HomeMy WebLinkAboutland-use-and-rural-elementLand Use and Rural Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 4 Participants · 4 Topics · 6 Answers · 1 Replies · 2 Votes
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PARTICIPANTS TOPICS ANSWERS REPLIES VOTES
SUMMARY OF TOPICS
RURAL CHARACTER 0 Answers · 0 Replies
What do you consider Rural Character?
CHANGES? 5 Answers · 1 Replies
What would you like to see changed or added to the Land Use and
Rural element goals? Why?
David Neuenschwander · Citizen · (Postal Code: 98376) · Aug 08, 2016 8:50 am
2 Votes
"Protection" of anything always comes at a cost and the costs are insidiously hidden.
In this case, the costs generally mean that land will likely not be used for its "best and
highest economic use," but preserved for money losing uses. This will impact land
valuations and likely reduce county tax revenues.
Consider the following: In 2012 the USDA reported that the 212 farms in Jefferson county
lost on average $246 for every $1000 in revenue. Further, that report included
aquaculture farms which were presumably making money, meaning the land-based
farms lost even more, on average.
https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Was
hington/cp53031.pdf
Other reports in the local press suggest that our land-based farms do not even pay
workers living wages, but rely on volunteers or intern programs. While there are no solid
facts in the press, one might reasonably infer that volunteers and interns have little or
no health care coverage.
In the end, I believe the planning premise of preserving the rural character of the county
is misguided at best, and at its worst is damaging the County's economic health as it is
overly restrictive with respect to land uses.
A better planning premise might be one that seeks not to preserve, but simply to provide
for reasonable and orderly changes in thinking regarding what will be the "best and
highest" use of land.
Response:
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Land Use and Rural Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 4 Participants · 4 Topics · 6 Answers · 1 Replies · 2 Votes
scott brinton · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Oct 04, 2016 11:44 am
There are lots of ways to calculate best uses. "Highest economic use" is certainly one
of them. However, resilient local food production, clean salmon filled rivers, ample
opportunities to recreate, diverse wildlife, creating educational experiences are other
"best uses". We can look to many examples of "highest economic use" that have
created un-walkable spaces, the solicitation of corporate interests, impervious
surfaces, ecological disturbance. "Land Use and Rural Elements goals" should help
balance the pressure of economic use, so that we can value the non-monetary benefits
of our rural landscapes.
David Neuenschwander · Citizen · (Postal Code: 98376) · Aug 08, 2016 5:37 pm
2 Votes
Permitting of Business
The plan discusses permitting of home based and cottage based businesses.
The county has no business permitting or licensing process in place (so far as I can tell).
Indeed, if a parcel is zoned residential and a permitted structure is built upon it, it occurs
to me that there is no way for the County to regulate any businesses which may be
conducted from that structure (unless it is the subject of a complaint of some sort).
In other words, there is no business permitting process and no enforcement process,
making any discussion of business permiting moot.
Unless and until the County institutes a business licensing ordinance, the concept of
permitting any businesses should be eliminated from this document.
That is not to say that land use zoning and certain codes can not be considered. Indeed,
zoning is an appropriate tool to ensure that the structures built upon the land will
generally accommodate intended uses. As but one example, zoning can be used to
generally identify a commercial core and surrounding residences. And codes can be used
to keep sexually oriented businesses and liquor stores away from schools.
But permitting of businesses does not belong in this document.
Cherie Perry · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Oct 08, 2016 9:22 pm
0 Votes
I would add keep "green" stores away from schools. Also elimination of the concept of
permitting any businesses from document is a good idea..
Cherie Perry · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Oct 08, 2016 9:22 pm
0 Votes
I would add keep "green" stores away from schools. Also elimination of the concept of
permitting any businesses from document is a good idea..
WHAT STANDS OUT...? 1 Answers · 0 Replies
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Land Use and Rural Element
Closed Oct 31, 2016 · Discussion · 4 Participants · 4 Topics · 6 Answers · 1 Replies · 2 Votes
Copy and paste the goal that stands out to you the most. Why is it important
to you?
Richard Hull · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Jun 29, 2016 10:40 am
0 Votes
Ensure that rural residential development preserves rural character, protects rural
community identity, is compatible with surrounding land uses, and minimizes
infrastructure needs.
HOW MIGHT WE? 0 Answers · 0 Replies
How might we implement any needed changes to the land use and rural
element?
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