HomeMy WebLinkAbout41 JohnsonTestimony to the Jefferson County Planning Commission
RE: ZON 18-00036
By Diane Johnson
1521 Dabob Rd,
Quilcene, WA 98376 JEFFERSON COUNTY DCD
I offer quotes from the Washington RCWs first, then Jefferson County Comprehensive
Plan, as follows:
Quote: [T]he [Washington] legislature finds that in defining its rural element under RCW
36.70A.070(5), a county should foster land use patterns and develop a local vision of
rural character that will: [h]elp preserve rural -based economies and traditional rural
lifestyles; encourage the economic prosperity of rural residents; foster opportunities for
small-scale, rural -based employment and self-employment; permit the operation of
rural -based agricultural, commercial, recreational, and tourist businesses that are
consistent with existing and planned land use patterns; be compatible with the use of
the land by wildlife and for fish and wildlife habitat; foster the private stewardship of the
land and preservation of open space; and enhance the rural sense of community and
quality of life."
"The [Jefferson County] Comprehensive Plan establishes a definition of our rural
character..... is inclusive of our working landscapes, rural economy, and protection of
our natural resources...
[...allows...] "rural commercial development ... that supports and is compatible with rural
community character..... limited small-scale commercial or industrial activities
...limitations provided in land use policies ... intended to prevent the activity from
detracting from adjacent land uses and the rural character of the area..."
[supports] "...preservation and conservation of Jefferson County's unique history, scenic
resources, and rural community identities ... [and]...community cohesiveness. ...
encourage diverse rural land uses and densities which preserve rural character and
rural community identity"
"Jefferson County is rich with natural and scenic areas..... providing our
community—and the larger region—with ecosystem services such as clean air, clean
water, and a high quality of life. This is a significant part of our rural economy. The
County makes environmental protection a high priority ..... a resource to protect..... that
has economic value...
?VA) fS-00C,3e
"Protection, enhancement, and sustainable use of the environment are an integral part
of Jefferson County's ethos and a significant reason why people visit, recreate or
relocate here. ..... The County through its Comprehensive Plan and implementing
development regulations has designated growth management policies and regulations
ensuring strong environmental protections, while addressing the housing, economic,
social, and healthy living needs of its residents. ...embodying county leaders' and
citizens' deep commitment to sustainably managing the high environment quality and
high functioning ecosystems..." End Quote
These are beautiful words with which no member of TRC, or the public we have
conversed with during our petition drive, would disagree. You would think we would feel
safe and protected in our beautiful, quiet, almost pristine rural lifestyle as it now exists.
The question before us is this: who decides what that life-style will include in the future?
This is the second time we are telling the Jefferson County government what OUR
definition of "rural character" does and does not, include. They failed us the first time,
and the Growth Management Board agreed with us They are NOT living up to their fine
words and ideals if they fail again to place limits on gun ranges that guarantee they stay
small [ scale, recreational and tourist -oriented in nature. Please encourage the
adoption of specific, clear limits on the scope and intensity of activities allowed in any
new gun ranges allowed in Jefferson County.
Thank you