues and propose methods to address them. However, this Element addresses the full
range of housing challenges and opportunities that will confront Jefferson County over the 20-year
planning period, while integrating the specific perspectives and methods from other elements that address
housing. These other elements are referenced where appropriate throughout the goals, policies and
strategy sections to support and enhance the techniques that have been developed in other elements.
HOUSING BACKGROUND AND EXISTING CONDITIONS
Introduction
The first step in assessing the present and future housing requirements of Jefferson County is to analyze
the characteristics of its existing and projected population, including age, household size, income,
location and special needs. These characteristics provide an indication of the nature of the demand for
housing over the 20-year planning period. The population of Jefferson County is given as 26,299 in 2000
and is projected to increase by approximately 13,840 people by the year 2024.
The second step in assessing · tbe housing requirements of County residents is to analyze the
characteristics of the existing and expected housing supply, including location, size, cost, and condition.
By comparing the needs of the population to the available housing stock, gaps in the housing market can
be identified. ·
l. Where to direct population growth given environmental constraints, the cost of providing public
services, and the requirements of the Growth Management Act;
2. How to ensure that a range of housing types and prices are available; and,
3. How to maintain and enhance the vitality and character of established rural residential
neighborhoods.
Demographics
Past and present trends in demographics are the starting point for considering housing demand issues.
These characteristics determine housing amounts, types, age, distribution, and price needed to shelter the
Jefferson County population.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5-1 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1 213-04 *
HOUSING
Population and Household Growth
While population growth is the most important indicator of increased demand for the majority of goods
and services, demand in housing markets is driven by the number and types of households that are
competing for the available housing stock. Growth in population and households are related, but not
identical.
The number and types of households in a community are important indicators of the scale and nature of
the housing needs of the community. A household includes all people living in one housing unit, whether
or not they are related.
An assessment of the present and future demand for housing in Jefferson County should be based upon
household growth, not population growth. Household size in Jefferson County has been decreasing
steadily for the last two decades. Table 5-1 provides a sununary of the projected household growth in
Jefferson County, as of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 1998.
p . ro.1ecte d J ff e erson
Table 5-1
C H ountv ousebol
Location 1996 2006
Incorporated Areas:
Port Townsend 3,560 4,717
Unincoroorated Areas:
Quimper Peninsula (including Glen 1,361 1,670
Cove)
Marrowstone Island 381 436
Tri-Area (Kala Point, Irondale, Port 1,730 1,981
Hadlock, and Chimacum Crossroads)
Discovery Bay (including Gardiner) 425 504
S. Chimacum /Inland Vallevs/Cenrer 563 671
Port Ludlow Planned Community 631 1,189
North Port Ludlow 287 346
Paradise Bay I Shine I Thorndyke 374 489
Toandos Peninsula (including Coyle) 179 219
Quilcene (including Lake Leland) 569 676
Brinn on 565 707
West End 334 346
Unincoroorated County Totals 7,399 9,234
J efferson County Total 10,959 13,951
Household Size and Type
d 996 s, 1 -201 6
Household Percentage
2016 Increase Increase
1996-2016 1996-2016
6,250 2,690 75.56%
1,950 589 43.28
474 93 24.41
2,250 520 30.06
590 165 38.82
752 189 33.57
1,936 1,305 206.81
424 137 47.74
629 255 68.18
266 87 48.60
802 233 40.95
867 302 53.45
356 22 6.59
11,296 3,897 52.66%
17,546 6,587 60.11 %
Table 5-2, illustrates that the majority of households are two persons or less based upon the 2000 Census
data. Nearly seventy percent (69.5%) of Jefferson County households were comprised of one or two
persons. Less than seven percent (6.5%) of households were larger than four persons.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5-2 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-041'5
.. HOUSING
Table 5-2
Housebol dT dS ·ypean ize
Persons per Percent of Households Percent of Percent of
Household Family Households Non-Family Households
1 28.5% NIA* 82.5%
2 44.3% 58.9% 15.6%
3 12.7% 18.7% 1.3%
4 9.3% 14.3% 0.4%
5 3.4% 5.5% 0.2%
6 1.2% 1.9% 0.0
7+ 0.6% 0.7% 0.0
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
* One person households are automatically considered non-family.
This small household size has important implications for analyzing and detennining future housing
demand. . Smaller households mean greater competition for housing resources. However, these
households require smaller housing units to meet their needs, which could present opportunities for
alternative affordable development techniques and housing types.
The decrease in household size is due in large part to demographic trends within the population of
Jefferson County. An aging population, combined with in-migration of retired persons, has resulted in
significant changes to the types of households in the housing market. The median age in Jefferson
County is 47. This helps to explain why the majority of households are comprised of one or two persons,
because this is about the time when the children leave home. The Master Planned community of Port
Ludlow accommodates a significant number of seniors who in-migrate from other counties and, in some
cases, from other states.
As further discussed in the Special Needs Housing section below, this growing number of senior
households will have significant effects on future housing needs in Jefferson County.
Household Income
The relationship between household income and housing cost is the main factor affecting the ability of
Jefferson County residents to afford adequate housing. As discussed in the Jefferson County Economic
Assessment (2003), by Dr. Paul Sommers, real wages have been steadily declining. Over the period 1970-
2000, real wages, adjusted for inflation, have decreased twenty-seven percent (27%).
Housing costs have increased significantly over this same period. Therefore, the decline in real wages has
had serious implications for the affordability of housing in Jefferson County. Because housing costs have
been appreciating at a faster rate than wages, households must spend larger percentages of their income
on shelter.
Not surprisingly, in a housing market, income detennines the type and size of housing that a household
can obtain. When household income increases, housing consumption increases. Generally, upper income
households spend a smaller percentage of their incomes on housing costs, although the amount they spend
on housing costs may be greater. Conversely, the lowest income households are most likely to be paying
the most for shelter relative to their incomes.
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5-3 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 4 b
HOUSING .•
Despite difficulties in collecting income data, this information is important because it can be used to ·
calculate median household income. Median income is defined as the mid-point of all of the reported
incomes. That is, if the reported incomes were sorted by amount, half the number of households had
higher incomes and half had lower incomes than the median. Median household income is used because
the median is less susceptible to being influenced by a small number of very high or very low incomes
than average income.
In 1997, Jefferson County's median income was estimated to be $30,987. The 2000 Census estimated the
median County income to be $37,869. The relatively high median income for a rural county such as
Jefferson County reflects the influx of a large number of financially secure retirees with transfer
payments.
The definitions of very low, low, and moderate income households are established by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These income levels are based on fixed
percentages of the area's median income for a household of four. These categories are used to evaluate
and prioritize the relative housing needs of income groups that may require housing assistance.
Housing Stock
Past and present trends in the housing stock are the starting point for considering housing supply issues.
The housing stock in Jefferson County is the total of all occupied and vacant habitable housing units.
Inventory and Type
Table 5-3 illustrates the number and type of housing units in Jefferson County based upon the 2000
Census data.
Table 5-3
H U. b T ousmg mts 1y ·ype
Type of Housing Number of Units Percent of Total Units
SinRle Family
Detached 10,181 72.0%
Attached 252 1.8%
Total Single Family 10,433 73.8%
Multi-Family
2 to 4 Units 465 3.3%
5 to 9 Units 150 1.1%
10 or More Units 502 3.5%
Total Multi-Family 1,117 7.9%
Mobile, Manufactured 2,177 15.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 417 02.9%
Total for Rural Counry 14,144 100.0%
The majority of housing units in unincorporated Jefferson County are single family structures, which
corresponds to the County's rural nature. Single family structures are traditionally the least affordable
housing type. As a result of the relatively small percentage of multi-family units, mobile and
manufactured homes are a major source of affordable housing in the County. Most mobile and
manufactured homes are sited on small parcels, which further reduces the cost of this housing type. In
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 5-4 UPDATED BY ORDINANCE #17-1213-04 4 7
Jefferson County Code
(2) Rural Commercial.
(a) Rural Centers (Rural Village Center)
(RVC). Rural village centers provide for most of
the essential needs of the surrounding rural popula-
tion and the traveling public. These areas supply a
variety of basic goods and day-to-day services,
while also providing a limited range of profes-
sional, public and social services. They are typi-
cally small, unincorporated commercial and
residential community centers that provide rural
levels of service and serve as a focal point for the
local population. The boundaries of the rural vil-
lage centers are predominantly defined by the con-
tained, built environment as it existed in 1990 or
before, as required by RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d).
Designated rural village centers include: Quilcene
and Brinnon.
(b) General Crossroads (GC). General
crossroads are existing historic commercial areas
that provide a broad range of commercial goods
and services for a larger population base in the
northeastern part of Jefferson County. There is one
general crossroads designation identified in Jeffer-
son County: SR 19/20 Intersection.
(c) Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroads (NC).
Neighborhood/visitor crossroad districts serve the
nearby rural neighborhood and the commuting or
traveling public. These historic areas typically pro-
vide an extended range of goods and services by
· establishment of restaurants, taverns/bars, auto
part stores, hotel/motels and a limited range of spe-
cialty and professional services. There are five
neighborhood crossroads identified in Jefferson
County: Mats Mats, Discovery Bay, Four Comers,
Chimacum and Gardiner.
(d) Convenience Crossroads (CC). Conve-
nience crossroads consist of a single commercial
property at a historical crossroads. Typically, the
existing commercial use is a convenience or general
store with associated uses that provide a limited
selection of basic retail goods and services for the
local population and the commuting or traveling
public. Land uses are not oriented to markets
beyond the local rural population. There are three
convenience crossroad designations in Jefferson
County: Nordland, Beaver Valley and Wawa Point.
(3) Rural Industrial.
(a) Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M).
The purpose of ·this district is to provide for rural
economic development by regulating light indus-
trial and manufacturing uses in the Quilcene area.
The light industrial uses and activities associated
with this district are intended to be compatible with
the rural character. There are two light indus-
18-43
18.15.015
trial/manufacturing districts in Jefferson County:
Quilcene and Eastview.
(b) Glen Cove Light Industrial/Commercial
(Ll/C). The intent of this district is to facilitate eco-
nomic development and-provide for a broader
range of light industrial and associated commercial
activities in the Glen Cove area. Associated com-
mei:cial activities are intended to directly serve the
needs of the land use activities existing within this
district.
(c) Glen Cove Light Industrial (LI). The
purpose of this district is to facilitate economic
development and provide for a broad range of light
industrial uses. The light industrial uses and activ-
ities associated with this district are intended to be
compatible with the Glen Cove area.
(d) Heavy Industrial (Hl). The intent of this
district is to facilitate economic development and
regulate development of more intensive heavy
industrial and manufacturing activities, including
and associated with the Port Townsend Paper Mill.
(e) Resource Based Industrial (RBI). This
district recognizes existing forest resource-based
industries in Jefferson County, in particular active
sawmills and related activities. The district is
intended to facilitate the continued operation of
existing functional sawmills and related resource-
based industrial activities in the county. There are
three resource-based industrial site designations in
Jefferson County: Gardiner, Center Valley, and the
West End.
(4) Forest Transition Overlay 1 Unit/5 Acres
(FTO l :5). This category provides a transitional
area between forest resource lands and abutting
rural residential lands characterized by pre-platted
Jots of density greater or equal to one acre in size.
The FTO category does not automatically attach to
any lands, but parcel(s) may be approved for such
designation in accordance with the provisions of
JCC 18.15.571. Its intent is to promote the contin-
ued viability of resource-based activities in rnraJ
areas by minimizing the potential for conflict and
incompatibility between these uses and surround-
ing residential uses. [Ord. 8-06 § l]
18.15.020
18.15.020 Resource lands.
This land use class includes three main catego-
ries and several distinct "districts."
(l) Agricultural Resource Lands (AG).1
(a) Prime Agricultural Lands (AP-20). The
purpose of the prime agricultural lands district is to
protect and preserve areas of prime agricultural
soils for the continued production of commercial
crops, livestock, or other agricul°:1ra1 products
requiring relatively large tracts of agncultural Ian~.
It is intended to preserve and protect the land envi-
ronment, economy and lifestyle of agriculture in
Jefferson County. These lands must be protected as
"agricultural lands of long-term commercial sig-
nificance."
(b) Agricultural Lands of Local Importance
(AL-20). The purpose of the agricultural lands of
local importance district is to protect and preserve
parcels of land which, while ~ot neces~arily con-
sisting of prime agriculture sod or relatively large
acreage, are still considered important to the local
agricultural economy, lifestyle and environment.
As such they deserve protection as "agricultural
lands of long-term commercial significance."
(2) Forest Resource Lands (FOR).
(a) Commercial Forest (CF-80). The pur-
pose of the commercial forest district is to ensure
large tracts of forest lands of long-term signifi-
cance are protected from incompatible uses
thereby sustaining the ability of forest resource
extraction activities to be maintained as a viable
commercial activity.
(b) Rural Forest (RP-40). The purpose of
the rural forest district is to ensure forest lands of
long-term significance are protected from incom-
patible uses thereby sustaining the ability of forest
resource extraction activities to be maintained as a
viable commercial activity, while allowing for
diversity in the size of forest tracts.
1. Section 4 of Ord. 3-08 provides:
"Section 4: Agricultural Uses. Any existing agricultural uses
occurring on lands designated as "AG" in JCC § 18.15.020(1).
to the extent such a use is regul ated or governed by any provi-
sion of the existing CAO found al JCC 18.15, shall continue
to be regulated and/or governed by the existing JCC 18.15 in
order to comply with SSB 5248 enacted by the State Legisla-
ture, signed by the Governor and now found at Section 2 of
Chapter 353 of the 2007 Session Laws. To comply with SSB
5248 between May I, 2007 and July 1, 2010 local govern-
ments planning under OMA "may not amend or adopt CA
Ordinances under RCW 36.70P .. 060(2) as they apply to agri-
cultural activities." Since this new Critical Areas Ordinance is
being enacted during the time frame covered by SSB 5248,
that law applies in the manner described above."
(Revised 4/08) 18-44
(c) Inholding Forest (IF). This district
encompasses parcels at least 20 acres in size that
are entirely surrounded by designated forest
resource lands and that are not vested for develop-
ment under Washington State law.
(3) Mineral Resource Lands (MRL).
(a) Mineral Resource Larids Overlay Dis-
trict (MRL). The mineral resource land district is to
provide for the conservation of mineral lands of
long-term commercial significance (Article Vl-C
of this chapter). The intent of this district is to aid
in sustaining and enhancing mineral extraction and
processing activities of long-term commercial sig-
nificance by protecting designated lands from
incompatible development and to allow for ·the
continued contribution of mineral lands to the Jef-
ferson County economy. [Ord. 8-06 § 1)
18.15.025 Master planned resort. ·
Per RCW 36. 70A.360, a new master planned
resort means a self-contained and fully integrated
development with primary focus on resort destina-
tion facilities that includes short-term visitor
accommodations associated with a range of indoor
and outdoor recreational facilities within the prop-
erty boundaries in a setting of significant natural
amenities. A resort may include other residential
uses, but only if the residential uses are integrated
into and support the on-site recreational nature of
the resort.
(1) Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort (MPR).
The only existing officially designated master
planned resort in the county is the Port Ludlow
MPR, which is designated in accordance with
RCW 36.70A.362 as an existing master planned
resort and is subject to the provisions of JCC Title
17. The master planned resort of Port Ludlow is
characterized by both single-family and multifam-
ily residential units with attendant recreational
facilities including a marina, resort and convention
center. The master planned resort of Port Ludlow
also includes a large residential community. The
entire resort is served by a village commercial cen-
ter, which accommodates uses limited to serving
the resort and local population. The master planned
resort's internal regulations and planning restric-
tions such as codes, covenants and restrictions may
be more restrictive. than the requirements in JCC
Title 17. However, Jefferson County does not
enforce private codes, covenants and restrictions.
[Ord. 8-06 § 1)
JJEEFFFFEERRSSOONN CCOOUUNNTTYY
DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT OOFF CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT
621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 | Web: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/communitydevelopment
Tel: 360.379.4450 | Fax: 360.379.4451 | Email: dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
SquareONE Resource Center | Building Permits & Inspections | Development Review | Long Range Planning
1 | P a g e
Jefferson County Planning Commission Periodic Update Survey
1. In what area of the county do you live?
Port Hadlock
Port Ludlow
Port Townsend (Unincorporated area)
Chimacum
Shine
Coyle
Quilcene
Brinnon
Gardiner
Marrowstone
West End
Other (please specify) _________________________________
2. What is your preferred method for receiving notices and information on future Planning
Commission meetings?
Newspaper Announcement
Email
Flyer at community center
Flyer at post office
Flyer at store
Notice in local paper/newsletter/email group
Other (please specify) _________________________________
3. How familiar are you with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan?
Very Familiar
Somewhat Familiar
Know it exists
Never heard of it
4. Please rank these goals in importance to you, personally on a scale of 1-6, one being the
most important? (1=highest)
1. Maintain and encourage a small town rural atmosphere
2. Promote, encourage, and reinforce a sense of community identity
3. Maintain a balanced community that continues to provide for and encourage a diversity of
activities, interests, and lifestyles
4. Protect and enhance the natural environment
5. Maintain and encourage economic growth and stability
6. Ensure and protect property owners' rights
7. Other (please specify) _________________________________
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5. The Comprehensive Plan governs how land is used in the county; how many, what type,
and where we place business, homes, farms, etc. This affects privacy, noise, congestion,
appearance, shopping opportunities, tourism, and your enjoyment of your home. Considering
the six goals listed in question 4, how satisfied are you with the current land use in your area?
Very Happy
So-So
Unhappy
Comments? _________________________________
6. What is the best thing about your area? _________________________________
7. What is the first thing you would fix in your area? _________________________
8. What does your area need the most right now? Please rank them with number 1 being the
most important.
1.Multi-family housing
2.Senior housing
3.Affordable Housing
4.More local businesses
5.Jobs
6.Better public transportation
7.Environmental Protection
8.More aquaculture
9.More local farms
10. More small residential sites
11. Open the hotel
12. More business zoning
13. More Public Recreation spaces
14. Other (please specify) _________________________________
8.Optional: Provide your name and email address if you would like to be added to the
Planning Commission email list.
Name: __________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Date of response: _________________________________
Please return this survey to:
Jefferson County DCD
621 Sheridan St
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Or email to: PlanComm@co.jefferson.wa.us