HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda PC 2017 05-17Jefferson County Planning Commission
MEETING AGENDA
Tri-Area Community Center
May 17, 2017
P: 360-379-4450
621 Sheridan St. F: 360-379-4451
Port Townsend WA 98368 plancomm@co.jefferson.wa.us
5:30 pm
OPENING BUSINESS
Call to Order/Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of previous Meeting Minutes, if available
Commissioner Announcements
Director Updates
6:00 pm
DISCUSSION
Topic
Comprehensive Plan Update
Land Use - Rural
Essential Pubic Facilities
Critical Areas Ordinance update
Wetlands
7:00 pm
OBSERVER COMMENT
When the Chair recognizes you to speak, please begin by stating your name and address.
Please be aware that the observer comment period is …
i An optional time period dedicated to listening to the public, not a question and answer
session. The Planning Commission is not required to provide response;
ii Offered at the Chair’s discretion when there is time;
iii Not a public hearing – comments made during this time will not be part of any hearing record;
iv May be structured with a three-minute per person time limit.
7:15 pm
CLOSING BUSINESS
Summary of today’s meeting
Follow-up action items
Agenda Items for the following Planning Commission meeting
7:30 pm
ADJOURNMENT
Thank you for coming and participating in your government at work!
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 1 | P a g e
Purpose The Rural Character of Jefferson County is important and must be
protected. The purpose of the Land Use and Rural Element is to have goals
and policies in place to guide how the land is used and developed in order
to protect rural character, foster economic opportunities, conserve natural
resources and protect critical areas.
N/A N/A
LNG 1.0 Ensure consistency between the Growth Management Act, the County-wide
Planning Policy, this Comprehensive Plan, land use and zoning maps, the
Unified Development Code, Western Washington Growth Management
Hearings Board decisions, other related policies and regulations, and all land
use, environmental and development decisions and approvals.
Retain Still valid
LNP 1.1 Incorporate opportunities for continuous and ongoing public participation
into both the comprehensive planning process and the implementation of
the resulting Comprehensive Plan.
Retain Still valid
LNP 1.2 Acknowledge and protect the rights of private property owners in preparing
land use, development, and environmental regulations, prohibit arbitrary
and discriminatory actions, and preserve reasonable uses for regulated
properties
Retain Still valid
LNP 1.3 Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan consistent with the
requirements of the Growth Management Act., and maintain consistency
with the Comprehensive Plan when amending the Unified Development
Code. Revisions to the Land Use Map may be considered on an annual basis,
and shall be in strict compliance with the Comprehensive Plan criteria.
Revise Codified under JCC Chapter 18.45
LNP 1.4 Maintain consistency with the Comprehensive Plan when amending the
Unified Development Code.
Consolidate With LNP 1.4
LNP 1.5 Encourage the use of innovative site planning and design techniques,
including lot consolidation opportunities, as a means of preserving rural
character, open lands, and protecting the natural environment through
development regulations, such as Farm Conservation Plans.
Revise Per Jefferson County Conservation
District
LNP 1.6 If the County chooses to adopt an impact fee ordinance, determine through
a public process how to apportion the fair share of funding for required
public facilities, services, and amenities.
Retain Still valid
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 2 | P a g e
LNP 1.7 Ensure appropriate services are provided as needed and that the duplication
of services is avoided by promoting the coordination of local governmental
agencies, non-profits, cooperatives, educational institutions, programs and
planning.
Revise Per Jefferson County Conservation
District
LNP 1.8 Ensure that land use permitting processes are both predictable and timely. Delete Addressed thru Square One and
Upfront review
LNP 1.10 The annexation of unincorporated territory in Jefferson County shall occur in
a manner consistent with State law.
Retain Still valid
LNP Establish land use goals and policies in the Land Use Element of this plan that
are internally consistent with and reflective of the goals and policies of all
other elements of the Plan and include provisions for implementation
strategies into the policies whenever possible.
New Move from LNG 2.0
LNP Consider adopting Build Green, Low Impact Development or LEED type
standards for all development.
New Per Staff
RURAL RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
LNG 2.0 Establish land use goals and policies in the Land Use Element of this plan that
are internally consistent with and reflective of the goals and policies of all
other elements of the Plan.
Move To LNP 1.
LNP 2.1 Include provisions for implementation of goals and policies of all elements
and chapters of the Plan in the overall land use strategy.
Move To LNP 1.
LNG 3.0 Ensure that rural residential development preserves rural character, protects
rural community identity, is compatible with surrounding land uses, and
minimizes infrastructure needs.
Retain Still valid
LNP 3.1 Identify and encourage diverse rural land uses and densities which preserve
rural character and rural community identity. Proposed rural residential
densities shall allow for an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land
based upon the County’s rural population projections and needs while
maintaining rural character and rural community identity, preserving rural
resource-based uses, and avoiding sprawl.
Revise Still valid
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 3 | P a g e
LNP 3.2 Encourage the development and adoption of new technologies such as
alternative wastewater and energy systems that minimize infrastructure
costs, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain rural character.
New Per Stakeholders
LNP 3.2 Establish rural residential land use densities for all lands located outside of
designated Urban Growth Areas. Proposed rural residential densities shall
allow for an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land based upon the
County’s rural population projections and needs while maintaining rural
character and rural community identity, preserving rural resource-based
uses, and avoiding sprawl.
Consolidate Consolidate with LNP 3.1
LNP 3.3 Rural residential densities shown on the Land Use Map shall be designated
by three (3) residential land use densities: one dwelling unit per five (5)
acres, one dwelling unit per ten (10) acres, and one dwelling unit per twenty
(20) acres in size and subject to the following criteria:
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015
LNP 3.3.1 A residential land use designation of one dwelling unit per 5 acres (RR 1:5)
shall be assigned to those areas throughout the County with: a. an
established pattern of the same or similar sized parcels (i.e., 5 acres) or
smaller sized existing lots of record; b. parcels of similar size (i.e., 5 acres)
or pre-existing smaller parcels along the coastal areas; c. parcels
immediately adjacent to the boundaries of the Rural Village Centers; and
d. as an overlay to pre-existing developed “suburban” platted
subdivisions. e. parcels designated as Forest Transition Overlay.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015
LNP 3.3.2 A rural residential land use designation of one dwelling unit per 10 acres (RR
1:10) shall be assigned to those areas throughout the County with: a. an
established pattern of the same or similar sized parcels (i.e., 10 acres);b.
parcels along the coastal area of similar size;c. areas serving as a
“transition” adjacent to Urban Growth Areas; and,
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015
LNP 3.3.3 A rural residential land use designation of one dwelling unit per 20 acres (RR
1:20) shall be assigned to those areas throughout the County with:
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015
a. an established pattern of the same or similar sized parcels (i.e., 20 acres)
or larger;
b. parcels along the coastal area of similar size;
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 4 | P a g e
c. areas serving as a “transition” to Urban Growth Areas or the Port Ludlow
Master Planned Resort;
d. critical land area parcels;
e. agriculture resource designated parcels;
f. publicly owned forest lands; and
g. lands adjacent to forest resource land.
LNP 3.4 Review residential limited areas of more intensive rural development and
consider measures to allow infill development at comparable densities.
Measures shall be considered to limit and contain these areas to the logical
outer boundary of the existing area or use once identified and designated.
Designation of Residential LAMIRDs shall be through an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Delete No Residential LAMIRDs in Jeffco and
we already allow infill of vacant lots
that have been platted as legal lots of
record.
LNP 3.5 Allow minimum lot sizes within the designated boundaries of Rural Village
Centers which are flexible and determined by such considerations as: septic
or sewer availability, potable water availability, zoning and building
regulations such as setbacks and parking requirements, fire prevention
measures, and community character.
Move To LNP 4.
LNP 3.6 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.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.30.050
LNP 3.7 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.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.30.050(4)
RURAL COMMERCIAL LAND USE
LNG 4.0 Establish and mMaintain the size and configuration of the county’s Rural
Village Centers and provide for the development of appropriately scaled
commercial, residential and mixed uses.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 4.1 The land use designation of Rural Village Center shall accommodate both
commercial and residential land uses.
Delete Redundant – see LNG 4.0 & LNP 4.2
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 5 | P a g e
LNP 4.2 Encourage a variety of commercial, retail, professional, tourist-related,
community service, cottage industry, and residential uses, through infill
development, 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. that
ensure availability of day-to-day goods and services, at a scale that preserves
the natural character of the neighborhood.
Revise To consolidate with LNP 4.5 & 4.6
LNP Support flexibility in economic development by considering the use of the
Discretionary “D” Use process instead of a Conditional and/or some
Prohibited uses in rural commercial zones.
New Per PC and Staff
LNP 4.3 Establish logical outer boundaries based upon the criteria listed in RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d).
Delete Done in 1998
LNP 4.4 Concentrate and contain the existing built environment through
development regulations allowing for infill development within Rural Village
Center boundaries.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.30.050
LNP 4.5 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.
Consolidate With LNP 4.2
LNP 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.
Consolidate With LNP 4.2
LNP 4.7 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.
Delete Water system done, but no additional
capacity for fire flow per EH
LNG 5.0 Establish and mMaintain the location and size of the County’s Rural
Commercial Crossroads to provide access to a limited range of non-
residential uses.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 5.1 All rural commercial lands shall be designated based on the provisions of the
Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A).
Delete Done in 1998
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 6 | P a g e
LNP 5.2 Designate the following historic crossroads as Convenience Crossroads (CC)
as shown on the Land Use Map: Nordland, Beaver Valley, and Wawa Point.
Delete Done and Codified under JCC
18.15.015(2)(d)
LNP 5.2.1 Designation is based on the criteria in the Growth Management Act and the
following additional criteria: a. Consists of a single commercial property;
and b. Provides local rural population and commuting/traveling public
with basic consumer goods and services.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015(2)(d)
LNP 5.2.2 Limit uses and their scale within the designated boundary of each of the
Convenience Crossroads to those involving basic consumer goods and
services.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.040
LNP 5.3 Designate the following historic crossroads as Neighborhood/Visitor
Crossroads (NC) as shown on the Land Use Map: Chimacum, Discovery Bay,
Four Corners, Gardiner, and Mats Mats.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015(2)(c)
LNP 5.3.1 Designation is based on the criteria of the Growth Management Act and the
following additional criteria: a. Multiple commercial properties; and b.
Includes limited specialty goods and professional services; and c. Serves
the local rural population and the commuting/traveling public. d. critical area
land parcels.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015(2)(c)
LNP 5.3.2 Limit uses and their scale within the designated boundaries of each of the
designated Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroads to those involving basic
consumer staples with a limited range of goods and services and/or serving
the commuting/traveling public.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.040
LNP 5.3.3 Encourage affordable housing through the allowance of multifamily housing
opportunities such as multifamily residential units, senior housing, and
assisted living facilities, and manufactured/mobile home parks.
Consolidate With LNP 5.4.3
LNP 5.4 Designate the following crossroads as General Commercial Crossroads (GC)
as shown on the Land Use Map: SR 19/20 Intersection.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015(2)(b)
LNP 5.4.1 Designation is based on the criteria in the Growth Management Act and the
following additional criteria: a. Location at a major highway intersection
near high density population in the Tri-Area; and b. Existing commercial
uses meet limited regional and multiple community levels of service.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015(2)(b)
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 7 | P a g e
LNP 5.4.2 Limit uses and the scale of those uses within each of the designated General
Commercial crossroads to those involving an expanded range of commercial
goods and services.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.040
LNP Evaluate and consider allowing some uses that are currently prohibited or
require a conditional use permit in the Rural Commercial Crossroads zones,
to be processed as a Type II Discretionary “D” Use.
New Based upon input to be more flexible
in permitting commercial activity
LNP 5.4.3 Encourage affordable housing through the allowance of multifamily housing
opportunities such as multifamily residential units, senior housing, assisted
living facilities, and manufactured/mobile home parks, where permitted.
Revise Still valid & codified under JCC
18.15.040
LNP 5.5 Ensure visual compatibility and traditional design elements for Rural
Crossroads commercial infill development with the surrounding rural area
through the creation and implementation of community based design and
development standards. Uses within Rural Crossroads shall be scaled and
sized to protect the rural character of the natural neighborhood.
Retain Still valid
HOME-BASED BUSINESSES AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIES
LNG 6.0 Foster home-based businesses or cottage industries in order to provide
economic and employment opportunities outside of Rural Village
CentersCommercial Zones.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 6.1 Permit home-based businesses and cottage industries which are accessory to
the residential use of the property throughout the unincorporated portions
of the County, subject to permit review procedures.
Revise To consolidate policies on both home
business and cottage industry
LNP 6.1.1 Home-based businesses and cottage industries in Western Jefferson County
and the Brinnon area, shall be regulated according to the following
provisions in order to provide encourage new economic development and
employment opportunities in a unique area that is isolated and distant from
commercial and urban growth areas. This region is characterized by high
unemployment, a distressed economy, low residential densities, and a total
low projected 20-year population growth of 43 persons.
Revise To consolidate subsequent policies
LNP 6.1.1
(a)
Home-based businesses in the West End shall be exempt from restrictions
on the number of non-resident employees, hours of operations, and retail
sales
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 8 | P a g e
LNP 6.1.1
(b)
Home-based businesses in the West End shall be exempt from requirements
to move to a location designated for commercial or industrial uses if the
operation is expanded or intensified beyond its original scope. Instead they
may be permitted conditionally at a non-residential location under
provisions of RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)iii.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.1.1
(c)
Exemptions allowed under this section shall not be disruptive to the use of
adjacent properties. No equipment or process shall be used in a home-
based business which creates excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors,
or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the property..
Any hearings associated with regulation under or conditional permitting
under LNP 6.1.1(b) shall be held in Western Jefferson County close to the
residents who may be affected.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.1.2 Home-based businesses in the Brinnon Planning Area shall be regulated
according to provisions established in the Brinnon Subarea Plan for the
Brinnon Planning Area—Remote Rural overlay district. The intent of the
Brinnon Planning Area—Remote Rural overlay district is to allow for
expanded rural-compatible employment opportunities in a sparsely
populated rural area that is isolated and remotely located from commercial
and urban growth areas. The Brinnon Planning Area is characterized by high
unemployment, a distressed resource-based economy, low residential
densities, and a very limited projected 20-year population growth.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.2 Permit cCottage industries are an accessory to the residential use and shall
be operated conducted by the owner or lessee of the property, who shall
reside either within the dwelling unit, as an accessory use within a single
family dwelling or building an accessory to a dwelling unit and which are
accessory to the residential use of the property throughout the
unincorporated portions of the County, subject to conditional use permit
review procedures.
Revise For clarity
LNP 6.2.1 Cottage industries in Western Jefferson County shall be regulated according
to the following provisions in order to provide employment opportunities in
a unique area that is isolated and distant from commercial and urban growth
areas. This region is characterized by high unemployment, a distressed
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 9 | P a g e
economy, low residential densities, and a total projected 20-year population
growth of 43 persons.
LNP 6.2.1
(a)
Cottage industries in the West End shall be exempt from restrictions on the
number of non-resident employees, types of uses and retail sales, hours of
operation, and outdoor storage.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.2.1
(b)
Cottage industries in the West End shall be exempt from the requirement to
move to a location designated for commercial or industrial uses if the
operation is expanded or intensified beyond its original scope. Instead they
may be permitted conditionally at a non-residential location under
provisions of RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)iii.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.2.1
(c)
Exemptions allowed under this section shall not be disruptive to the use of
adjacent properties. No equipment or process shall be used in a home-
based business which creates excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors,
or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the property.
Any hearings associated with regulation of cottage industry or conditional
permit review procedures shall be held in Western Jefferson County close to
the residents who may be affected.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
LNP 6.2.2 Cottage industries in the Brinnon Planning Area shall be regulated according
to provisions established in the Brinnon Subarea Plan for the Brinnon
Planning Area—Remote Rural overlay district. The intent of the Brinnon
Planning Area—Remote Rural overlay district is to allow for expanded rural-
compatible employment opportunities in a sparsely populated rural area
that is isolated and remotely located from commercial and urban growth
areas. The Brinnon Planning Area is characterized by high unemployment, a
distressed resource-based economy, low residential densities, and a very
limited projected 20-year population growth.
Delete Codified under JCC Article VI-L Remote
Rural Overlay Districts for the West
End and Brinnon Planning areas
SMALL-SCALE RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST RELATED USES
LNG 7.0 Foster economic development that relies on a rural location and setting in
rural areas ,and which is small-scale recreational or tourist-related. and that
relies on a rural location and setting.
Revise Better wording
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 10 | P a g e
LNP 7.1 Small-scale recreational or tourist uses shall be provided for through a
permitting process appropriate to the type of proposed use and the land use
district in which it is proposed.
Retain Still valid
LNP 7.2 Small-scale recreational or tourist uses shall demonstrate under the permit
review process that the proposed wholly new location or use or expansion of
existing location or use is reliant upon a particular rural location and setting.
LNP 7.3 Small-scale recreational or tourist uses shall be defined as those uses reliant
upon the rural setting, incorporating the scenic and natural features of the
land. Under no circumstances should this policy be interpreted to permit
new residential development, except that allowed for the underlying
density, and that necessary for on-site management, or a Master Planned
Resort pursuant to RCW 36.70A.360.
Revise For Clarity. MPR under different
section.
LNP 7.4 The primary use of the site shall be for the small-scale recreational or tourist
use. Commercial facilities, as provided for within an approved conditional
use permit for small-scale recreational or tourist uses, shall serve only those
recreational and tourist uses.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.350(3)(a)
LNP 7.5 Small-scale recreational or tourist uses shall not include new residential
development, except that necessary for on-site management.
Delete Redundant – see LNP 7.3
LNP 7.6 Upon application for intensification/expansion of existing small-scale
recreational or tourist areas and uses, the ultimate size and configuration of
the site should be established and maintained by logical outer boundaries.
Existing areas and uses are those that are clearly identifiable and contained,
and where there is a logical boundary delineated predominately by the built
environment on July1, 1990, but may also include undeveloped lands if the
overall goals of the Rural Element are maintained, by: a. preserving the
character of the existing natural neighborhood;
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.350(4)
b. physical boundaries such as bodies of water, roadways, and land forms
and contours are used to assist in delineation of the site;
c. abnormally irregular site boundaries are prevented;
d. public facilities and services are provided in a manner that does not
permit low-density sprawl; and
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 11 | P a g e
e. protecting critical areas and surface and groundwater resources.
LNP 7.7 Within Jefferson County’s isolated West End, allow small-scale recreation
and tourist uses to provide basic goods and services to meet the needs of a
local population living at a distance from commercial areas. This limited
expansion of uses is also intended to allow for the creation of local jobs in an
area of high unemployment and distressed economic conditions.
Retain Still valid
LNP 7.8 When a specific area is identified through community planning as
appropriate for the expansion of existing small-scale recreation and tourist
uses and for new small-scale recreation and tourist uses, a Small-scale
Recreation and Tourist (SRT) overlay district for the identified area may
establish variations from the conditional use permitting process and the
criteria in this section, so long as the overall goals of the Rural Element are
maintained.
Retain Still valid
LEGAL EXISTING USES
LNG 8.0 Support the continued existence and economic viability of legally established
land uses which become nonconforming as a result of Comprehensive Plan
adoption.
Revise Still valid and includes development
regulations – see LNP 8.1
LNP 8.1 A legal nonconforming use or structure is one that conformed to all
applicable codes in effect on the date of its creation, but no longer complies
due to subsequent changes in the code, or Comprehensive Plan.
New To add definition
LNP 8.1 Existing commercial and industrial uses that become nonconforming will be
allowed to continue and to expand within limits as defined in LNP 8.5JCC
18.20.260. Legal existing uses may be sold without jeopardizing the
continuation of the use or activity.
Revise Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.2 Existing commercial and industrial uses in areas designated as Rural
Residential will have the right to continue and not be subject to nuisance
claims if operating in compliance with all County regulations.
Retain Still valid
LNP 8.3 Existing commercial and industrial uses should be allowed to expand or be
replaced in Rural Residential areas provided that:
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
a. they do not require additional urban levels of government service; Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 12 | P a g e
b. they do not impose uncompensated additional costs to the taxpayers
of Jefferson County for the provision of infrastructure, its replacement or
improvement;
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
c. they do not conflict with natural resource-based uses; Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
d. they are compatible with surrounding rural uses, and Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
e. the expansion results in no further adverse environmental or
neighborhood impacts, unless mitigated.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.4 Businesses that do not meet the above criteria shall not be expanded or
rebuilt if destroyed.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.5 Expansion of structures housing legal existing uses or replacement of
structures occupied by legal existing nonconforming uses shall be subject to
the following criteria:
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.5.1 Where a legal existing nonconforming use of a structure exists, that
structure can be replaced provided the original footprint is not relocated or
altered except as provided for below.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
8.5.1(a) The original footprint does not meet current regulations regarding building
setbacks and buffers.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
8.5.1(b) Moving the building footprint positions the new building in a more
appropriate location on the site to facilitate pedestrian and vehicular
movement and safety.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
8.5.1(c) The movement of the building footprint on the site is necessary to
ensure protection of environmentally sensitive areas located on or near
the site.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
8.5.1(d) The original building is being rebuilt or enlarged under the provision of LNP
8.5.2.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.5.2 A structure housing a legal existing nonconforming use may be enlarged
and/or expanded if it meets all applicable bulk, dimensional and lot coverage
requirements for the zoning district in which the use is located.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 13 | P a g e
8.5.2(a) Expansion of structures housing legal existing nonconforming uses up to 10%
of the existing building size or 200 square feet, whichever is greater, shall be
subject to an administrativeapproval process. More substantial expansions,
up to a building cap of 3,999 square feet, shall be subject to a public hearing
process to ensure notification of adjacent property owners.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.6 A legal existing nonconforming use may change to a conforming use allowed
within the zone classification in which the use is located.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.7 A legal existing nonconforming use may change to a different non-
conforming use of equal or lesser intensity.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.8 All proposals to change the use of a legal existing nonconforming use to a
different non-conforming use shall be processed in accordance with a public
hearing process to ensure notification of adjacent property owners.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.9 A legal existing nonconforming structure damaged or destroyed by fire,
earthquake, explosion, wind, flood, or other calamity may be completely
restored or reconstructed if all the following criteria are met:
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.9.1 The restoration and reconstruction shall not serve to extend or increase the
nonconformance of the original structure or use with existing regulations.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.9.3 Permits shall be applied for within one (1) year of damage. Restoration or
reconstruction must be substantially completed within two (2) years of
permit issuance.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.9.4 Any modifications shall comply with all current regulations and codes (other
than use restrictions) including, but not limited to lot coverage, yard, height,
open space, density provisions, or parking requirements unless waived by
the appropriate County official through the granting of a variance.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
LNP 8.10 Should a legal existing nonconforming use of a property or structure be
discontinued for more than two (2) years, the use of the property and
structure shall be deemed abandoned and shall conform to a use permitted
in the zone classification in which it is located, unless the property owner
demonstrates through property maintenance a bona fide intention to sell or
lease the property. If the property is adequately maintained the property
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.260
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 14 | P a g e
shall not be deemed abandoned and be allowed to remain vacant for up to
three (3) years.
LNP 8.11 Legal existing use nonconforming status only applies to businesses which
were established prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan as legal
commercial establishments. This section does not apply to Home Businesses
and Cottage Industries.
Delete Invalid since Home Businesses and
Cottage Industries could become
nonconforming with JCC amendments
CAPITAL FACILITIES
LNG 9.0 Limit the establishment or expansion of urban-style development and
infrastructure to areas designated for urban levels of growth.
Retain Still valid
LNP 9.1 Ensure that expansion of urban-style infrastructure occurs only in
coordination with designated land uses based on projected growth
estimatesapproved and designated Urban Growth Areas, Master Planned
Resorts, or LAMIRDs where they are absolutely required to protect basic
public health, safety and the environment; are financially supportable at
rural densities; and do not lead to urban levels of density or development.
Revise To be more specific
LNP 9.2 Periodically review and update the Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP)
to ensure consistency with the joint population projection and all land use
designations.
Retain Still valid
LNP 9.3 Ensure that any impact fees adopted by the County require that a “fair
share” of development costs are borne by the developer. Land use decisions
should consider cost efficiency regarding publicly-funded infrastructure.
Retain Still valid
LNP 9.4 Ensure that where the County assumes maintenance responsibilities for
infrastructure, the infrastructure is adequately designed to meet the area
growth projections and to fulfill the functions the infrastructure is intended
to perform.
Retain Still valid
LNP 9.5 Require the provision prior to or concurrent with development of an
appropriate level of facilities and services. These services shall include, but
are not limited to, potable water supply, commercial fire flow, adequate
sewage disposal, and roads, including sidewalks and pathways if safety is an
issue.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.30
Development Standards
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 15 | P a g e
LNP 9.6 Ensure that rural areas are served by a rural level of public services. Delete The same as limiting urban services to
urban areas.
LNP 9.7 Allow community water facilities and community sewage facilities in rural
lands in order to support projected growth, or where necessary to protect
public health and safety.
Retain Still valid
INDUSTRIAL LAND USES
LNG 10.0 Identify and designate sufficient land area within the county for industrial
uses and economic development.
Retain Still valid
LNP 10.1 Major industrial developments (MIDs) may be sited outside of Urban Growth
Areas consistent with the UDC under JCC 18.15.600, and all the criteria in
RCW 36.70A.365.
Revise Still valid and Codified under JCC
18.15.600
LNP 10.2 Consistent with RCW 36.70A.367, consider the establishment of up to two
Industrial Land Banks for the siting of MIDs.
Delete Deadline for this was December 31,
2007
LNP 10.3 Designate sufficient land for light industrial uses within the Irondale/Hadlock
UGA.
Delete Done with adoption of the UGA
LNG 11.0 Recognize and contain the following areas and uses of more intensive
industrial development within boundaries that may allow forto limited areas
of infill development.
Revise For Clarity
LNP 11.1 Designate Maintain the following areas in industrial zoning: the Port
Townsend Paper Mill property as Heavy Industrial; the Glen Cove area
boundary as Light Industrial and Light Industrial/Commercial; the Quilcene
industrial area as Light Industrial/Manufacturing, and the Eastview Industrial
Plat as Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M).
Revise To consolidate LNP 11.1 thru 11.4 –
Codified under JCC 18.15.015(3)
LNP 11.2 Designate the Glen Cove area boundary as Light Industrial and Light
Industrial/Commercial, consistent with the provisions of RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d).
Consolidate With LNP 11.1
LNP 11.3 Designate the Quilcene industrial area as Light Industrial/Manufacturing. Consolidate With LNP 11.1
LNP 11.4 Designate the Eastview Industrial Plat as Light Industrial/Manufacturing
(LI/M).
Consolidate With LNP 11.1
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 16 | P a g e
LNG 12.0 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.
Retain Still valid
LNP 12.1 Encourage the establishment of sustainable natural resource-based
industrial uses in rural areas to provide employment opportunities. Examples
include food processing near agricultural parcels, and timber processing near
larger tracts of timber land.
Revise Per the Food System Council
LNP 12.2 Natural resource-based industries may be located near the agricultural,
forest, mineral, or aquaculture resource lands upon which they are
dependent.
Retain Still valid
LNP 12.3 Recognize and designate existing pre-1990 forest resource-based industrial
uses and activities at Center, Gardiner, and the West-End as Resource-Based
Industrial Zones (RBIZ).
Delete Done in 1998 - Codified under JCC
18.15.015(3)(e)
LNP 12.4 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)(iii).
Delete This was done in 1998 – see LNP 12.3
above.
NATURAL RESOURCE LANDS
LNG 13.0 Conserve and manage the forest, agriculture, aquaculture, and mineral
resources of Jefferson County for sustainable natural resource-based
economic activities that are compatible with surrounding land uses.
Retain Still valid
LNP 13.1 Conserve natural resource lands through land use designations and
encourage resource-based industries that provide rural employment
opportunities. Emphasize the development of Agricultural Systems, including
processing, storage and distribution.
Revise Per the Food System Council
LNP 13.2 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.
Retain Still valid
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 17 | P a g e
LNP 13.3 Work with resource-based industries to achieve compliance with all
applicable regulations to protect environmental values and to protect
surrounding land uses.
Retain Still Valid
LNP Consider re-zoning Rural Residential zoned land that is being used for
Agriculture, to Agricultural zoning.
New Per Staff
LNP 13.4 Explore innovative zoning techniques as described under RCW 36.70A.177
for agricultural zoned lands, to help facilitate the availability of more
affordable farm land and create opportunities to expand the market for local
food.
New Per Food System Council
LNP 13.4 Ensure that land use activities adjacent to resource lands are sited and
designed to minimize conflicts with resource management activities.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.150(3)
ENVIRONMENT
LNG 14.0 Preserve the functions and values of critical environmental areas and protect
development from the risks of environmental hazards.
Retain Still valid
LNP 14.1 Ensure that land use decisions consider climate change, and are based on
land use ordinances which are in compliance with the Critical Areas
Ordinance and all applicable state and federal environmental laws.
Revise Per Local 2020
LNP 14.2 Allow residential, commercial, and industrial development in a manner that
minimizes risk from flooding, earth movement, shoreline erosion, and other
natural hazards.
Retain Still valid
LNP 14.3 Support cooperative ecosystem and habitat management processes
between stakeholders and local, state, federal and tribal governments.
Retain Still valid
LNP 14.4 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 are not, all other
factors being equal, consistent with the Shoreline Management Act. and the
land use designations, goals, and policies of this Comprehensive Plan.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.25 Shoreline
Management Program
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 18 | P a g e
LNP 14.5 Encourage small-scale marine trades activities, in Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow,
Nordland, and Quilcene.
Move To Economic Development EDP 5.8
LNP 14.6 Develop land use ordinances based on comprehensive watershed and
salmon recovery plans for the conservation, protection, and management of
surface and ground waters, floodplains and estuaries, in order to maintain
water quality and quantity, provide potable water, and to restore and
protect fish habitat.
Revise Per Environmental Health
HOUSING
LNG 15.0 Support opportunities to provide a variety of affordable housing types for
county residents, of all income groups and needs.
Revise Per PC
LNP 15.1 Encourage duplexes, triplexes, senior housing, and assisted living facilities--
limited in size and scale--to be permitted in rural commercial/mixed-use
areas within the capacity of local infrastructure and site constraints.
Retain Still valid
LNP 15.2 Allow special needs, senior housing, and assisted living facilities to be
permitted conditionally in rural residential areas.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.040
LNP 15.3 Consider existing platted developments for designation as Residential
Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (Residential LAMIRDs).
Delete See LNP 3.4
Public Purpose Lands
LNG 16.0 When appropriate, iIdentify and designate lands for both public purposes
and essential public facilities.
Retain Still valid
LNP 16.1 Assess for designation public purpose lands to provide a range of services to
the public and serve as sites for some public facilities.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.040 Land
Use Table
LNP 16.2 Wherever practical, site essential public facilities, such as airports, large-
scale transportation facilities, state educational facilities, correctional
facilities, solid waste treatment facilities, substance abuse facilities, mental
health facilities and group homes, so as to avoid potential adverse impacts
to surrounding land uses and critical areas.
Retain Still valid
LNP 16.3 Ensure that designated public purpose lands, such as parks, are appropriate
to the level of service standards for the designated land use density where
they are located.
Revise For clarity
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 19 | P a g e
LNP 16.4 Provide for broad-based participation by agencies, citizens, tribes and other
interested parties in the process for designating land to be used for essential
public facilities.
Revise Per Tribes
LNP 16.5 Encourage through development standards the siting of public facilities in a
manner unobtrusive to the immediate environment. These standards should
address buffers, screening, lighting, noise, drainage, traffic impact and lot
coverage.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.110
TRANSPORTATION
LNG 17.0 Ensure that transportation is safe, efficient, multi-modal, and based on levels
of service that correspond to the land use densities in the Comprehensive
Plan.
Retain Still valid
LNP 17.1 Encourage development and land use proposals that utilize existing
transportation systems and provide non-motorized transportation
opportunities.
Retain Still valid
LNP 17.2 Coordinate with state and federal transportation agencies to ensure that
their plans meet the land use expectations of the County’s Comprehensive
Plan.
Retain Still valid
LNP 17.3 Include provisions to consolidate access points to main arterials. Delete See Public Works Transportation
Planning
LNP 17.4 Site transportation facilities in locations which minimize the disruption of
natural habitat, floodplains, wetlands, geologically sensitive areas, resource
lands, and other priority systems.
Retain Still valid
RURAL CHARACTER
LNG 18.0 Preserve rural character and promote rural lifestyle. Rural character is
defined by local rural lifestyle as opposed to city or urban, opportunity to
live and work in rural areas, local rural visual landscapes, resource
productivity, environmental quality, and significant areas of open space.
Revise For more definition
LNP 18.1 Identify and implement rural land uses, densities, and environmental
standards which preserve and protect rural character.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.015 & 18.22
LNP 18.2 Environmental quality is critical to the preservation of rural character. Retain Still valid
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 20 | P a g e
LNP 18.4 The preservation of open space is directly linked to the maintenance of
Jefferson County’s rural character. Protect open space consistent with the
goals and policies of the Open Space Element of this plan.
Retain Still valid
LNP 18.5 Locate designated open space areas so as to provide connections with
adjoining open space areas, offer visual relief for both on and off-site
residents, enhance habitat values, and where appropriate allow for
recreational opportunities.
Retain Still valid
LNP 18.6 Endorse the extension ofAdopt the forest corridor concept policies from Port
Townsend’s City limits south along SR 20 to Old Fort Townsend Road to
preserve and protect the forest corridor, and to provide a visual buffer
between the roadway and new commercial and manufacturing
development. Require planting when necessary to enhance the buffer, and
the replanting of native and non-native species to replace trees and
vegetation removed during development.
Revise To codify, or can we just keep
policies? Check with DPA
LNG 19.0 Ensure that development is accomplished in a manner which protects the
long-term habitability, historically significant areas and natural beauty of
Jefferson County.
Retain Still valid
LNP 19.1 Encourage the preservation and conservation of Jefferson County’s unique
history, scenic resources, and rural community identities, support the
contributions that each community has made to the fabric of the County’s
rural and cultural character, and encourage the preservation of community
cohesiveness through designated land uses in this Plan.
Revise More ways to promote community
cohesiveness than through zoning.
LNP 19.2 Encourage project proponentsdevelopers to include neighbors in the
planning process to mitigate potential adverse potentially reduce impacts to
the public health, safety, and welfare. as a result of a proposed project,
action, or use concurrent with project development.
Revise To eliminate jargon and include good
neighbor policy
LNP 19.3 Preserve, protect, and enhance cultural amenities resources such as farms
and historic settlements throughout the rural landscape.
Revise To be consistent with Natural
Resource Conservation
LNP Local tribes should be consulted and included early in the planning process
to ensure that tribal recommendations are thoughtfully considered.
New Per Tribes
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 21 | P a g e
LNP 19.4 Limit access to arterial roads. Accommodate access to residential and
commercial development by access roads and common-use driveways.
Move To Transportation section or delete –
See LNP 17.3
LNP 20.0 Preserve and protect the rural character of the land and the identities of
existing rural communities through rural land uses and densities.
Retain Still valid
LNP 20.1 Residential uses in the unincorporated portions of the County shall be
characterized by a variety of rural residential parcel sizes and densities.
LNP 20.2 Develop streamlined procedures and other incentives for aggregating
Encourage innovation and creativity in lot, site design and replatting of
existing lots to add flexibility so as to meet the following design objectives:,
meet underlying density, preserve open space, include low impact
development and multi-modal transportation.
Revise To be concise and consolidate with
LNP 20.3
a. flexibility in site design in the placement of structures, circulation
systems, and utilities;
Delete To be concise and consolidate with
LNP 20.3
b. diversity of lot sizes without exceeding the underlying density
requirement;
Delete To be concise and consolidate with
LNP 20.3
c. preservation and/or enhancement of open space and significant site
features; and
Delete To be concise and consolidate with
LNP 20.3
d. provision of on-site vegetative landscape areas or topographic buffers. Delete To be concise and consolidate with
LNP 20.3
LNP 20.3 Encourage innovative, low impact rural residential planning by developing
regulations which incorporate the following criteria:
Consolidate With 20.2
a. retention of high-value open space area; Consolidate With 20.2
b. proximity to public transit and pedestrian pathways; Consolidate With 20.2
c. maintenance of topographical features, and buffer setbacks; Consolidate With 20.2
d. consideration of cumulative impacts associated with adjacent
development; and
Consolidate With 20.2
e. demonstration of innovative design technique advantages compared
to a conventional subdivision approach.
Consolidate With 20.2
LNP 20.4 Prohibit outside of Urban Growth Areas new rural commercial development
that is incompatible with rural character or inconsistent with rural
commercial level of service standards.
Revise Redundant by definition
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 22 | P a g e
LNG 21.0 Encourage residential land use and development intensities that protect the
character of rural areas, avoid interference with resource land uses, and
minimize impacts upon environmentally sensitive areas.
Retain Still valid
LNP 21.1 Rural residential cluster subdivisions shall be encouraged, consistent with
development regulations, throughout the rural areas. The open space tracts
in these planned rural residential development subdivisions shall be
permanently preserved.
Retain Still valid
LNP 21.2 Integrate open space planning with innovative programs such as the
purchase or transfer of development rights, cluster development with
density bonuses, open space tax assessment, and acquisition of easements.
Retain Still valid
LNG 22.0 Foster sustainable natural resource-based industry in rural areas through the
conservation of forest lands, agricultural lands, mineral lands, and
aquaculture lands in order to provide economic and employment
opportunities that are consistent with rural character.
Retain Still valid
LNP 22.1 The County has identified resource lands as an integral part of rural
character. Resource-based uses that are compatible with the conservation
and sustainable use of the county’s resources shall be permitted.
Retain Still valid
LNP 22.2 The implementing development regulations shall assure that the use of lands
adjacent to agricultural, forest, or mineral resource lands shall not interfere
with the continued use, in the accustomed manner and in accordance with
best management practices, of these designated lands for the production of
food, agricultural products, or timber, or for the extraction of minerals.
(RCW 36.70A.060(1).)
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.095, 150 &
180
LNP 22.3 Use farm preservation programs and other tools to preserve historic
farmland.
Retain Still valid
MASTER PLANNED RESORT
LNG 23.0 Provide for the siting of, and mMaintain the viability of Port Ludlow as
Jefferson County’s only existing Master Planned Resorts (MPR) authorized
under RCW 36.70A.362., in locations that are appropriate from both an
economic and environmental perspective
Revise For accuracy and to consolidate with
LNG 24.0
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 23 | P a g e
LNP 23.1 Ensure that development in Port Ludlowof MPRs complies with County
development regulations established for critical areas and that on-site and
off-site infrastructure impacts are fully considered and mitigated.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 23.2 The provision of urban-style services to support the anticipated growth and
MPR development at Port Ludlow shall occur only within the designated
MPR boundaryboundaries.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 23.3 No new urban or suburban land uses will be established within the
immediate vicinity of the Port Ludlow Master Planned Resorts.
Revise Per the Port Ludlow Village Council
LNP 23.4 The total number of residential lots allowable within the MPR boundary shall
not exceed the 1993 Port Ludlow FEIS total of 2,250 residential dwelling
units.
Delete Codified under JCC 17.45.010(3)
LNP 23.5 Port Ludlow shallMPRs may accommodate a variety of housing types,
including affordable housing, single family and multi-family housing and
assisted living care facilities.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 23.6 Support efforts to preserve and protect Port Ludlow’sthe MPR’s greenbelts,
open spaces and wildlife corridors.
Revise For accuracy
LNP 23.5 Land within MPRs zoned as open space should maintain that zoning and the
Assessor Land Use Classification of “Open Space - Green Belts – Parks,” and
have a forest management plan to ensure forest health and promote fire
safety.
New Per the Port Ludlow Village Council
LNP
25.6.1
Support the establishment of a Ludlow Creek Nature Preserve. Delete Per the Port Ludlow Village Council
LNP 23.7 No preliminary plats will be processed by Jefferson County for the 200-acre
area south of the Port Ludlow Golf Course within the MPR boundary (as
depicted on the official Jefferson County Land Use Map) until such time as a
conceptual site plan has been approved by the County.
Delete Codified under JCC 17.10.080
LNP 23.8 The Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort commercial area shall be designated
as the Port Ludlow Village Commercial Center.
Delete Codified under JCC 17.30
LNG 24.0 Provide for the siting of Master Planned Resorts (MPRs), pursuant to the
adoption of development regulations consistent with the requirements of
the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.360), in locations that are
appropriate from both an economic and environmental perspective.
Consolidate With LNG 23.0
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 24 | P a g e
LNP 24.1 Master planned resorts are generally larger in scale, and involve greater
potential impacts on the surrounding area, than uses permitted under the
Small-Scale Recreation and Tourist Uses standards. MPRs may constitute
urban growth outside of urban growth areas as limited by, and consistent
with RCW 36.70A.360.
Revise To ensure consistency with RCW
LNP 24.2 Owners of sites where MPRs are proposed to be located must obtain an
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map, giving the site a
master planned resort designation prior to, or concurrent with an
application for master plan review. The comprehensive plan amendment
process should evaluate all of the probable significant adverse
environmental impacts from the entire proposal, even if the proposal is to
be developed in phases, and these impacts shall be considered in
determining whether any particular location is suitable for a master planned
resort.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.126(3) &
18.45.040
LNP 24.3 The process for siting a master planned resort and obtaining the necessary
Comprehensive Plan designation shall include all property proposed to be
included within the MPR and shall further include a review of the adjacent
Comprehensive Plan land use designations/districts to ensure that the
designation of a master planned resort does not allow new urban or
suburban land uses in the vicinity of the MPR. This policy should not be
interpreted, however, to prohibit locating a master planned resort within or
adjacent to an existing Urban Growth Area or within or adjacent to an
existing area of more intense rural development, such as an existing Rural
Village Center or an existing Rural Crossroad designation.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.126(1) &
18.15.129
LNP 24.4 MPRs should not be located on designated Agricultural Resource Lands or
Forest Resource Lands, unless the County specifically makes the finding that
the land proposed for a Master Planned Resort is better suited and has more
long-term importance for the MPR than for the commercial harvesting of
timber or production of agricultural products, and also makes the finding
that the MPR will not adversely affect adjacent Agricultural or Forest
Resource Land production.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.135(10)
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 25 | P a g e
LNP 24.5 The master planned resort shall consist of predominantly short-term visitor
accommodations and associated activities, but may include some other
permanent residential uses, including caretakers’ or employees’ residences
and some vacation home properties, provided they must be integrated into
the resort and consistent with the on-site recreational nature of the resort.
MPRs may propose clustering construction, setbacks, lot sizes, and building
sizes that vary from those normally found in the Rural or Resource Lands
designations.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.123
LNP 24.6 The master planned resort may include indoor and outdoor recreational
facilities, conference facilities and commercial and professional activities and
services that support and are integrated with the resort. These facilities
shall be primarily designed to serve the resort visitors, either day visitors or
overnight visitors, but may also provide some limited goods and services for
the surrounding permanent residential population.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.123
LNP 24.7 The capital facilities, utilities and services, including those related to sewer,
water, storm water, security, fire suppression, and emergency medical
provided on-site shall be limited to meeting the needs of the resort. These
facilities, utilities, and services may be provided by outside service providers,
such as special purpose districts, provided that the resort pays all costs
associated with service extension capacity increases, or new services that
are directly attributable to the resort, and provided that the nature of the
facilities and services provided are adequate to meet the increased needs of
the resort, based on the planned concentration of guests, structures and
other facility, utility and service demands. Plan approval shall provide that
facilities serving the resort, which may be urban in nature, not be used to
serve development outside the resort areas, except at appropriate rural
densities, uses, and intensities.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.126(5)
LNP 24.8 MPRs should only be approved when it can be demonstrated that on-site
and off-site impacts to public services and infrastructure have been fully
considered and mitigated.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.135(7)
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 26 | P a g e
LNP 24.9 The MPR shall contain sufficient portions of the site in undeveloped open
space for buffering and recreational amenities to help preserve the natural
and rural character of the area. Where located in a rural area, the master
planned resort should also be designed to blend with the natural setting and,
to the maximum extent practical, screen the development and its impacts
from the adjacent rural areas outside of the MPR designation.
Retain Still valid
LNP
24.10
The MPR must be developed consistent with the County’s development
regulations established for environmentally sensitive areas and consistent
with lawfully established vested rights, and approved development permits.
Retain Still valid
LNP
24.11
Master planned resorts shall include existing or new Development
Agreements, as authorized by RCW 36.70B.170, to implement these policies.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.15.126(2)
LNP
24.12
The County shall prepare site-specific development regulations to guide the
review and designation development of master planned resorts that include,
at a minimum, compliance with these policies, and Jefferson County Code.
Revise For accuarcy
LNP
24.13
New or expanded existing master planned resorts must be located in areas
of existing shoreline development, such as marinas and shoreline lodges,
which promote public access to developed shorelines, and/or locations
which promote public access and use of National Parks and National Forests,
shall ensure that continued public access is provided.
Revise Per the Port Ludlow Village Council
DRAINAGE, FLOODING, STORMWATER MANAGEMENT & POLLUTED DISCHARGES
LNG 25.0 To manage stormwater to improve drainage, control stormwater quality and
quantity, protect shellfish beds, fish habitat and other natural resources and
to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution.
Retain Still Valid
LNP 25.1 Require new development and redevelopment to comply with the standards
of the latest edition of the Department of Ecology Stormwater Management
Manual for Western Washington.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.30.070. Also see
LNP 25.3
LNP 25.2 Encourage the preservation of natural drainage systems. Retain Still valid
LNP 25.3 Periodically review, revise and update the storm water management
Standards of the Unified Development Code to incorporate current best
management practices (BMPs) and to ensure consistency with the Puget
Revise Per Public Works and PC
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 27 | P a g e
Sound Water Quality Plan, as may be amendedamendments to the
Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
LNP 25.4 As a condition of project approval, require operation and maintenance
agreements for all privately operated stormwater management facilities as a
means of ensuring long-term compliance with the stormwater management
standards of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code. and the Puget
Sound Water Quality Plan.
Revise Per Public Works
LNP 25.5 As appropriate funds, funding sources and staff resources become available,
develop and implement an operation and maintenance program for public
and private stormwater control facilities. Ensure that the program includes
provisions for ongoing monitoring and inspection of stormwater facilities, as
well as effective compliance and enforcement measures.
Retain Per Public Works
LNP 25.6 Consider adopting stormwater control facility charges (as authorized by RCW
36.89) in order to provide an adequate funding source for stormwater
facility development, operation and maintenance, and for public education,
water quality monitoring, stream gauges, and enforcement.
Retain Per Public Works
LNG 26.0 Protect life and property from flood hazards and retain the flood storage
capacity of rivers and streams.
Retain Still Valid
LNP 26.1 Minimize hazards to life and property within designated flood hazard areas
by giving priority to the following uses: forestry; agriculture; public
recreation; and water dependent uses. Ensure that other development
allowed in flood hazard areas is of low density and intensity and constructed
to avoid damage from floods.
Delete Codified under JCC 15.15 Flood
Damage Protection
LNP 26.2 Prohibit encroachment in floodways except for the purpose of stabilizing
channels against erosion in order to protect public roads and bridges,
existing public or private structures or assist in habitat enhancement efforts.
Delete Codified under JCC 15.15 Flood
Damage Prevention
LNP 26.3 Periodically review, and if necessary, update the Jefferson County Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance to reflect such things as climate change, and
changes in federal, state and local legislation, including Jefferson County-City
of Port Townsend Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan adopted in 2004.
Revise Per Stakeholders
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 28 | P a g e
LNP 26.4 Encourage community-based flood hazard management planning through
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s “Community Rating
System” (CRS).
Retain Still valid
LNP 26.5 Collaborate with FEMA as a Cooperating Technical Community and enter
into Mapping Activity Agreements in order to update and maintain accurate
flood hazard area data and maps.
Retain Still valid
LNG 27.0 To improve the base of information on the uses, existing conditions, and
vulnerability of surface waters in the county.
Retain Still valid
LNP 27.1 Continue to fund and support the collection of water quality data and the
database. Improve access to WQ data by the public and interested parties.As
funding and staff resources become available, work to establish a local water
resource data collection program to acquire, store, retrieve, and evaluate
water resource information collected locally or by other agencies.
Revise Per Environmental Health
LNP 27.2 Establish, fund and maintain long-term ambient water quality monitoring
sites to facilitate the collection of reliable water quality data.
Revise Per Environmental Health
LNP 27.3 Focus water resource data collection efforts upon suspected water quality
problem areas where little or no current data exist.
Retain Still valid
LNG 28.0 To protect and enhance the water quality of surface waters in Jefferson
County.
Retain Still valid
LNP 28.1 Work to improve water quality in areas with identified problems. Retain Still valid
LNP 28.2 Ensure that county water quality programs are designed to complement
related programs developed and implemented by other local as well as state
and federal agencies. For ease of administration and enforcement,
reference related programs implemented by other agencies within relevant
county plans and regulations.
Retain Still valid
LNP 28.3 As appropriate funds, funding sources and staff resources become available,
implement the Clean Water District Water Quality Monitoring Plan Puget
Sound Water Quality Management Plan in order to protect shellfish beds,
fish habitat, and other natural resources, prevent contamination of
sediments from urban runoff, and achieve standards for water and sediment
Revise Per Environmental Health
Land Use & Rural Goals and Policies
Goal or
Policy
Description Action Reason
Preliminary Draft – last update: 5/10/2017 - G:\PLANNING\Planning Commission MASTER FOLDER\PC General\PC 2017\5.17.17
Agenda\Preliminary Draft Land Use Goals and Policies.docx 29 | P a g e
quality by reducing, and eventually eliminatingreducing, polluted discharges
from stormwater throughout Jefferson County.
LNP 28.4 Adopt and implement agricultural best management practices (BMPs) to
control and reduce harmful discharges to surface waters and protect soils.
Revise Per Environmental Health
LNP 28.5 Require that animal feeding and watering operations, retention and storage
ponds, feed lot storage and manure storage facilities be located to prevent
contamination to water bodies.
Delete Codified under JCC 18.20.030 Ag Code
LNP 28.6 In coordination with adjacent jurisdictions and as funding sources become
available, seek to refine, update and develop, adopt and implement
watershed and basin plans to reduce nonpoint sources pollution.
Revise Per Environmental Health
ACTION KEY How many per this
element?
Adjustment % difference
Retain - it's still valid, relevant, feasible, achievable, cost-effective
Delete – has been codified, combined with another goal or policy, no longer relevant, etc.
Move - more appropriate somewhere else, different goal, element, etc.
Consolidate - with another goal or policy
Revise - re-write to be more accurate, concise or up to date, or include input
New - to reflect new information, law or the needs of the public
Total Actions (changes = total minus retained)
Goals (after assessment)
Policies (after assessment)
PC = Planning Commission
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
I. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
A. RCW 36.70A.070 Comprehensive Plans—Mandatory Elements
(5) Rural element. Counties shall include a rural element including lands that are
not designated for urban growth, agriculture, forest, or mineral resources. The following
provisions shall apply to the rural element:
(a) Growth management act goals and local circumstances. Because circumstances vary
from county to county, in establishing patterns of rural densities and uses, a county may
consider local circumstances, but shall develop a written record explaining how the rural
element harmonizes the planning goals in RCW 36.70A.020 and meets the requirements
of this chapter.
Contents
I. Chapter 36.70A RCW -- Growth Management Act
A. RCW 36.70A.070 Comprehensive Plans—Mandatory Elements
B. RCW 36.70A.200 Siting of Essential Public Facilities
C. RCW 47.85.050 Finding—Local land use review procedures. PUBLIC HIGHWAYS AND
TRANSPORTATION
II. WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
A. WAC 365-196-550 Essential public facilities.
III. COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICY #4 -- POLICY ON THE SITING OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC
FACILITIES OF A COUNTY OR STATE WIDE SIGNIFICANCE
IV. Jefferson County Code 18.15.110 Special use permit – Siting of essential public facilities.
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
(b) Rural development. The rural element shall permit rural development, forestry,
and agriculture in rural areas. The rural element shall provide for a variety of rural
densities, uses, essential public facilities, and rural governmental services needed to serve
the permitted densities and uses. To achieve a variety of rural densities and uses, counties
may provide for clustering, density transfer, design guidelines, conservation easements,
and other innovative techniques that will accommodate appropriate rural densities and
uses that are not characterized by urban growth and that are consistent with rural
character.
B. RCW 36.70A.200 Siting of essential public facilities—Limitation on liability.
(1) The comprehensive plan of each county and city that is planning under RCW
36.70A.040 shall include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities.
Essential public facilities include those facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as
airports, state education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined
in RCW 47.06.140, regional transit authority facilities as defined in RCW 81.112.020,
state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient
facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, and
secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020.
(2) Each county and city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall, not later than
September 1, 2002, establish a process, or amend its existing process, for identifying and
siting essential public facilities and adopt or amend its development regulations as
necessary to provide for the siting of secure community transition facilities consistent
with statutory requirements applicable to these facilities.
(3) Any city or county not planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall, not later than
September 1, 2002, establish a process for siting secure community transition facilities
and adopt or amend its development regulations as necessary to provide for the siting of
such facilities consistent with statutory requirements applicable to these facilities.
(4) The office of financial management shall maintain a list of those essential state
public facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years. The office
of financial management may at any time add facilities to the list.
(5) No local comprehensive plan or development regulation may preclude the
siting of essential public facilities.
(6) No person may bring a cause of action for civil damages based on the good
faith actions of any county or city to provide for the siting of secure community transition
facilities in accordance with this section and with the requirements of chapter 12, Laws of
2001 2nd sp. sess. For purposes of this subsection, "person" includes, but is not limited
to, any individual, agency as defined in RCW 42.17A.005, corporation, partnership,
association, and limited liability entity.
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
(7) Counties or cities siting facilities pursuant to subsection (2) or (3) of this
section shall comply with RCW 71.09.341.
(8) The failure of a county or city to act by the deadlines established in subsections
(2) and (3) of this section is not:
(a) A condition that would disqualify the county or city for grants, loans, or
pledges under RCW 43.155.070 or 70.146.070;
(b) A consideration for grants or loans provided under RCW 43.17.250(3); or
(c) A basis for any petition under RCW 36.70A.280 or for any private cause of
action.
C. 2015 change to REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTION for
Title 47: PUBLIC HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION and
how it is reviewed with the SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ACT:
RCW 47.85.050 Finding—Local land use review procedures.
The legislature finds that local land use reviews under chapter 90.58 RCW need to
be harmonized with the efficient accomplishment of necessary maintenance and
improvement to state transportation facilities. Local land use review procedures are
highly variable and pose distinct challenges for linear facility maintenance and
improvement projects sponsored by the department. In particular, clearer procedures for
local permitting under chapter 90.58 RCW are needed to meet the objectives of chapter
36.70A RCW regarding department facilities designated as essential public facilities.
[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 17 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 17: See note following RCW 47.85.005.
II. WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
A. WAC 365-196-550 Essential public facilities.
(1) Determining what facilities are essential public facilities.
(a) The term "essential public facilities" refers to public facilities that are typically
difficult to site. Consistent with county-wide planning policies, counties and cities should
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
create their own lists of "essential public facilities," to include at a minimum those set
forth in RCW 36.70A.200.
(b) For the purposes of identifying facilities subject to the "essential public
facilities" siting process, it is not necessary that the facilities be publicly owned.
(c) Essential public facilities include both new and existing facilities. It may
include the expansion of existing essential public facilities or support activities and
facilities necessary for an essential public facility.
(d) The following facilities and types of facilities are identified in RCW
36.70A.200 as essential public facilities:
(i) Airports;
(ii) State education facilities;
(iii) State or regional transportation facilities;
(iv) Transportation facilities of statewide significance as defined in RCW
47.06.140. These include:
(A) The interstate highway system;
(B) Interregional state principal arterials including ferry connections that serve
statewide travel;
(C) Intercity passenger rail services;
(D) Intercity high-speed ground transportation;
(E) Major passenger intermodal terminals excluding all airport facilities and
services;
(F) The freight railroad system;
(G) The Columbia/Snake navigable river system;
(H) Marine port facilities and services that are related solely to marine activities
affecting international and interstate trade;
(I) High capacity transportation systems.
(v) Regional transit authority facilities as defined under RCW 81.112.020;
(vi) State and local correctional facilities;
(vii) Solid waste handling facilities;
(viii) In-patient facilities, including substance abuse facilities;
(ix) Mental health facilities;
(x) Group homes;
(xi) Secure community transition facilities;
(xii) Any facility on the state ten-year capital plan maintained by the office of
financial management.
(e) Essential public facility criteria apply to the facilities and not the operator.
Cities and counties may not require applicants who operate essential public facilities to
use an essential public facility siting process for projects that would otherwise be allowed
by the development regulations. Applicants who operate essential public facilities may
not use an essential public facility siting process to obtain approval for projects that are
not essential public facilities.
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
(f) Regardless of whether it is a new, existing or an expansion or modification of
an existing public facility, the major component in the identification of an essential public
facility is whether it provides or is necessary to provide a public service and whether it is
difficult to site.
(2) Criteria to determine if the facility is difficult to site. Any one or more of the
following conditions is sufficient to make a facility difficult to site.
(a) The public facility needs a specific type of site of such as size, location,
available public services, which there are few choices.
(b) The public facility needs to be located near another public facility or is an
expansion of an essential public facility at an existing location.
(c) The public facility has, or is generally perceived by the public to have,
significant adverse impacts that make it difficult to site.
(d) Use of the normal development review process would effectively preclude the
siting of an essential public facility.
(e) Development regulations require the proposed facility to use an essential
public facility siting process.
(3) Preclusion of essential public facilities.
(a) Cities and counties may not use their comprehensive plan or development
regulations to preclude the siting of essential public facilities. Comprehensive plan
provisions or development regulations preclude the siting of an essential public facility if
their combined effects would make the siting of an essential public facility impossible or
impracticable.
(i) Siting of an essential public facility is "impracticable" if it is incapable of being
performed or accomplished by the means employed or at command.
(ii) Impracticability may also include restrictive zoning; comprehensive plan
policies directing opposition to a regional decision; or the imposition of unreasonable
conditions or requirements.
(iii) Limitations on essential public facilities such as capacity limits; internal
staffing requirements; resident eligibility restrictions; internal security plan requirements;
and provisions to demonstrate need may be considered preclusive in some circumstances.
(b) A local jurisdiction may not include criteria in its land use approval process
which would allow the essential public facility to be denied, but may impose reasonable
permitting requirements and require mitigation of the essential public facility's adverse
effects.
(c) An essential public facility is not precluded simply because the comprehensive
plan provisions would be too costly or time consuming to comply with.
(d) If the essential public facility and its location have been evaluated through a
state or regional siting process, the county or city may not require the facility to go
through the local siting process.
(e) Essential public facilities that are sited through a regional or state agency are
distinct from those that are "sited by" a city or county or a private organization or
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
individual. When a city or county is siting its own essential public facility, public or
private, it is free to establish a nonpreclusive siting process with reasonable criteria.
(4) Comprehensive plan.
(a) Requirements:
(i) Each comprehensive plan shall include a process for identifying and siting
essential public facilities. This process must be consistent with and implement applicable
county-wide planning policies.
(ii) No local comprehensive plan may preclude the siting of essential public
facilities.
(b) Recommendations for meeting requirements:
(i) Identification of essential public facilities. When identifying essential public
facilities, counties and cities should take a broad view of what constitutes a public
facility, involving the full range of services to the public provided by the government,
substantially funded by the government, contracted for by the government, or provided
by private entities subject to public service obligations.
(ii) Agreements among jurisdictions should be sought to mitigate any
disproportionate financial burden which may fall on the county or city which becomes
the site of a facility of a statewide, regional, or county-wide nature.
(iii) Where essential public facilities may be provided by special districts, the
plans under which those districts operate must be consistent with the comprehensive plan
of the city or county. Counties and cities should adopt provisions for consultation to
ensure that such districts exercise their powers in a way that does not conflict with the
relevant comprehensive plan.
(c) The siting process should take into consideration the need for county-wide,
regional, or statewide uniformity in connection with the kind of facility under review.
(5) Development regulations governing essential public facilities.
(a) Development regulations governing the siting of essential public facilities must
be consistent with and implement the process set forth in the comprehensive plan.
(b) Except where county-wide planning policies have otherwise dictated siting
choices, provision should be made for the possibility of siting each of the listed essential
public facilities somewhere within each county's or city's planning area.
(c) Counties and cities should consider the criteria established in their
comprehensive plan, in consultation with this section to determine if a project is an
essential public facility. Counties and cities may also adopt criteria for identifying an
essential public facility.
(d) If an essential public facility does not present siting difficulties and can be
permitted through the normal development review process, project review should be
through the normal development review process otherwise applicable to facilities of its
type.
(e) If an essential public facility presents siting difficulties, the application should
be reviewed using the essential public facility siting process.
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
(6) The essential public facility siting process.
(a) The siting process may not be used to deny the approval of the essential public
facility. The purpose of the essential public facility siting process is to allow a county or
city to impose reasonable conditions on an essential public facility necessary to mitigate
the impacts of the project while ensuring that its development regulations do not preclude
the siting of an essential public facility.
(b) The review process for siting essential public facilities should include a
requirement for notice and an opportunity to comment to other interested counties and
cities and the public.
(c) The permit process may include reasonable requirements such as a conditional
use permit, but the process used must ensure a decision on the essential public facility is
completed without unreasonable delay.
(d) The essential public facility siting process should identify what conditions are
necessary to mitigate the impacts associated with the essential public facility. The
combination of any existing development regulations and any new conditions may not
render impossible or impracticable, the siting, development or operation of the essential
public facility.
(e) Counties and cities should consider the extent to which design conditions can
be used to make a facility compatible with its surroundings. Counties and cities may also
consider provisions for amenities or incentives for neighborhoods in which facilities are
sited. Any conditions imposed must be necessary to mitigate an identified impact of the
essential public facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.050, 36.70A.190. WSR 10-22-103, § 365-196-550,
filed 11/2/10, effective 12/3/10; WSR 10-03-085, § 365-196-550, filed 1/19/10, effective
2/19/10.]
III. COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICY
POLICY #4
POLICY ON THE SITING OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
OF A COUNTY OR STATE WIDE SIGNIFICANCE
1. Essential public facilities are defined as: "Public or privately-owned facilities that are required
to accommodate basic public needs, including those facilities that are typically difficult to site,
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
including local waste handling and treatment facilities such as landfills, drop-box sites and
sewage treatment facilities, airports, state educational facilities, essential state public facilities,
regional transportation and stormwater drainage, utility facilities, state and local correctional
facilities, and in-patient facilities (including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities
and group homes).
2. The County and incorporated UGAs will jointly develop specific siting criteria for siting
essential public facilities. The proposed criteria will be considered in the drafting of
comprehensive plan policy addressing this issue. Elements of siting criteria should include, but
not be limited to the following:
. proximity to major transportation routes and essential infrastructure.
. land use compatibility with surrounding area.
. potential environmental impacts.
. effects on resource and critical areas.
. proximity to UGA.
. public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance.
. current capacity and location of equivalent facilities.
. the existence, within the community, of reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity.
3. Comprehensive plans and development regulations will not preclude the siting of essential
public facilities, however standards may be generated to insure that reasonable compatibility
with other land uses can be achieved.
4. Essential public facilities sited outside of urban growth areas should be self-supporting and not
require the extension, construction, or maintenance of urban services and facilities unless no
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
practicable alternative exists. Criteria will be established that address the provision of services
when siting an essential public facility. Essential public facilities shall not be located in
resource lands or critical areas if incompatible.
IV. JEFFERSON COUNTY CODE
18.15.110 Special use permit – Siting of essential public facilities.
The Growth Management Act directs that no comprehensive plan or development regulation may
preclude the siting of essential public facilities (RCW 36.70A.200(2)). The location and permitting of
essential public facilities shall be guided by the policies of the Comprehensive Plan, and subject to the
following procedures:
(1) The siting and location policies and strategies of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and
Countywide Planning Policy No. 4 shall be followed to the maximum extent possible.
(2) Essential public facilities shall be located if possible within land use designations for which the uses
are allowed (cf. Tables 3.1 or Chapter 18.18 JCC).
(3) Only if no practicable alternative exists, and then only to the minimum extent possible and in
accordance with applicable regulations, may such facilities be located where the uses are prohibited.
(4) A special use permit shall be required only for the siting of essential public facilities under this code.
(a) Process. A special use permit shall be reviewed under the same process as a Comprehensive Plan
amendment, as specified in Chapter 18.45 JCC.
(b) Application Requirements. An applicant for a special use permit shall provide the same application
materials as for a petition for a site-specific land use redesignation, as specified in Chapter 18.45 JCC. A
special use permit shall also include an alternative site analysis evaluating at least two other alternative
sites for the proposed facility.
(c) Approval Criteria. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to provide evidence in support of the
application. The criteria for approval or denial shall include the following elements:
(i) The characteristics of the special use will not be unreasonably incompatible with the types of uses
permitted in surrounding areas;
(ii) The proposed special use will not create undue noise, odor, heat, vibration, air or water pollution
impacts on surrounding existing or potential dwelling units;
(iii) The special use will not materially endanger the health, safety and welfare of the community;
(iv) The special use is such that pedestrian and vehicular traffic associated with the use will not be
hazardous to or significantly conflict with existing and anticipated traffic in the local area;
Policy and Statute Background of Essential Public Facilities Element, Chapter 9
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review
Planning Commission, May 17, 2017
(v) The special use will be supported by adequate public facilities or services and will not adversely affect
pubic services to the surrounding area unless conditions can be established to mitigate adverse impacts;
(vi) The location, size and height of buildings, structures, walls and fences and screening vegetation for
the special use shall not hinder or discourage the appropriate development or use of neighboring
properties;
(vii) The special use is not in conflict with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan, the comprehensive
plans of adjacent jurisdictions that may be affected by the use, or the basic purposes of this chapter;
(viii) For special uses outside of UGAs, extension, construction, or maintenance of urban services and
facilities is not required, unless no practicable alternative exists;
(ix) No feasible alternative site exists which better meet the requirements of these criteria;
(x) The need for the special use at a specific location is documented, taking into account regionwide
distribution of facilities and the capacity and location of equivalent facilities;
(xi) For special uses in or adjacent to resource lands, the impacts on the long-term natural resource
management and production will be minimized;
(xii) For state-owned essential public facilities, the state shall provide justification for the facility and its
location in Jefferson County based on forecasted needs and a logical service area; and
(xiii) For state-owned essential public facilities, the state shall have established a public process by which
the residents of the county and of affected and “host” municipalities have a reasonable opportunity to
participate in the site selection process.
(d) Conditions of Approval. If approved, conditions of approval for the special use may include
conditions of approval which address the criteria listed above and the following:
(i) Accessibility;
(ii) Transportation needs and services;
(iii) Public facility and service needs and availability;
(iv) Site design;
(v) Control of on-site and off-site impacts during construction;
(vi) Facility operations; and
(vii) Impacts on environmentally sensitive areas. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-1 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
PURPOSE
This section contains guidelines and policies which outline a process and define a set of
criteria to be used to identify sites for development of facilities classified as essential public
facilities, and for establishing an appeal mechanism. The suggested process stresses
avoiding duplication in approval processes, considers the long -term as well as short-term
costs of alternative siting criteria, provides for effective public review of major facilities and
emphasizes reasonable compatibility with neighboring uses.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN
Because of the provisions in GMA for siting essential public facilities, other elements of the
Comprehensive Plan analyze the potential impacts associated wi th the siting or expansion of
essential public facilities.
Element Discussion
1. Land Use/Rural Because of their potential size or nature,
essential public facilities (EPFs) can have a
substantial impact on land use and affect the
overall rural character of Jefferson County.
Design characteristics can be used to ensure
that the EPF is compatible with its
surroundings.
2. Environment The potential size of some essential public
facilities may warrant significant
environmental mitigation to protect critical
areas, aquifer recharge areas, or other
environmentally sensitive areas.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES - ISSUE BACKGROUND
Essential Public Facilities include those facilities considered difficult to site because of
potential adverse impacts related to size, bulk, hazardous characteristics, noise, or public
health and safety. The CWPP stipulates that the County and its UGAs must identify
appropriate land for essential public facilities that meets the needs of the community such
as local waste handling and treatment facilities, landfills, drop-box sites and sewage
treatment facilities, airports, state educational facilities, essential state public facilities,
regional transportation and utility facilities, state and local correctional facilities, and in -
patient facilities (including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities and group
homes). These facilities are difficult to site, serve regional or state requirements, or are
part of a County-wide service system.
The Revised Code of Washington (WAC) provides clarification as to what constitutes an
essential public facility:
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-2 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
“In the identification of essential public facilities, the broadest view should be taken of what
constitutes an essential public facility, involving the full range of servi ces to the public
provided by government, funded substantially by government, contracted for by
government, or provided by public entities subject to public service obligations.”
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) shall maintain a list of those esse ntial state
public facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years. The Office of
Financial Management may at any time add facilities to the list.
In addition to the list maintained by OFM, Jefferson County may identify other additional
public facilities that are essential to providing services to residents and without which
development cannot occur.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PUBLIC PURPOSE LANDS
Confusion often arises as to the distinction between lands identified for public purposes and
those identified for essential public facilities. Essential public facilities can be thought of as
a subset of public purpose lands. The table below illustrates this distinction.
Table 9-1
Distinguishing Public Purpose Lands from Essential Public Facilities
Public Purpose Lands Essential Public Facilities
FOCUS: Lands needed to accommodate
public facilities.
Lands needed to provide the full range of
services to the public provided by
government, substantially funded by
government, contracted for by government,
or provided by private entities to public
service obligations.
Examples:
Utility Corridors
Transportation Corridors
Sewage Treatment Facilities
Storm water Management
Facilities
Recreation Facilities
Schools
Other Public Uses
FOCUS: Facilities needed to provide public
services and functions that are typically
difficult to site.
Those public facilities that are usually
unwanted by neighborhoods, have unusual
site requirements, or other features that
complicate the siting process.
Examples:
Airports
Large-scale Transportation
Facilities
State Educational Facilities
Correctional Facilities
Solid Waste Handling Facilities &
Landfills
Inpatient Facilities (Substance
Abuse Facilities, Mental Health
Facilities & Group Homes).
Many of the facilities identified in the table above as being “public facilities” located on
public purpose lands are dealt with in other sections of this plan. The facilities in the
column on the right of the table are typical essential public facilities and are addressed in
this section.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-3 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
GMA GOALS
By their very nature or size, some essential public facilities may be unpopular with local
residents, who may object to certain types of essential public facilities, such as correctional
facilities or airports, locating in close proximity to their homes. GMA addresses this “NIMBY”
attitude and contains provisions to ensure that jurisdictions avoid exclusionary zoning
practices that prevent the siting of essential public facilities. RCW 36.70A.200 state s:
“No local comprehensive plan or development regulation may preclude the siting of essential
public facilities.”
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY
Adopted CWPPs require the County and UGAs to develop a cooperative and structured
process, including public involvement at an early stage, to consider the siting of public
facilities of a regional, state-wide, or federal nature. Solid waste disposal, correctional,
transportation, education, or human service facilities, or any other locally unpopular land
uses are examples of those facilities. Any new facilities or major expansions of existing
facilities must conform to these locally defined siting procedures described in the strategies
section.
County-wide Planning Policy #4 outlines the County’s approach to t he siting of essential
public facilities:
The County and incorporated UGAs will jointly develop specific siting criteria for
siting essential public facilities. The proposed criteria will be considered in the
drafting of comprehensive plan policy addressing this issue. Elements of siting
criteria should include, but not be limited to the following:
proximity to major transportation routes and essential infrastructure.
land use compatibility with surrounding area.
potential environmental impacts.
effects on resource and critical areas.
proximity to UGA.
public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance.
current capacity and location of equivalent facilities.
the existence, within the community, of reasonable alternatives to the
proposed activity.
Comprehensive plans and development regulations will not preclude the siting of
essential public facilities; however, standards may be generated to insure that
reasonable compatibility with other land uses can be achieved.
Essential public facilities sited outside of Urban Growth Areas should be self-
supporting and not require the extension, construction, or maintenance of urban
services and facilities unless no practicable alternative exists. Criteria will be
established that address the provision of services when siting an essential public
facility. Essential public facilities shall not be located in resource lands or critical
areas if incompatible.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-4 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
GOALS AND POLICIES
GOAL:
EPG 1.0 The County, in cooperation with its UGAs, will utilize the following
siting criteria as the basis for siting new essential public facilities or
for the expansion of existing essential public facilities:
1. Proximity to major transportation routes and essential
infrastructure;
2. Land use compatibility with surrounding ar eas;
3. Potential environmental impacts;
4. Effects on resource and critical areas;
5. Proximity to UGAs
6. Public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance;
7. Current capacity and location of equivalent facilities; and,
8. The existence, within the community, of reasonable alternatives to
the proposed activity.
9. Other criteria as determined relevant to the specific essential
public facility
POLICIES:
EPP 1.1 Establish an interjurisdictional approach to siting essential public facilities.
EPP 1.2 Identify and designate essential public facilities of state-wide, county-wide
and local significance and incorporate into the County Comprehensive Plan
and Map and the County-wide Planning Policy.
EPP 1.3 Ensure that the Comprehensive Plan and implementing regulation s do not
preclude the siting of essential public facilities.
EPP 1.4 Adopt development regulations that ensure that siting of essential public
facilities is consistent with the elements of the Comprehensive Plans of both
the County and City of Port Townsend, as well as, the siting criteria jointly
established by the County and its UGAs.
EPP 1.5 Adopt development regulations for essential public facilities in conjunction
with the City of Port Townsend, which consider the following factors:
A. Specific facility requirements including, but not limited to, acreage
requirements, transportation needs, availability of alternative sites, and
infrastructure and services required by the facility.
1. Minimum acreage
2. Accessibility
3. Transportation needs and services
4. Supporting public facility and public service needs and availability
thereof
5. Health and safety
6. Site design
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-5 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
7. Zoning of the site
8. Availability of alternative sites
9. Community-wide distribution of facilities
10. Capacity and location of equivalent facilities
11. State and federal siting requirements
B. Impacts of the facility including, but not limited to, compatibility with
adjacent land uses, environmental impacts and transportation.
1. Land use compatibility
2. Existing land use and development in adjacent and surrounding areas
3. Existing zoning of surrounding areas
4. Existing Comprehensive Plan designation for surrounding areas
5. Present and proposed population density of surrounding area
6. Environmental impacts and opportunities to mitigate environmental
impacts
7. Effect on agricultural, forest or mineral lands, critical areas and
historic, archaeological, and cultural sites
8. Effect on areas outside of Jefferson County
9. Effect on the likelihood of associated development
10. Effect on public costs including operating and maintenance
11. Proximity to Urban Growth Areas
12. Proximity to major transportation routes and essential infrastructure
13. Current capacity and location of equivalent facilities
14. Public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance
15. The existence, within the community, of reasonab le alternatives to
proposed activity
C. Impacts of the facility siting on Urban Growth Area designations and
policies including, but not limited to, proximity to existing UGAs,
compatibility with existing UGAs and their associated development and the
urban characteristics of the proposed facility.
1. Urban nature of facility
2. Existing urban growth near facility site
3. Compatibility or urban growth with the facility
4. Compatibility of facility siting with respect to Urban Growth Area
boundaries
EPP 1.6 Adopt development regulations for essential public facilities which specify:
a. The time required for construction
b. Property acquisition
c. Control of on-site and off-site impacts during construction
d. Expediting and streamlining necessary government approvals and permits
if all other elements of the County policies have been met.
e. The quasi-public or public nature of the facility, balancing the need for the
facility against the external impacts generated by its siting and the
availability of alternative sites with lesser impacts
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-6 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
EPP 1.7 Adopt development regulations for essential public facilities which include
standards and criteria related to:
a. Facility operations
b. Health and safety
c. Nuisance effects
d. Maintenance of standards congruent with applicable governmental
regulations, particularly as they may change and become more stringent
over time.
EPP 1.8 Ensure that new essential public facilities or the expansion of existing
essential public facilities sited outside of Urban Growth Areas are self
supporting and do not require the extension or construction of urban services
and facilities unless no practicable alternative exists.
EPP 1.9 Ensure that Jefferson County's policies and regulations on essential public
facility siting are coordinated with and advance other planning goa ls.
EPP 1.10 Ensure that where possible, essential public facility sites are used jointly for
public benefit.
EPP 1.11 Ensure that affected agencies and citizens, adjacent jurisdictions, and other
interested parties are given adequate notice and opportunity for meaningful
participation in decisions on siting essential public facilities.
EPP 1.12 Establish a review body with specified procedures established to hear appeals
of site selection for essential public facilities.
EPP 1.13 Combine public hearings for permits required by federal and/or state law for
essential public facilities with any public hearing required by County
development regulations whenever feasible.
EPP 1.14 Any state essential public facility included on the list maintained by the Office
of Financial Management (OFM) and proposed for siting within Jefferson
County shall be subject to the same siting process as identified in both the
County Comprehensive Plan and development regulations.
EDP 1.15 Develop standards to allow reclamation of waste disposal sites to other land
uses.
EDP 1.16 Consider investigating whether the County can be waste disposal self
sufficient for the next twenty (20) years.
GOAL:
EPG 2.0 Ensure the continued viability of the Jefferson County International
Airport as a transportation hub.
POLICIES:
EPP 2.1 During the Port’s preparation of a sub-area plan for the JCIA and appropriate
surrounding properties, limit new development proposals at the JCIA site to
only those uses which are clearly identified as aviation support facilities or
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-7 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
aviation related development in conformance with the airport’s designation as
an essential public facility.
EPP 2.1.1 Aviation Support Facilities are those uses which directly support
the operation of the Jefferson County Airport:
EPP 2.1.2 Aviation Related Development are those uses which are reliant
upon the airport for their business:
EPP 2.2 Cooperate with the Port of Port Townsend to develop a sub -area plan to guide
future development at the Jefferson County Internat ional Airport. This sub-
area plan may evaluate non-aviation uses and activities that are compatible
with the airport facility and surrounding area. The sub -area plan should
address the following siting issues for all new uses and activities proposed for
siting at the Jefferson County International Airport and all plans for facilities
expansion:
a. Compatibility with airport operations as an essential public facility;
b. Provision of infrastructure consistent with the requirements of the GMA;
c. Land use compatibility with surrounding area;
d. Potential environmental impacts;
e. Availability of alternative sites;
f. Public health and safety;
g. Sub-area plan amendment process for possible future acquisition of
adjacent properties
GOAL:
EPG 3.0 Ensure continuation of the airport as a safe and efficient essential
public facility.
POLICIES:
EPP 3.1 Develop an “Airport Overlay Zone” for Jefferson County International Airport
(JCIA) which:
Discourages the siting of new, incompatible land uses adjacent to the
airport;
Establishes a noise overlay zone;
Identifies and regulates land uses within a “runway protection zone;”
Identifies and regulates land uses within an “airport approach zone;” and,
Regulates obstacles in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)
77 until the “Airport Overlay Zone” is established for the JCIA.
EPP 3.2 Contingent upon the results of the “Glen Cove/Tri -Area Special Study,” review
and, if necessary, amend the JCIA section of the Essential Public Facilities
element.
EPP 3.3 Limit and regulate all uses within the Jefferson County International Airport
Runway Protection Zone, except for facilities and structures determined
necessary to ensure the safe operation of aircraft.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-8 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
EPP 3.4 Prohibit any new use which involves release of airborne substances, such as
steam, dust, and smoke which interfere with aircraft operations within the
Airport Approach or Runway Protection Zones.
EPP 3.5 Prohibit any new uses which emit light, direct or indirect (reflections), which
may interfere with a pilot’s vision within the Airport Approach or Runway
Protection Zones.
EPP 3.6 Facilities which emit electrical currents shall be installed in a manner that
does not interfere with communication systems or navigational equipment.
EPP 3.7 Prohibit any new uses that attract concentrations of birds or waterfowl (i.e.,
mixed solid waste landfill disposal facilities, waste transfer facilities, feeding
stations, and the growth of certain vegetation) in the Airport Approach or
Runway Protection Zones.
EPP 3.8 Encourage the Port of Port Townsend to continue its efforts to mitigate noise
conflicts at Jefferson County International Airport.
EPP 3.9 Encourage the commitment between Jefferson County and the Port of Port
Townsend to coordinate individual planning documents to preclude the
occurrence of future noise conflict areas. Coordinate with the Port of Port
Townsend to explore options in flight patterns to mitigate noise events, as
long as options preserve safe aeronautical regulations and procedures.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-9 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
STRATEGIES
A. ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES STRATEGY
Jefferson County’s process for siting Essential Public Facilities consisting of the following
components and the criteria contained in EPG 1.0, shall be utilized to make siting decisions
regarding Essential Public Facilities.
Action Items
1. The County’s essential public facility site selection process shall consist of the
following elements
The County Commission shall:
Establish an Essential Public Facilities Advisory Committee (EPFAC)
Define EPFAC responsibilities and operating framework
Determine EPFAC composition
Appoint EPFAC members
Identify budget parameters
Establish process time-line
Negotiate and adopt agreement with agency or entity requiring siting
Coordinate and support the EPFAC process
Review EPFAC recommendations
Submit recommendations to requesting agency/entity.
The requesting agency/entity should:
Negotiate and adopt an agreement with the County Commission
Solicit nominations for potential sites
Provide data support as appropriate and requested
Submit site nominations for analysis
Conduct initial SEPA review
Receive recommendations and begin follow-up process as appropriate
The EPFAC should:
Conduct organizational and educational meetings in a public format
Quantify facility needs
Identify siting issues
Analyze and rank sites
Conduct public information meetings
Prepare recommendations
Present recommendations to County Commission
Coordinate all matters relating to the siting of EPFs, including interjurisdictional
matters
The EPFAC shall use the siting criteria contained in the CWPP and supplement these
as deemed necessary. The committee shall also be guided in its decision by asking
the following questions during each decision-making process.
Is the facility in the best interests of the citizens of Jefferson County?
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 9-10 Revised by ORD#17-1213-04
In what regard is such a facility “essential” and is it truly public?
Which criteria should be applied to best locate such a facility?
All meetings of the EPFAC shall be advertised to ensure timely public notice and to
provide sufficient opportunity for all affected parties to comment on the proposed
siting decision.
(Corresponding Goal: 1.0)
2. Appeals to the decision(s) of the EPFAC shall be processed as a “Type C” decision, in
accordance with Jefferson County’s “Procedural Reform Ordinance.” (Corresponding
Goal: 1.0)
3. Adopt development regulations and establish a process to site essential public
facilities on the list maintained by the State Office of Financial Management. All
requests by the State to site essential public facilities of statewide significance shall
be submitted with written findings of fact outlining the need for siting the facility in
Jefferson County and an outline of the process used by the State to make its site
selection decision. The findings shall include, but not be limited to, identifying all
other jurisdictions considered for the facility and reasons for rejecting alternative
sites. (Corresponding Goal: 1.0)
4. Advance planning goals regarding essential public facilities using th e following
strategies:
Reduce sprawl development
Promote economic development and employment opportunities
Protect the environment
Provide positive fiscal impact and on-going benefit to the host jurisdiction
Serve population groups needing affordable housing
Receive financial or other incentives from the State and/or local governments
Support fair distribution of essential public facilities throughout the County
Require State and Federal projects to be consistent with this policy.
(Corresponding Goal: 1.0)
B. JEFFERSON COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT STRATEGY
Action Items
1. Jefferson County shall work cooperatively with the Port of Port Townsend and
aviation officials to develop and adopt an “Airport Overlay Zone” for Jefferson County
International Airport.
(Corresponding Goal: 3.0)
2. Based upon the results of the Glen Cove/Tri-Area Study, the County may re-evaluate
land use designations within the “Airport Overlay Zone.” (Corresponding Goals: 2.0,
3.0)