HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 1 Land Use 2021_02_01Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–1
February 2021
1 Land Use
1.1 FRAMEWORK
The Land Use Element establishes the future goals and policies
addressing rural lands and rural character, rural villages,
and communities, and incorporated and unincorporated urban
growth areas (UGAs).A fundamental focus of the periodic update
has been a refreshed set of land use goals and policies that
meets community needs to strengthen the economy, provide
housing choices, welcome tourists, create opportunities for
active living, steward the natural environment, offer public
services and infrastructure to support growth, and maintain an
exceptional quality of life.
The Land Use Element is arranged in four components:
▶ Framework: The Framework section presents county-wide
land use plan concepts, population trends and forecasts,
current land use inventories, current surface water
conditions, public health, comprehensive land use map
categories, and general land use and surface water
policies that apply county-wide.
▶ Rural: Consistent with Rural Element requirements under
the GMA, the Rural section addresses rural character,
rural residential densities, and areas that qualify as
Casey Scalf via the Jefferson Landworks Collaborative
This element supports the
Vision Statement by
preserving the rural
character of land and
lifestyle in Jefferson
County. Priorities in this
element protect open
spaces, forests, and
farmland for long-term
management and
conservation, while also
embracing ideas that foster
opportunities for increased
synergy between natural and
built environments.
Additional concepts support
integrating diversified
economic activity and
innovations in housing and
industry that benefit
overall ecosystem vitality
and offer opportunities for
all residents to thrive.
Connection to the
Vision Statement
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–2
February 2021
exceptions to rural densities: limited areas of more
intensive rural development (LAMIRDs) and Master Planned
Resorts (MPRs).
▶ Resource: This section summarizes the Comprehensive Plan’s
approach to conservation of natural resource lands of long-
term commercial significance; these lands are more fully
addressed in the Natural Resource Element. Additionally,
this section addresses conservation of forested lands in
rural areas not zoned for resource production.
▶ Urban: The Urban section of the Land Use Element addresses
UGAs, including the City of Port Townsend and the Port
Hadlock/Irondale UGA. Additionally, this section addresses
current and planned residential and commercial uses, and
urban services necessary to support the UGA.
Land Use Typologies
Under the GMA, lands are generally characterized as rural,
resource, or urban. Accordingly, this Land Use Element defines
and regulates these categories as follows:
▶ Rural Areas: This term refers to lands which are not
within an UGA and are not designated as natural resource
lands having long-term commercial significance for
production of agricultural products, timber, or the
extraction of minerals. Rural areas may consist of a variety
of uses and residential densities at levels that are
consistent with the preservation of rural character. Rural
areas can include LAMIRDs, which provide opportunities for
rural economic development and housing, and Master Planned
Resorts (MPRs).
▶ Natural Resource Lands: This term refers to agriculture,
aquaculture, forest, and mineral resource lands which have
long-term commercial significance. A detailed discussion of
Natural Resource Lands can be found in the Natural Resources
Element, and goals and policies related to aquaculture are
contained in the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program.
▶ Urban Growth Areas: This term refers to areas designated for
growth that make intensive use of land for the location of
buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a
degree as to be incompatible with the primary use of such
land to produce food, other agricultural products, fiber, or
the extraction of mineral resources.
The three major land use categories are reflected on the
following map.
Rural (Chimacum), Windermere
Resource, Carolyn Gallaway
Urban, Carolyn Gallaway
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–3
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-1 General Land Use Categories
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–4
February 2021
Population Projections
The State of Washington Office of Financial Management (OFM)
publishes population projections for each county for use in the
GMA planning efforts every five years. The County is responsible
under the GMA for allocating population in consultation with the
City of Port Townsend.
In 2015, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend developed
a population projection and urban population allocation for the
City of Port Townsend, Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area,
and the Port Ludlow and Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resorts
based on OFM’s 2012 Medium projections. The County passed
Resolution #38-15 on October 26, 2015, adopting the Updated
Population Forecast (see page 30 of Appendix B. OFM has since
published 2017 projections, but results are nearly identical.1
The 2018-2038 population forecast is summarized in Exhibit 1-2.
EXHIBIT 1-2 Jefferson County & City of Port Townsend 20-year Population
Projection & Distribution (2018-2038)
Location
(Unincorporated
unless noted)
2010
Population
1
Allocation
Total
Growth
County-wide
Projected
Growth
(2010-38)
2018
Projected
Population7
Estimated
Growth
(2018-
38)2
Projected
Population
2038
2010-38
Projected
Growth Rate3
Port Townsend UGA
(Incorporated)
9,113 36% 3,366 9,661 2,814 12,479 1.13%
Port Hadlock/
Irondale UGA4
3,580 19.4% 1,814 3,795 1,516 5,394 1.48%
Port Ludlow MPR 2,603 10.1% 944 2,759 789 3,547 1.11%
Pleasant Harbor
(Brinnon) MPR
-- 4.5% 421 -- 352 421 24.1 %
UGA/MPR Subtotal 15,296 70% 6,545 16,215 5,471 21,841 1.28%
Rural & Resource
Areas Subtotal
14,576 30% 2,804 15,452 2,445 17,380 0.63%
County-wide Total 29,8725 100% 9,349 31,667 7,8166 39,221 0.98%
Legend: UGA = Urban Growth Area, MPR = Master Planned Resort
1 Source: Estimated using tract and block data, 2010 U.S. Census.
2 Source: Estimated based on OFM’s 2018 Projection for Jefferson County (31,405) and 2010 population
shares.
3 Calculated as a compound annual growth rate.
4 In 2004, the Tri-Area UGA became known as the Port Hadlock/Irondale UGA.
5 Source: 2010 U.S. Census
6 The net total of 7,816 was reported in Resolution 38-15; however, when adding 5,471 and 2,445 the total
is 7,916.
1 The OFM medium growth forecast for 2038 developed in 2017 shows a
projected population of 39,397, slightly higher than the 2012 medium
series at 39,221.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–5
February 2021
7 Calculated 2018 from increasing OFM published 2017 population 31,360 by 1.0098 = 31,667. CAGR 2010-2018
= 0.00732086. (31,667/29,872)^(1/8)-1, and increased 2010 allocations to 2018 by (n2010 * 1.00732086)^8
Because of legislative changes to Comprehensive Plan Periodic
review schedules, the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee
adopted population projections for separate planning periods for
the City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County. The City of Port
Townsend’s allocation and planning efforts were conducted based
on the 2016-2036 20-year planning period. The City of Port
Townsend completed its plan in 2016 consistent with the original
due date for Growth Management Act planning by the City of Port
Townsend, whereas Jefferson County, as a slow-growing county, was
allowed by Commerce to extend its Growth Management Act planning
efforts to 2018 and is addressing a 2038 horizon. The Port
Townsend 2036 population projection of 12,165 is very similar to
the projection in 2038 of 12,479.
Consistent with the County’s and the City of Port Townsend’s
prior methodology, 36% of the projected County-wide growth would
be planned for and accommodated within the Port Townsend UGA, an
increase from the observed share of 30.5% in 2010. The Port
Hadlock/Irondale UGA would increase its population share from 12%
to 19.4% with implementation of urban wastewater services and
planned urban densities. MPR shares are based on development
agreements and expected growth trends.
EXHIBIT 1-3 Population Shares 2010 & 2038
Source: Jefferson County Resolution #38-15, BERK, 2018.
Overall, with adopted plans and agreements, the urban and MPR
share would increase from 51% in 2010 to 70% in 2038. The rural
share would decrease from 49% in 2010 to 44% in 2038 by
allocating 30% of growth to rural areas. This is consistent with
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–6
February 2021
the goals of this Comprehensive Plan to protect rural character
and offer more housing and employment choices in Urban Growth
Areas, in MPR areas where urban services are available, and in
existing rural communities classified as LAMIRDs.
Resolution 038-15 provided assumptions regarding housing units in
relation to the population allocation, as summarized below:
▶ Port Townsend UGA: Assuming a population increase of 2,711
at 1.98 persons/household, approximately 1,369 additional
units will be needed by the end of the City of Port
Townsend’s 20-year planning period at 2036.
▶ Port Hadlock/Irondale) UGA: The population projections for
this area assume development at urban densities with sewer
service available. Assuming 2.1 persons per household in the
UGA, to accommodate the projected population increase of
1,516, approximately 758 additional units will be required by
the end of the County’s 20-year planning period at 2038.
▶ Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort: The development
agreement adopted in 2000 provides for approximately 2,250
residential “Measurement Equivalent Residential Units”
(MERU’s); the development agreement addresses both commercial
and dwelling units. In 2015, 1,544 residential dwelling units
had been constructed. A population of 789 per the allocation,
together with a household size of about 1.49 persons, results
in approximately 529 units during the 2018-2038 period.
Growth would occur consistent with the CWPPs, this
Comprehensive Plan, and the development agreement that
expires in 2025.
▶ Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort: The land use
designation was established in 2008, and a final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement capped the maximum number of
development units at 890 with 52 units designated for staff
housing and no more than 65% dedicated to time-share and
short-term rental units, leaving approximately 293 units for
permanent housing. Approval of the Pleasant Harbor Master
Planned Resort development regulations was made by the Board
of County Commissioners in 2018 through Ordinance No. 03-
0604-18, and a development agreement approved through
Ordinance No. 04-0604-18.
▶ LAMIRDs and Rural Communities: As a predominantly rural
county, Jefferson County has many small, existing rural
communities characterized by more intense, yet not fully
urban, levels of development. These include rural villages
and commercial crossroads of Quilcene, Brinnon, Gardiner,
Chimacum, Nordland, and Discovery Bay, as well as a number of
smaller rural commercial areas. These Limited Areas of More
Intensive Rural Developments (LAMIRDs) serve the housing and
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–7
February 2021
day-to-day commercial needs of local residents and the
travelling public, and provide opportunities for rural
economic development.
Rural population is allocated to unincorporated Rural and
Resource Areas and to Master Planned Resorts. It is expected
that additional rural housing would occur in and around the
existing rural communities and, in a more dispersed pattern,
in rural residential and resource zones. An overview of
Jefferson County’s rural community classification system and
detailed descriptions of each village or center are provided
in Section 1.2 of this Land Use Element.
Employment shares within planning areas show another distribution
factor of population when considering planning policies. For
comprehensive plan periodic reviews, the Joint Growth Management
Steering Committee (JGMSC), through joint resolutions between
County and City, allocate the 20-year projected population, but
not employment.
Current employment covered by unemployment insurance is about
8,356 jobs as of 2016 (ESD, 2017). This does not include sole
proprietors, clergy, chief executives, etc. Covered employment
generally represents 85-90% of total employment in communities.
(Employment Security Department and PSRC, 2017) If adding 15% to
the total covered employment in 2016 there would be about 9,600
jobs.
Employment figures prepared for the Quimper Peninsula Travel
Demand model in 2018 estimates about 11,907 jobs in 2018, rising
to about 18,893 in 2038 (see Appendix C). As shown in Exhibit 1-
4, it is estimated that over 50% of the jobs in 2018 and in 2038
would be found in the City of Port Townsend, and over 10% would
be in Port Hadlock/Irondale UGA.
EXHIBIT 1-4 Employment: Quimper Peninsula Travel
Demand Model Updated 2018
Area
2007
Employment
Share
2018
Employment
Share
2038
Employment
Share
Port Townsend 51% 52% 54%
North Peninsula 6% 6% 7%
Mid-Peninsula 9% 8% 9%
Port Hadlock/Irondale UGA 9% 10% 13%
South Peninsula 2% 2% 2%
Port Ludlow MPR 3% 3% 3%
Refer to Appendix C—
Transportation Plan
Technical Document
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–8
February 2021
Area
2007
Employment
Share
2018
Employment
Share
2038
Employment
Share
Rural Jefferson County 19% 18% 13%
Total 10,611 11,907 18,893
Source: Transpo Group, 2018.
Land Use, Health, & Surface Water
Analysis
Land Use Inventory & Analysis
Based on parcel records maintained by the Jefferson County
Assessor, about 65% of the current land use in the County
consists of parks and open space due to the Olympic National
Park. About 31% consists of forestry. Relatively small areas
are residential, agriculture, public/civic and industrial. See
Exhibit 1-5 and Exhibit 1-6. Refer to the Natural Resources
Element for detailed information regarding forestry, mineral
resources, and agriculture lands.
Of the total acreage
zoned forest lands by
Jefferson County (CF-80,
RF-40, IF), approximately
40% is privately held
forest land and
approximately 60% is in
public ownership. Of the
public ownership
category, approximately
99% is owned by
Washington Department of
Natural Resources. A
majority of the forest
lands in East Jefferson
County are privately
owned, while a majority
of the forest lands in
West Jefferson County are
publicly owned.
Forest Lands
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–9
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-5 Current Land Use Map, 2018 Assessor Information
Source: Jefferson County Assessor, BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–10
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-6 Current Land Use, 2018 Assessor Information
Current Use
Category
Parcel Count Parcel Acres Percentage
Agriculture 357 6,749 1%
Commercial 540 1,405 0.1%
Forestry 1,931 358,557 31%
Industrial 55 238 0.02%
Parks and Open Space 11,581 746,858 65%
Military1 1 2,573 0.2%
Public/Civic 322 7,407 1%
Residential 17,317 28,176 2%
Total 32,104 1,151,964 100%
Source: Jefferson County Assessor, BERK, 2018.
1 Military lands are located on Indian Island and on the Thorndyke/Toandos Peninsula
fronting Hood Canal.
Land Use & Public Health
The GMA suggests that counties and cities “consider utilizing
urban planning approaches that promote physical activity” in
their Land Use Elements.
Some indicators of health risk in a 2016 State of Washington
Department of Health profile of chronic disease included:
▶ 79% of 10th graders in Jefferson County had insufficient
physical activity, similar to 80% for the State as a whole.
▶ 36% of adults 18 years or older in Jefferson County had
insufficient physical activity, similar to 38% for the State
as a whole.
▶ About 29% of adults were obese in Jefferson County compared
to 27% of adults in the state as a whole.
▶ Rates of cancer (16%), heart disease (12%), and diabetes
(11%) were higher for adults in Jefferson County than the
state as a whole (cancer-12%, heart disease 6%, diabetes 9%).
▶ The proportion of Jefferson County’s population over the age
of 65 is more than double the state average, which results in
an increased incidence of chronic disease and creates
increased demand for ongoing health services. For example,
approximately 84% of Jefferson County residents 65+ years are
living with a chronic disease.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–11
February 2021
In 2012, Jefferson County commissioned an evaluation of the
County’s Comprehensive Plan regarding active living and
healthy food access under the Washington State Department of
Health’s Healthy Communities grant program (Alta Planning +
Design, ChangeLab Solutions, September 2017).
The 2012 evaluation cited the National Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations that identified
that healthy community design can improve people’s health by
increasing physical activity, increasing access to healthy
food, improve air and water quality, decrease mental health
stress, reduce the effects of climate change, strengthen
social ties, provide access to livelihood, education, and
resources. The analysis also made several recommendations to
integrate active living and healthy food access into policies
(see text box). The evaluation led to the Jefferson County
Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a 2013 partnership
between Jefferson Healthcare and Jefferson County Public
Health, to identify the health needs in Jefferson County.
Additional partners such as Discovery Behavioral Healthcare,
Jefferson County, and the City of Port Townsend, joined the
initiative and developed the 2016 CHIP and companion Strategic
Results Framework strategic plan document.
Active Living
Accessibility:
▶Mixed Use zoning
▶Connectivity
▶Multimodal options/ standards
▶Active Recreation
Facility design:
▶Safety
▶Complete Streets
Active Living & Healthy Food Access Recommendations
Healthy Food Access
Linking residents to local food:
▶Rural and regional agriculture
▶Urban agriculture: community and school gardens
▶Local processing and value-added production
▶Farmers’ markets and farm stands
Improving access to healthy food and limiting unhealthy
food:
▶Grocery stores and healthy food retailers
▶Fast food and convenience stores
▶Nutrition education and support for healthy eating
The Community Health
Improvement Plan (CHIP)
is addressed in the
following Elements:
Land Use
Land Use & Public Health
Natural Resources,
Agriculture
Open Space, Parks & Rec.
Challenges &
Opportunities
Environment
Environmentally Friendly
Development Techniques
Transportation
Active Living
Community Health
Improvement Plan
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–12
February 2021
The Land Use Element supports active living recommendations by
including mixed use zoning in urban areas, master planned
resorts, and rural centers; and by directing growth to urban
areas where there is access to transit or other modes of non-
motor vehicle transportation opportunities. Promoting parks and
other destinations connected by regional trails also supports
active living and is supported by this Land Use Element. Exhibit
1-7 shows existing and proposed trail connections in the vicinity
of Chimacum Crossroads and the Irondale-Port Hadlock UGA. It
illustrates connectivity between rural and urban communities, and
linking destinations such as schools, parks, and other amenities.
Non-motorized transportation connections and supporting non-
motorized and park system plans are discussed in greater detail
in the Transportation Element.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–13
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-7 Recreation Trail Connections to Schools and Parks of the
Irondale-Port Hadlock UGA and Chimacum
Source: Jefferson County Assessor, BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–14
February 2021
Healthy food access is well supported by the land use strategy in
this plan. A healthy food system supports the livelihoods of
local farmers and ranchers and the economic viability of farmland
and other working landscapes, both of which are necessary to
protect open spaces from sprawl. Local food systems can also
reduce the environmental impacts associated with shipping
agricultural products long distances. Local food supports healthy
eating, food literacy, and a healthy local economy. This Land Use
Element supports commercial agriculture and allows agriculture in
rural areas including farm-related accessory uses such as food
processing and farm stands. Land Use and Economic Development
Element policies support local food processing in industrial
areas. The Land Use Element also supports urban agriculture and
farmer’s markets in urban and rural centers.
Considering health while planning our communities is a critical
step toward a framework for future growth and design that
maximizes a community’s ability to lead active, healthy
lifestyles.
Review of Surface Water Conditions & Existing
Polluted Discharges
The GMA requires that the land use element of each comprehensive
plan include a review of drainage, flooding and stormwater runoff
in the area and nearby jurisdictions. (RCW 36.70A.070(1)). The
GMA recognizes that drainage, flooding, and storm water runoff
issues are watershed basin concerns not confined by political or
planning boundaries.
The County has adopted the Department of Ecology Stormwater
Management Manual for Western Washington (2001) as a technical
guide and set of standards for stormwater management. A
comprehensive stormwater program includes:
▶ Adoption of a comprehensive surface/stormwater management
plan;
▶ Implementation of an operation and maintenance ordinance for
stormwater facilities;
▶ Implementation of additional public education efforts
regarding nonpoint source pollution and stormwater
management;
▶ Completion of a more thorough inventory of county owned and
operated facilities (i.e., cross-culverts and approach
culverts); and
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–15
February 2021
Implementation of a clearing and grading ordinance to provide a
permit trigger for compliance with stormwater standards at the
time of lot clearing. In addition to the goals and policies of
the Land Use Element, the Environment Element addresses surface
water and stormwater.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–16
February 2021
Land Use Strategy
This Land Use Element is designed to Growth Management Act Goals,
as balanced by Jefferson County’s Vision, Framework Goals, and
this Element by:
▶ Directing growth to urban areas including the Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth Area;
▶ Offering a variety of residential housing types at low,
medium, and high densities in designated urban and rural
village centers and crossroads;
▶ Ensuring areas designated as Master Planned Resorts follow
their adopted development standards and development
agreements;
▶ Conserving resource lands—agriculture, forestry, and mineral—
of long-term commercial significance;
▶ Accommodating projected rural residential population and
employment growth through flexible and innovative approaches
to growth in LAMIRDs and other rural communities, including
fostering their role as rural employment centers, and
offering opportunities to create a vibrant economy while
sustaining rural character in a rural county;
▶ Working cooperatively with other groups and individuals to
develop long-term future opportunities to improve rural
economic development and visitor facilities along established
highway/tourist corridors.
Land Use & Zoning Designations
Based on its Vision, land characteristics, and the provisions of
the GMA, Jefferson County does not propose to change its Land Use
Map for the next 20-year planning horizon in this periodic
update. See Exhibit 1-8.
The predominant future land use designation / zoning district is
Commercial Forest (CF-80). Other extensive designations include
Rural Residential – 20 and Rural Residential – 5.
Refer to Overlay Districts,
Policy LU-P-1.9, and the
Action Plan in Section 1.5
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–17
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-8 Land Use / Zoning Map
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, 2018.
Note: No map changes are proposed as part of this periodic update.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–18
February 2021
Categories of rural land use, including rural commercial and
industrial, residential, resort, resource, public and urban land
use designations and zoning districts are listed in Exhibit 1-9.
Acreage statistics illustrate the great predominance of forest
resource land designations / zoning at over 76% of zoned land.
Rural Residential categories represent about 20% of zoned land.
Master Planned Resorts make up about 0.6% of zoned land.
Unincorporated Urban Growth Area land use designations / zoning
is at 0.2%.
EXHIBIT 1-9 Land Use Designations / Zoning Districts & Acreage
General Category
Future Land Use
Designation / Zoning
District Acres Percent
RURAL
Rural Residential RR-5, RR-10, RR-20 86,341 20.1%
Rural Commercial RVC, GC, NC, CC 249 0.1%
Rural Industrial LI/M, LI/C, LI, HI, RI 519 0.1%
RESORT
Master Planned Resorts MPR-PH, MPR-SF-4, MPR-SFT, MPR-
MF-10, MPR-RC/CF, MPR-VC, MPR-
RA, MPR-OSR
2,366 0.6%
RESOURCE LANDS
Agriculture Resource Lands AP-20, AL-20 7,281 1.7%
Forest Resource Lands IF-20, RF-40, CF-80 328,785 76.4%
Mineral Resource Lands MRLO/CF-80 161 0.04%
URBAN GROWTH AREA
Urban Growth Area Residential UGA-LDR, UGA-MDR, UGA-HDR 736 0.2%
Urban Growth Area Commercial UGA-UC, UGA-VOC 234 0.1%
Urban Growth Area Industrial UGA-LI 25 0.01%
Urban Growth Area Public UGA-P 68 0.02%
PUBLIC
Public Parks, Preserves, and
Recreation
PPR 2,812 0.7%
Essential Public Facilities EPF-A, EPF-WM 534 0.1%
Total 430,110 100%
Source: Jefferson County GIS 2018; BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–19
February 2021
The GMA indicates the land use elements shall include population
densities, building intensities, and estimates of future
population growth (RCW 36.70A.070(1)). Planned residential
densities are listed by zone in Exhibit 1-10. In Jefferson County
Code some zones include standards for conditional uses that may
have alternative allowed densities, requiring additional review;
when consistent with the zone intent the alternative densities
may be allowed.
EXHIBIT 1-10 Planned Residential Densities
Land Use / Zone Acronym Residential
Density
(DU/AC)
RURAL
Rural Residential
RR-5 0.20
RR-10 0.10
RR-20 0.05
Rural Commercial
RVC Allowed
GC Allowed
NC Allowed
CC N/A
Rural Industrial
LI/M N/A
LI/C Allowed
LI Allowed
HI N/A
RI N/A
RESOURCE
AP-20 0.05
AL-20 0.05
CF-80 0.01
RF-40 0.03
IF-20 0.05
CF-80/MRLO N/A
Land Use / Zone Acronym Residential
Density
(DU/AC)
MASTER PLANNED RESORT
MPR-PH MPR-GR, MPR—
OSR, MPR-MV,
Density per
Title 17,
Division II.
Port Ludlow
MPR-SF-4 4.00
MPR-SFT 0.40
MPR-MF-10 10.00
MPR-RC/CF Allowed
MPR-VC Allowed
MPR-OSR N/A
MPR-RA N/A
PUBLIC
PPR N/A
EPF-WM N/A
EPF-A N/A
URBAN GROWTH AREA
UGA-LDR 6.00
UGA-MDR 12.00
UGA-HDR 18.00
UGA-UC N/A
UGA-VOC N/A
UGA-LI N/A
UGA-P N/A
Source: Jefferson County Code, 2018; BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–20
February 2021
Notes: Allowed = some residential uses allowed; density not specified and
subject to permit review. N/A Not applicable.
Rural Designations
Rural Land Use Designations & Zones
Jefferson County uses three rural residential land use densities
ranging from five (5) acres to ten (10) acres, to twenty (20)
acres in size.
Regulations are included in the development code to encourage
residential “clustering” in the rural areas of Jefferson County
(see Goal LU-G-18). Subdivision of large parcels for residential
purposes in designated commercial forest lands is not permitted.
The criteria for designation of rural densities are provided in
Exhibit 1-11 below. Exhibit 1-11 includes various land use and
zoning designations, criteria used for such designation, and the
principal land uses. Greater detail regarding rural character,
and limited areas of more intensive rural development, is
provided in Section 1.2.
EXHIBIT 1-11 Summary of Rural Land Use & Zoning Designations
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Criteria for designation
Principal
Land Use
RESIDENTIAL
Rural Residential
1 unit/5 acres
(RR 1:5)
Located in areas of similar development; areas
with smaller existing lots of record; along the
coastal area; adjacent to Rural Village Center
and Rural Crossroad designations; overlay
designation for pre-existing platted
subdivisions.
Single family
residential
Rural Residential
1 unit/10 acres
(RR 1:10)
Located in an area with similar development
patterns; adjacent to Urban Growth Area,
transition density between RR 1:5 and RR 1:20;
parcels in coastal areas of similar size;
includes land affected by critical areas.
Single family
residential
Rural Residential
1 unit/20 acres
(RR 1:20)
Located in an area with similar development
patterns; Adjacent to Urban Growth Area,
Resource Production Land or State/National
Forest Land; parcels in coastal areas of similar
size; includes land affected by critical areas;
includes private timberlands; includes
agricultural lands.
Single family
residential
COMMERCIAL
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–21
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Criteria for designation
Principal
Land Use
Convenience
Crossroads (CC)
Existing rural commercial uses which provide a
limited range of basic goods and services (basic
foodstuffs, gas, basic hardware, and basic
medicinal needs); generally located at the
intersection of local arterials or collectors;
usually contain a convenience/general store
associated with gas pumps. May also serve the
traveling public.
Rural commercial
Neighborhood/
Visitor Crossroads
(NC)
Existing rural commercial uses which provide an
expanded range of basic goods and services for
the rural population and traveling public
(grocery, hardware, bakery, restaurant, tavern,
auto repair, small professional offices, public
services, and medical offices).
Rural commercial
General Crossroads
(GC)
Existing commercial uses that provide a mixture
of local, traveling public, and community uses,
and may include limited regional uses due to
proximity to population centers in the Tri-Area.
Rural commercial
Rural Village
Centers (RVC)
Existing rural commercial uses that provide for
many of the basic daily needs of the rural
population; typically supplies goods and day-to-
day services; provides limited public and social
services. Residential uses include single
family, duplexes, triplexes, and assisted living
facilities.
Rural community-
based commercial
and residential
Village Commercial
Center (VCC)
Commercial area identified in the 1993 EIS for
Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort. Commercial
uses will provide many essential day-to-day
goods and services to residents and resort
visitors.
Rural community-
based commercial
INDUSTRIAL
Heavy Industrial
(HI)
Port Townsend Paper Mill Heavy industrial
Paper Mill and
ancillary
activities
Light Industrial Glen Cove
Center Valley
Light industrial
Light Industrial/
Manufacturing
(LI/M)
Quilcene Industrial Area
Eastview Industrial Plat
(JCIA LI/M Overlay III, consisting of 24
acres, Assessor’s Parcel No. 001-331-005 in
the AEPF.
Light industrial
Light Industrial/
Commercial (LI/C)
Glen Cove Industrial Area Light industrial
and retail uses
associated with an
industrial use
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–22
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Criteria for designation
Principal
Land Use
Forest Resource-
Based Industrial
Zones (RBIZ)
Gardiner
West Jefferson County
Forest resource-
based industrial
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
Overlay Districts
Jefferson County has established several overlay designations:
The following overlay designations allow for additional
commercial opportunities in more remote areas of the County in
addition to those of the underlying zoning district:
▶ The Remote Rural Overlay designation is applied in two
locations in the County: West Jefferson County and Brinnon
Planning Area. In Remote Rural Overlay areas, greater
flexibility is provided in home-based business and cottage
industry regulations. In West Jefferson County, additional
small-scale tourist uses are allowed.
▶ The Small-scale Recreation and Tourist (SRT) Overlay is
allowed in the Wawa Point Area in the Brinnon Planning Area.
Another Overlay District establishes a view corridor along
Highway 20 and other major routes:
▶ Highway 20 View Corridor: Maintain a forest buffer between
the roadway and other development.
▶ Highway/Commuter Corridor Overlay: This overlay provides for
future rural economic development opportunities.
The County has established several Jefferson County International
Airport Overlays addressing noise, airport safety, and rural
scale non-aviation-related industrial uses.
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–23
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-12 Summary of Overlay Land Use & Zoning Designations
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Remote Rural
Overlay District
The intent of this designation is to allow for
expanded rural-compatible employment
opportunities in sparsely populated rural areas
that are isolated and remotely located from
commercial and urban growth areas. These areas
are characterized by high unemployment,
distressed traditional resource-based economies,
low residential densities, and very limited
projected 20-year population growth.
In Brinnon and West
Jefferson County:
home-based
businesses and
cottage industry
uses.
Additionally, in
western Jefferson
County some
recreation and
tourist uses.
Small-scale
Recreation and
Tourist (SRT)
Overlay
The intent of this section is to encourage
small-scale recreation and tourist development
consistent with the needs, scale, and rural
character of the Brinnon Planning Area.
Recreation and
tourist
Highway 20 View
Corridor
Along SR 20 and other suitable roadways,
preserve and protect the forest corridor, and to
provide a visual buffer between the roadway and
new commercial and manufacturing development.
Forest corridor
Highway/Commuter
Corridor Overlay
This overlay may be applied through an area wide
evaluation of future rural economic development
opportunities in heavily traveled existing
highway corridors such as State Highway 104 or
State Highway 19.
Commercial and
Tourist Uses in a
rural setting
Jefferson County
International
Airport Overlay I
Purpose of the Airport Overlay I is to disclose
to permit applicants and prospective property
owners their proximity to airport operations,
and to identify an airport safety zone within
which certain uses will be prohibited for public
safety and compatibility reasons. The overlay is
a fixed boundary reflecting the projected 55 DNL
contour mapping in the year 2022, as set forth
in Exhibit 6.4 of the adopted Jefferson County
Airport Master Plan. Airport noise exposure is
measured in a Day-Night Average Sound Level
(DNL) and is used to analyze and characterize
multiple aircraft noise events, and for
determining the cumulative exposure of such
noise to individuals around airports.
Aviation facilities
and activities
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–24
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Jefferson County
International
Airport Overlay II
Airport Overlay II is an airport operations
awareness area delineated by the WSDOT Aviation
Division, Aircraft Accident Safety Zone #6
recommendations contained in the “Airports and
Compatible Land Use” publication. The safety
zone correlates with the FAA mandated airport
traffic pattern for JCIA, and is to apprise the
public, property owners and developers of the
existence of the airport traffic pattern and
impacts from routine aircraft over-flights; and
to identify an airport safety zone within which
certain uses that involve higher concentration
of people will be prohibited for safety and
compatibility reasons.
Aviation facilities
and activities
Jefferson County
International
Airport Overlay III
The purpose of the Airport Overlay III is to
provide a limited opportunity for rural scale
non-aviation-related industrial uses that
contribute to the long-term financial viability
of the AEPF and to enhance the economic vitality
and quality of life for the citizens of
Jefferson County.
Non-aviation-
related light
industrial/
manufacturing in
the Airport
Essential Public
Facility
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–25
February 2021
West Jefferson County Rural Residential
West Jefferson County includes land use and zoning designations
of RR1:10 and RR1:20. Where consistent with rural character and
goals of affordable housing and economic development, the County
may conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential locations for
RR1:5 designations and zoning.
West Jefferson County also contains some private inholding
parcels within the Quinault Indian Nation Reservation. The County
may consult the Quinault Nation about common concerns regarding
planning issues.
Resource Land Designations
Agricultural Resource lands have a designated twenty (20) acre
minimum density. Forest Resource lands have a forty (40) acre and
eighty (80) acre minimum parcel size (see Natural Resources
Element).
Exhibit 1-13 includes resource land designations, intents, and
the principal land uses. See Section 1.3 for additional
discussion.
EXHIBIT 1-13 Summary of Resource Land Use & Zoning Designations
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Prime Agricultural
Lands (AP-20)
The purpose of the prime agricultural lands
district is to protect and preserve areas of prime
agricultural soils for the continued production of
commercial crops, livestock, or other agricultural
products requiring relatively large tracts of
agricultural land. It is intended to preserve and
protect the land environment, economy, and
lifestyle of agriculture in Jefferson County. These
lands must be protected as “agricultural lands of
long-term commercial significance.”
Agriculture
Agricultural Lands
of Local Importance
(AL-20)
The purpose of the agricultural lands of local
importance district is to protect and preserve
parcels of land which, while not necessarily
consisting of prime agriculture soil or relatively
large acreage, are still considered important to
the local agricultural economy, lifestyle, and
environment. As such they deserve protection as
“agricultural lands of long-term commercial
significance.”
Agriculture
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–26
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Inholding Forest
(IF-20)
This district encompasses parcels at least 20 acres
in size that are entirely surrounded by designated
forest resource lands and that are not vested for
development under Washington State law.
Forestry
Rural Forest
(RF-40)
The purpose of the rural forest district is to
ensure forest lands of long-term significance are
protected from incompatible uses thereby sustaining
the ability of forest resource extraction
activities to be maintained as a viable commercial
activity, while allowing for diversity in the size
of forest tracts.
Forestry
Commercial Forest
(CF-80)
The purpose of the commercial forest district is to
ensure large tracts of forest lands of long-term
significance are protected from incompatible uses
thereby sustaining the ability of forest resource
extraction activities to be maintained as a viable
commercial activity.
Forestry
Mineral Resource
Lands Overlay
District (MRL)
The mineral resource land district is to provide
for the conservation of mineral lands of long-term
commercial significance. The intent of this
district is to aid in sustaining and enhancing
mineral extraction and processing activities of
long-term commercial significance by protecting
designated lands from incompatible development and
to allow for the continued contribution of mineral
lands to the Jefferson County economy.
Mineral
Extraction
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
Master Planned Resort Designations
Master planned resorts (MPRs) are large-scale, self-contained
developments that are based on an integrated, conceptual master
plan, yet are typically developed in stages depending on market
demand or other factors. They are Limited Areas of More Intensive
Rural Development and may constitute urban densities and
intensities of growth outside of Urban Growth Areas.
▶ Master planned resorts in existence as of July 1, 1990 and
developed, in whole or in part, as a significantly self-
contained and integrated development that includes short-term
visitor accommodations associated with a range of indoor and
outdoor recreational facilities within the property
boundaries in a setting of significant natural amenities may
constitute urban growth outside of urban growth areas as
limited by RCW 36.70A.362.
▶ Master planned resorts not in existence as of July 1, 1990
are allowed if they meet the requirements of RCW 36.70A.360.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–27
February 2021
The Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort was developed consistent
with RCW 36.70A.360 per Jefferson County Ordinance 8-99..
The Brinnon Subarea Plan (adopted 2002 and amended 2004)
identified the Black Point area an appropriate location for a
possible future Master Planned Resort. The Brinnon Master Plan
Resort land use designation was established in 2008, and a final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement capped the maximum
number of development units at 890 with 52 units designated for
staff housing and no more than 65% dedicated to time-share and
short-term rental units, leaving approximately 293 units for
permanent housing. Approval by the Board of County Commissioners
of zoning regulations and a development agreement is required
prior final establishment of the Master Planned Resort and
project construction. In 2018, a Master Plan, development
regulations, and a development agreement were approved by
Ordinance No. 03-0604-18 and Ordinance 04-0604-18 to establish
the interior zoning and provide for a phased development plan for
the Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort, formerly called the
Brinnon Master Planned Resort.
The Master Plan Resort land use designations are shown in Exhibit
1-14 below. More discussion of the master planned resorts is
found in Section 1.2.
EXHIBIT 1-14 Summary of Master Planned Resort
Land Use & Zoning Designations
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Port Ludlow Master
Planned Resort
with the following
zoning designations:
MPR-SF-4
MPR-SFT
MPR-MF-10
MPR-RC/CF
MPR-VC
MPR-OSR
MPR-RA
The master planned resort of Port Ludlow is
characterized by both single-family and
multifamily residential units with attendant
recreational facilities including a marina,
resort and convention center. The master planned
resort of Port Ludlow also includes a large
residential community. The entire MPR is served
by a village commercial center, which
accommodates uses limited to serving the MPR and
local population.
Resort with mix
of uses
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–28
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Pleasant Harbor Master
Planned Resort
with the following
zoning designations:
MPR-GR
MPR-OSR
MPR-MV
Provides a mixture of visitor-oriented transient
accommodations, secondary homes, recreational
facilities, and supporting commercial facilities
Resort with mix
of uses
Source: Jefferson County, 2018
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–29
February 2021
Urban Growth Area Designations
The Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area is planned for urban
residential, urban commercial, urban industrial, Both Rural and
Urban Zones apply per the Land Use and Zoning map. Rural zones
apply until urban wastewater services are available, and then
Urban zones apply. See Section 1.4 for additional discussion.
EXHIBIT 1-15 Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth
Area Land Use & Zoning Designations
Land Use
Designation
Description of Zoning
Districts & Location
Principal
Land Use
Urban Residential The Urban Low Density Residential (UGA-LDR) zone
will allow housing density from four (4) to six
(6) dwelling units per acre. Moderate Density
Residential (UGA-MDR) zoning will allow housing
at a density of 7-12 units per acre. The High
Density Residential (UGA-HDR) zone will allow
housing at a density of 13-18 dwelling units per
acre.
Residential
dwellings
detached and
attached.
Urban Commercial The Urban Commercial (UGA-UC) zone covers both
the existing and planned future commercial
development in the Port Hadlock core area and
along Rhody Drive from Ness” Corner following
the commercial strip along SR 19. The Visitor-
Oriented Commercial (UGA-VOC) zone is applied to
the tourism-oriented potential development area
around the Old Alcohol Plant and marina.
Commercial
retail,
services,
tourism, and
other similar
uses
Urban Industrial The Urban Light Industrial (UGA-LI) zone in the
UGA applies to a largely developed industrial
area: all but 5 acres are already in light
industrial use. These uses are in the southwest
corner of the UGA well buffered from the bulk of
the residential neighborhoods in the community.
Light industrial
Public Facilities Public facilities (UGA-P) comprise 80 acres,
including public park and open space areas, the
Library and Chimacum Creek Elementary School,
the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail,
Jefferson County Public Works Department
Maintenance Yard, and the Public Utility
District #1 of Jefferson County’s (JPUD)
Sparling Well facility along Rhody Drive and the
Kivley Well in Port Hadlock.
Public and
institutional
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–30
February 2021
Public Designations
This section addresses public designations of two types:
▶ Public: 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.
▶ Essential Public Facilities: 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.
Jefferson County allows public uses in nearly every implementing
zone. The County has created a specific zone for the public use
of parks due to their unique facilities and needs with some being
linear, outdoor, and indoor spaces.
Jefferson County has developed zones for two essential public
facilities regarding waste management and airports.
Each designation and zone are described in Exhibit 1-16. More
detailed policies regarding these uses are included in the
Capital Facilities, Essential Public Facilities, and Utilities
Element.
EXHIBIT 1-16 Public Land Use Designations & Zoning
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Parks, Preserves and
Recreation (PPR)
This land use district consists of state and county
parks, preserves and recreational sites. It is
intended to provide for public recreational
opportunities consistent with the rural character
of the County and preserve significant natural
amenities of special or unique character.
Parks,
recreation, and
open space
facilities and
activities
County Waste
Management Essential
Public Facility
(CWMEPF)
This district addresses facilities needed to
provide waste management public services and
functions.
Solid waste and
waste
management
See the Capital Facilities
/ Essential Public
Facilities / Utilities
Element for additional
background regarding the
process of siting essential
public facilities
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–31
February 2021
Land Use/Zoning
Designation Intent
Principal
Land Use
Airport Essential
Public Facility
(AEPF)
This land use district consists of land owned by
the Port of Port Townsend that directly and
indirectly supports operations of the Jefferson
County International Airport as an essential public
facility. It is intended to promote compatible land
uses and the long-term economic viability of the
JCIA consistent with county goals regarding
essential public facilities, the preservation of
rural character, and economic development.
Additional AEPF information is found in the
Transportation and Capital Facilities & Utilities
Elements.
Aviation
facilities and
activities
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
Major Industrial Development & Industrial Land Banks
If there is insufficient industrial land available within an
urban growth area for a large industrial operation or if a
natural resource-based industrial operation needs to be sited
adjacent to natural resources, there is a process within the GMA
that allows for the siting of a major industrial development
(MID) outside of an urban growth area. (RCW 36.70A.365)
Additionally, the Act allowed qualified counties to designate up
to two Industrial Land Banks (ILBs) before December 31, 2016 for
specific purpose of siting MIDs; the date has changed from 2007
to 2016 and may be changed again at the will of the legislature.
MIDs sites in rural lands either through a permitting process
(RCW 36.70A.365) or within a designated ILB (RCW 36.70A.367)
would be considered industrial development or activity outside of
urban growth areas. No MIDs or ILBs are designated in Jefferson
County as of the 2018 Periodic Update.
Legal Nonconforming Uses & Lots
While the 2018 Periodic Update has not proposed Future Land Use
Map changes, there may be pre-existing uses of property prior to
the 1998 Comprehensive Plan adoption or subsequent changes
addressing land use and zoning. Non-conforming uses of property
that were legally established are considered grandfathered and
may continue to operate when new plans, policies, or regulations
are adopted. If a use ceases for a certain period, it may not
continue. See policies regarding nonconforming uses later in this
element.
Some areas zoned for residential uses have smaller lots platted
prior to 1998 than would be allowed with new plats. Residential
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–32
February 2021
uses may be permitted on existing lots of record as legal lots.
However, in terms of development, some of the smaller lot sizes
could require consolidation with other lots to meet current
Health Department standards for wells or septic areas, or to meet
other regulations, such as critical areas.
Establishing Allowed Uses &
Regulations Within Land Designations
From Rural Character to Development Regulations
The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan discusses our vision,
rural character, rural lifestyle, working landscapes, rural
aesthetics, and rural economy. These sentiments and definitions
are provided throughout the Elements, and the entirety of the
Comprehensive Plan reflects our definition of rural character.
The Comprehensive Plan establishes land designations, harmonizes
goals and policies, and implements them through County
regulations and local actions. Jefferson County defines rural
character not only in terms of visual character, but also in
terms of densities and intensities of use. Jefferson County
protects natural resources, open spaces, and preserves critical
environments. Jefferson County places high regard to meeting our
housing, infrastructure, and economic development needs, as we
appropriately balance each of the GMA goals to ensuring that our
County’s priorities and needs are addressed.
Within the aesthetics of our rural character, there is an
expectation of an ambient background of rural life affecting our
senses: sounds, smells, views, perhaps even tastes of working
rural communities and local neighborhoods. Along with the variety
of these experiences is an understanding that a rural area is
distinctly set apart from a largely urbanized landscape, and
there is an expectation of comfort and quiet that is often sought
in a rural residential neighborhood.
Living in a rural area does not necessarily ensure a continuous
bucolic experience. Chainsaws, recreational shooting, or an
occasional portable saw mill operating nearby are not out of
character in our rural setting. But there is an expectation that
one property owner’s use of a property will not interfere with
another’s reasonable use and enjoyment of theirs.
Our land use goals and policies give direction to protect rural
character in ways that meet the broader set of community needs,
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–33
February 2021
and our definition of rural character guides the development of
implementing regulations.
Rural Character & Review of Regulations for Land
Uses, Development Patterns, & Nuisances
GMA encourages local jurisdictions to perform a periodic analysis
of rural development, to determine if patterns of rural
development are protecting rural character. It is the County’s
policy to review implementing regulations that affect our rural
character.
Regulations are tailored for specific land uses. Also,
regulations can be tailored to specific communities or sub-areas,
such as in the special small-scale recreation and tourism
overlays and expanded cottage industry standards for Brinnon and
the West End. Many uses that have the potential to create
nuisances or other impacts are reviewed under a conditional use
permit process.
The conditional use permit process provides flexibility in the
application of land use regulations accommodating uses that may
be appropriate under certain circumstances, but inappropriate
under others. Approval of a conditional use permit application
includes compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and implementing
development standards, such as cottage industry requirements, the
Critical Areas Ordinance, the Shoreline Master Program, and the
small-scale recreation and tourist overlay.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–34
February 2021
(a) The conditional use is harmonious and appropriate in design, character and appearance with the
existing or intended character and quality of development in the vicinity of the subject property
and with the physical characteristics of the subject property;
(b) The conditional use will be served by adequate infrastructure including roads, fire protection,
water, wastewater disposal, and stormwater control;
(c) The conditional use will not be materially detrimental to uses or property in the vicinity of the
subject parcel;
(d) The conditional use will not introduce noise, smoke, dust, fumes, vibrations, odors, or other
conditions or which unreasonably impact existing uses in the vicinity of the subject parcel;
(e) The location, size, and height of buildings, structures, walls an d fences, and screening
vegetation for the conditional use will not unreasonably interfere with allowable development or
use of neighboring properties;
(f) The pedestrian and vehicular traffic associated with the conditional use will not be hazardous to
existing and anticipated traffic in the vicinity of the subject parcel;
(g) The conditional use complies with all other applicable criteria and standards of this code and
any other applicable local, state or federal law; and more specifically, conforms to the
standards contained in Chapters 18.20 and 18.30 JCC;
(h) The proposed conditional use will not result in the siting of an incompatible use adjacent to an
airport or airfield;
(i) The conditional use will not cause significant adverse impacts on the human or natural
environments that cannot be mitigated through conditions of approval;
(j) The conditional use has merit and value for the community as a whole;
(k) The conditional use is consistent with all relevant goals and policies of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan; and
(l) The public interest suffers no substantial detrimental effect. Consideration shall be given to
the cumulative effect of similar actions in the area.
Jefferson County’s Conditional Use
Permit Criteria (JCC 18.40.530(1))
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–35
February 2021
Impacts from small-scale commercial activity in rural residential
zones associated with home business or cottage industries are
inevitable. However, these impacts are analyzed under our
development standards and typically approved only when they are
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, rural character, and
development regulations, including conditional use permit
approval criteria.
The conditional use criteria weigh public interest, potential
cumulative effects, assure the use is harmonious and appropriate
to the property and to the vicinity, and that the use is not
materially detrimental to uses of other’s property in the
vicinity, including residential use.
Community Planning Efforts
Jefferson County has worked with interested communities on area-
specific plans over time. The County’s planning areas are shown
in Exhibit 1-17.
Jefferson County adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in 1998.
Prior to that, the County participated in the following community
planning efforts spanning 1977 to 1998:
▶ Brinnon Community Development Plan (original 1982)
▶ Coyle Community Development Plan (1977)
▶ Gardiner Community Development Plan (1989)
▶ Marrowstone Community Development Plan (1978)
▶ Tri-Area Community Development Plan (1982)
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–36
February 2021
Additional communities which requested permission to develop
community plans prior to 1998 include North Port Ludlow and
Lake Leland, but these planning efforts were not completed due
to resource constraints. The general content and direction of
these community plans provided information for development of
the 1998 Comprehensive Plan. The community plans were entirely
incorporated into the goals and policies of the 1998
Comprehensive Plan. The community plans have no further
standing as individual community plans. As briefly discussed
below, additional community-specific planning would be
conducted through a more rigorous process of developing a sub-
area plan, which would be implemented as a distinct part of
the Comprehensive Plan. Refer to Policy LU-P-1.11. Historical
planning documents may be found at the Department of Community
Development. After the completion of the initial Comprehensive
Plan in 1998, Jefferson County has engaged in planning through
the policy direction of the Comprehensive Plan for rural and
urban areas as allowed under the GMA. Detailed plans developed
for a specific area in a comprehensive plan is called a Subarea
Plan. These plans are optional elements that must be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, and become part of the Comprehensive
Plan (RCW 36.70a.080(2)).
Subarea Plans have been completed as follows:
▶ Brinnon Subarea Plan (2002, Amended 2004)
The Brinnon Subarea Plan (BSAP) was adopted as a supplement to,
and part of the Comprehensive Plan in 2002 (Ord.#13-1213-02) and
was modified by subsequent ordinances in 2004.. The BSAP appends
this Land Use Element and is a referenced component of the Land
Use Element and Comprehensive Plan. Provisions of the BSAP are
implemented in the Unified Development Code.
▶ Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area Element (2009)
In addition, Master Plans have been prepared for master planned
resorts and can be considered a type of subarea plan:
▶ Port Ludlow (1999)
▶ Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort (pending 2018)
Fishing on Lake Leland,
Jefferson County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–37
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-17 Community Planning Areas
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–38
February 2021
County-wide Planning Policies
The Countywide Planning Policy in Resolution 128-92 provides
policies that address:
▶ Rural Areas: Includes both rural and resource lands.
▶ Urban Growth Areas: Proper sizing, provision of urban
services, joint County and the City of Port Townsend
planning,
The full text of the policies is provided in the Resolution. The
policies are summarized below for brevity.
Rural Areas Policies
Rural areas are described as “characterized by low density
development, open spaces, minimal public services, resource
dependent activities, and industries; and outdoor recreational
facilities.” Innovative tools such as “clustering or density
transfer is considered a positive tool” to maintaining rural
character. Level of service standards are to fit rural areas and
rural centers such as: “emergency services, transportation and
roads, individual septic systems, individual or community water
systems, and storm water and water quality” systems.
Parcel sizes are to be “commensurate with the character of
existing rural communities,” and rural areas are to have a
“variety of acreage parcels.”
Rural centers serve commercial and service needs of the local
area and may have commercial, residential, and community
facilities and services. The County’s rural element is to
recognize existing industry outside of urban growth areas, with
limitations on the potential for conversion of adjacent land
uses.
Urban Growth Areas & Services
Policies on Urban Growth Areas describe using the OFM to develop
a joint County-City of Port Townsend population forecast that
would be used in capital facility and service plans.
Additionally, the policies describe sizing the urban growth area
based at least on the low forecast or if capital facilities are
sufficient based on a medium or high projection.
Sizing of Urban Growth Areas is to be based on adequate supply of
developable land to accommodate the joint population forecast,
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–39
February 2021
and including land for residential, commercial, and industrial
uses. Urban growth areas are to include lands in city limits
and lands already characterized by urban development and served
or capable of being served by urban services at defined levels
of service. Urban growth areas should include greenbelt and
open space corridors. Critical areas and topographic features
are to help form boundaries. Port Hadlock and Port Ludlow are
considered being "characterized by urban growth" and community
plans are to be used as a guide to urban boundaries. Urban
growth area boundaries may be changed by reviewing sizing
criteria and if there are appropriate capital facility plans.
Urban areas are to be separated by rural, resource, or open space
lands, or unique topographic features.
Within the urban growth area, the full range governmental urban
services are to be provided at adopted levels of service:
community water, sanitary sewer, piped fire flow, and storm
water systems. Urban services and facilities are not to be
extended beyond the urban growth area except if there’s a
threat to public health or welfare or to protect an area of
environmental sensitivity, with a focus on threats from
existing development. The County, City of Port Townsend, and
Public Utility District are to use updated population forecasts
to update the Coordinated Water System Plan.
Capital plans may have tiers with the existing developed areas
having six-year plans as the first tier, and the second tier
being areas included within the capital facilities plan to
receive the full range of urban services within twenty (20)
years. Improvements in the second tier may be provided by a
developer concurrent with development of by public entities.
Reciprocal circulation of development applications by the County
and the City of Port Townsend is promoted in the policies.
Port Ludlow, Port Ludlow
Village Council
Downtown Port
Townsend, BERK
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–40
February 2021
Overarching Land Use Goals &
Policies
General Land Use
Goal LU-G-1 Ensure a community-based
Comprehensive Plan that is consistent with the
Growth Management Act and the County-wide
Planning Policy, and provide for a well-
implemented Comprehensive Plan through the
preparation of supporting development
regulations, system plans, and programs.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.1 Incorporate opportunities for
continuous and ongoing public participation into both the
comprehensive planning process and the implementation of the
resulting Comprehensive Plan.
▶ Policy LU-P-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.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.3 Maintain Jefferson County’s character
of rural working landscapes, with planning efforts to meet
community needs of housing, infrastructure, and economic
development. Meet these needs through county leadership and
collaborative work with the State for legislative and local
solutions to the challenges met with GMA in rural counties.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.4 Encourage the use of innovative site
planning and design techniques as a way to preserve rural
character, open lands and natural resources, including lot
consolidation opportunities, development regulations, and
other innovative tools such as farm conservation plans.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.5 If the County chooses to adopt methods
of paying for new services and facilities related to new
development that causes additional demand for new public
facilities or services, by shifting the cost from the
community at large to those who benefit, determine through a
public process how to apportion the fair share of funding for
required public facilities, services, and amenities.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–41
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-1.6 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.7 Ensure the annexation of unincorporated
territory in Jefferson County occurs in a manner consistent
with State law.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.8 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.9 Cooperatively examine new potential
development opportunities along selected regions of existing
highway/commuter corridors for trails, multi-use trails, and
economic development, consistent with GMA.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.10 Explore opportunities to incentivize
standards such as Built Green Washington, Low Impact
Development, and /or LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design), dependent upon the availability of
funding.
▶ Policy LU-P-1.11 Support Jefferson County communities
by reviewing, developing, or updating local community plans,
subarea plans, and implementing regulations in sync with the
needs of the community, environment, Comprehensive Plan, and
Growth Management Act, as staffing capacity and funding
allows.
Land Use Consistency with Naval Base Kitsap
Goal LU-G-2 Continue to partner with the
Department of Defense for land use planning
that benefits national security, conservation,
and economic prosperity in Jefferson County.
▶ Policy LU-P-2.1 Support additional Joint Land Use
Study (JLUS) planning work with military and other partners,
provided funding is made available.
Marrowstone Island,
Carolyn Gallaway
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–42
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-2.2 Upon the conclusion of the JLUS
Implementation Phase, identify those tools recommended by the
JLUS Implementation Committee, which are applicable and
appropriate in Jefferson County, and undertake reasonable
efforts to implement those tools in a timely manner.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–43
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-2.3 Continue to partner with Navy Region
Northwest and other applicable military partners on evolving
missions, installation planning, transportation planning,
military construction projects, land use compatibility
programs, such as Readiness and Environmental Protection
Integration, and other issues affecting Jefferson County.
Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), as the third largest naval base in the United States has direct and indirect
impacts on Jefferson County. NBK missions include: homeporting and maintenance and repair of
submarines, aircraft carriers, and surface ships. Additional missions include weapons handling and
research, development, testing, and evaluation. NBK is home to approximately 34,000 active-duty,
reserves, and US Department of Defense civilian employees. NBK includes the three flag commands
(Admiral-directed) of Navy Region Northwest, Carrier Strike Group Three, and Submarine Group Nine.
While the vast majority of NBK’s operations are located outside of Jefferson County, Naval Magazine
Indian Island, a strategic loading point for the Pacific Fleet, is located in Jefferson County. Naval
Magazine Indian Island, located on a 2,700-acre island within Jefferson County, is a strategic
loading point for ships in the Pacific Fleet preparing for or returning from deployment. It is also a
strategic port for transshipment of joint service ordnance. The pristine and undeveloped deep water
nature of Dabob Bay and Hood Canal allows the Navy to perform sensitive acoustical testing.
NBK’s evolving mission requires close coordination with Jefferson County to ensure compatible land
uses between NBK and Jefferson County.
Jefferson County was a participant in the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), a multi-county and city effort
to jointly plan land uses around NBK facilities. The JLUS describes the importance of the military
installation in Jefferson County, identifying four areas of interest:
1. Marrowstone Island shares access via the Portage Canal Bridge and utilities w ith Naval Magazine
Indian Island.
2. The Port Hadlock-Irondale UGA is a location of the freight route also used by Naval Magazine
Indian Island.
3. Development along the western shores of Hood Canal and Dabob Bay could increase water traffic,
which could impact the viability of the Navy’s in-water operating areas and testing ranges. The
Navy has been partnering with state agencies and land trusts to secure land and easements,
including easements on working forests to buffer noise-sensitive areas, reduce electromagnetic
interference, and protect habitat.
4. Communication and coordination.
Implementing JLUS recommendations can improve land use compatibility and natural area conservation
but may also affect the rural economy and rural housing options. For examp le, the US Navy is
interested in additional Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) funding to
purchase development rights in Jefferson County. The REPI program seeks to purchase development
rights from targeted property owners, in most cases extinguishing property owner’s ability to develop
their property. The REPI program is designed to protect the Navy from existing and future
encroachment of military missions, mitigate security risks to the existing and future missions, and
improve natural area conservation. However, these REPI acquisitions permanently extinguish current
and future development rights. Therefore, it is crucial that Jefferson County and NBK partner in
implementing compatibility programs, such as REPI.
The County seeks to implement JLUS recommendations that are appropriate to the County’s Comprehensive
Plan Vision and this Land Use Element while recognizing the military’s long-standing mission and
partnership in the county.
Naval Base Kitsap
Joint Land Use Study
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–44
February 2021
Industrial Development
Goal LU-G-3 Identify and designate sufficient
land area within the County for industrial uses
and economic development.
▶ Policy LU-P-3.1 Designate sufficient land for light
industrial uses within the Irondale/Hadlock Urban Growth
Area.
▶ Policy LU-P-3.2 Consider designating major industrial
developments (MIDs) outside of Urban Growth Areas consistent
with the Uniform Development Code and all the criteria in
GMA.
Housing
Goal LU-G-4 Support opportunities to provide a
variety of affordable housing types for county
residents of all income groups and needs.
▶ Policy LU-P-4.1 Encourage duplexes, triplexes, senior
housing, farmworker 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-4.2 Encourage special needs housing, senior
housing, farmworker housing, and assisted living facilities
to be permitted conditionally in rural residential areas.
▶ Policy LU-P-4.3 Consider existing platted developments
for designation as Residential Limited Areas of More
Intensive Rural Development (Residential LAMIRDs).
▶ Policy LU-P-4.4 Evaluate and support land use that
supports and promotes a range of affordable housing types and
supplies workforce housing, including farmworker housing, to
gain and maintain an adequate workforce and improves local
the local economy.
Refer also to the
Housing Element
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–45
February 2021
Public Purpose Lands
Goal LU-G-5 Identify and designate lands for
both public purposes, public facilities, and
essential public facilities.
▶ Policy LU-P-5.1 Assess for designation public purpose
lands to provide a range of services to the public to meet
public needs and serve as sites for some public facilities.
▶ Policy LU-P-5.2 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, to meet public
need, and be compatible with the surrounding community.
▶ Policy LU-P-5.3 Ensure that designated public purpose
lands are appropriate to the level of service standards for
the designated land use density.
▶ Policy LU-P-5.4 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.
Transportation
Goal LU-G-6 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 to connect people to
where they live, work, learn, and play.
▶ Policy LU-P-6.1 Encourage development and land use
proposals that utilize existing transportation systems and
provide interconnected, multi-modal, pedestrian-friendly,
non-motorized transportation opportunities that address
environment and economic development goals.
▶ Policy LU-P-6.2 Coordinate with state and federal
transportation agencies to ensure that their plans meet the
land use expectations of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Refer also to the
Transportation Element
Refer to related elements
and follow multi-modal
wayfinding references
between goals and policies
of the Economic
Development,
Transportation,
Environment, and Land Use
Elements
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–46
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-6.3 Site transportation facilities in
locations which minimize the disruption of natural habitat,
floodplains, wetlands, geologically sensitive areas, resource
lands, and other priority systems.
▶ Policy LU-P-6.4 Prioritize non-motorized improvements
and connectivity in communities, especially around schools.
Environment
Goal LU-G-7 Preserve the functions and values of
critical environmental areas and protect
development from the risks of environmental
hazards.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.1 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 environmental laws.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.2 Allow residential, commercial, and
industrial development in a manner that minimizes risk from
flooding, earth movement, shoreline erosion, sea level rise,
and other natural hazards.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.3 Develop information and action plans
regarding impacts to land use from climate change, including
protecting or moving infrastructure from inundation areas;
review of hydrologic budgets and water impoundment and
conservation measures for changing precipitation patterns;
and protection of water quality from seawater intrusion or
other pollutants to drinking water quality.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.4 Support cooperative ecosystem and
habitat management processes between stakeholders and local,
state, federal and tribal governments.
Refer to the Environment
Element for primary
information on
environmental protection
and hazard issues
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–47
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-7.5 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.6 Encourage small-scale marine trades
activities, in Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Nordland, Brinnon,
and Quilcene.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.7 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.
Refer to the Environment
Element for primary
information on shorelines
and Shoreline Master
Program Goals—see the “SMP
Purpose & Goals”
information box at EN-G-4
Also refer to the Natural
Resource Element—
Aquaculture
Brinnon, Carolyn Gallaway
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–48
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-7.8 Continue to implement, periodically
review, and update critical area regulations under the
Jefferson County Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) consistent
with GMA requirements, including best available science.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.9 Continue to protect aquifer recharge
areas from depletion of aquifer quantity or degradation of
aquifer quality under the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO).
Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations
relating to aquifer recharge, including best available
science.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.10 Continue to protect flood hazard areas
from development and uses that compromise the flow, storage,
and buffering of flood water, normal channel functions, and
fish and wildlife habitat, and minimize flood and river
process risk to life and property under the Critical Area
Ordinance (CAO). Continue to periodically review and update
CAO regulations relating to flood hazards, including best
available science.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.11 Continue to ensure that landslide,
erosion, and seismic hazard areas are appropriately
designated and that measures protecting public health and
safety are implemented for hazardous areas under the Critical
Areas Ordinance. Continue to periodically review and update
CAO regulations relating to geologic hazard areas, including
best available science.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.12 Continue to protect and enhance fish
and wildlife habitat under the Critical Areas Ordinance
(CAO). Continue to periodically review and update CAO
regulations relating to fish and wildlife habitat, including
best available science.
▶ Policy LU-P-7.13 Continue to protect existing wetland
area and functions, while encouraging wetland enhancement and
restoration under the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).
Continue to periodically review and update CAO regulations
relating to wetlands, including best available science.
Refer also to the
Environment Element
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–49
February 2021
Drainage, Flooding, Stormwater Management, & Polluted
Discharges
Goal LU-G-8 Continue to address stormwater
management and drainage issues with private
property owners and resource agencies to protect
shellfish beds, fish habitat and other natural
resources and to reduce nonpoint sources of
pollution.
▶ Policy LU-P-8.1 Encourage increased coordination
between stormwater requirements of Forest Practices and
Jefferson County stormwater requirements to reduce potential
impacts to off-site residential development, and encourage
the preservation of natural drainage systems.
▶ Policy LU-P-8.2 As a condition of project approval,
require operation and maintenance agreements for all
stormwater management facilities as a means of ensuring long-
term compliance with the stormwater management standards of
the Jefferson County Unified Development Code.
▶ Policy LU-P-8.3 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-8.4 Consider adopting stormwater control
facility charges (as authorized by RCW 36.89.080) 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-8.5 Storm water management plans should
minimize adverse effects of floods on existing and future
development and protect the natural conditions and functions
of the flood plain.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–50
February 2021
Flood Hazards
Goal LU-G-9 Protect life and property from flood
hazards and retain the flood storage capacity of
rivers and streams.
▶ Policy LU-P-9.1 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-9.2 Encourage community-based flood hazard
management planning through participation in the National
Flood Insurance Program’s “Community Rating System” (CRS).
▶ Policy LU-P-9.3 Collaborate with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (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.
Groundwater
Goal LU-G-10 Ensure a sustainable and safe water
supply for residential, economic, and
environmental needs that rely on conservation and
other current technologies, while incorporating
the most current climate projections into supply
planning.
▶ Policy LU-P-10.1 Work cooperatively with water supply
purveyors, public utility districts, and other experts at
federal, state, local, tribal governments, including private
non-profit organizations to preserve and protect existing
water supplies while addressing future water supply needs.
Such measures may utilize alternative water sources that are
compatible with environmental protection.
Refer also to the
Environment Element
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–51
February 2021
Goal LU-G-11 Protect the quality and quantity of
surface, ground, and marine water resources
through locally implemented shoreline, critical
areas, and other related environmental programs.
▶ Policy LU-P-11.1 Ensure that County water quality
program 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-11.2 Preserve the environmental functions
of surface and ground water resources by retaining native
vegetation and open spaces where feasible and by requiring
mitigation measures for land use activities that may
adversely impact surface and ground water.
▶ Policy LU-P-11.3 Work with the Department of Ecology
and other agencies to minimize salt water intrusion, to
evaluate ground water resources that have been damaged either
by salt water intrusion or other contamination, and to
identify technically and financially feasible measures for
remediation of adverse impacts.
▶ Policy LU-P-11.4 Promote best management practices and
voluntary open space conservation to protect critical areas
in land use regulations related to septic systems, forest
management, agricultural practices, industry, and other
development.
Goal LU-G-12 Cooperatively manage, protect,
enhance, and conserve water resources through a
comprehensive watershed management program that
is integrated with recovery plans for listed
species.
▶ Policy LU-P-12.1 Take an active role in implementing
watershed plans for Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 16,
17, and 20, as funding allows.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–52
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-12.2 Participate in collaborative
watershed, shoreline, and salmon habitat conservation
planning processes with state, federal, and tribal
governments, including local stakeholders.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–53
February 2021
Legal Nonconforming Uses
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.
Goal LU-G-13 Allow the continued existence and
economic viability of legally established land
uses which have now become nonconforming.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.1 Allow existing commercial and
industrial uses that become nonconforming to continue and to
expand within limits as defined in JCC 18.20.260, including
the right to continue and not be subject to nuisance claims
if operating in compliance with all County regulations, to be
able to change to a different non-conforming use of equal or
lesser intensity, and be able to be sold within a reasonable
amount of time without jeopardizing the continuation of the
use or activity.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.2 Allow existing commercial and
industrial uses to expand or be replaced in Rural Residential
areas provided that they do not require additional urban
levels of government service and they do not impose
uncompensated additional costs to the taxpayers of Jefferson
County for the provision of infrastructure, its replacement
or improvement. Allow expansion or replacement, provided they
do not conflict with natural resource industries or
surrounding rural uses. Also allow expansion or replacement
provided it results in no further adverse environmental or
neighborhood impacts, unless mitigated.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.3 Prohibit businesses that do not meet
the above criteria from expanding or rebuilding if destroyed.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.4 Allow a legal existing nonconforming
structure damaged or destroyed by fire, earthquake,
explosion, wind, flood, or other calamity to be completely
restored or reconstructed if all the applicable criteria are
met and if provisions of Jefferson County Code are met.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.5 Allow a legal existing nonconforming
use to change to a conforming use allowed within the zone
classification in which the use is located.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–54
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-13.6 Process all proposals to change the
use of a legal existing nonconforming use to a different non-
conforming use in accordance with a public hearing process to
ensure notification of adjacent property owners.
▶ Policy LU-P-13.7 Apply legal existing nonconforming use
status only to businesses which were established prior to the
adoption of the Comprehensive Plan as legal commercial
establishments. This policy does not apply to Home Businesses
and Cottage Industries.
Permit Processing
Goal LU-G-14 Ensure responsive, fair, and
efficient permit processing.
▶ Policy LU-P-14.1 Develop and maintain implementing
regulations and internal policies that ensure that
development applications are processed in a timely, fair, and
predictable manner.
▶ Policy LU-P-14.2 Ensure that permit review and requests
for additional information are fair, consistent and balanced
with the needs of the applicant and the public interest at
large.
▶ Policy LU-P-14.3 Implement and maintain a land use and
building permit enforcement program that encourages voluntary
compliance as the first course of action, but is protective
of the community’s life, safety, and environmental health.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–55
February 2021
1.2 RURAL
Rural Character
Rural counties, as defined by the State of Washington, are “…a
county with a population density of less than 100 persons per
square mile or a county smaller than two hundred twenty-five
square miles” (RCW 82.14.370(5)). Based on this definition and
OFM population estimates from April 1, 2017, Jefferson County is
a rural county.2 The GMA requires that the County “include
measures that apply to rural development and protect the rural
character of the area as established by the County.” These
measures must be used to control rural development, assure visual
compatibility of rural development with surrounding areas, reduce
sprawl, protect critical areas and surface and groundwater water
resources, and protect against conflict with the use of
agricultural, forest, and mineral resource lands (RCW
36.70A.070(b)).
The GMA defines rural character as follows:
"Rural character" refers to the patterns of land use and
development established by a county in the rural element of its
comprehensive plan:
(a) In which open space, the natural landscape, and
vegetation predominate over the built environment;
(b) That foster traditional rural lifestyles, rural-based
economies, and opportunities to both live and work in
rural areas;
(c) That provide visual landscapes that are traditionally
found in rural areas and communities;
(d) That are compatible with the use of the land by
wildlife and for fish and wildlife habitat;
(e) That reduce the inappropriate conversion of
undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development;
(f) That generally do not require the extension of urban
governmental services; and
2 As of April 1, 2017, Jefferson County has a population density of 17.39
persons per square mile (OFM, 2017).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–56
February 2021
(g) That are consistent with the protection of natural
surface water flows and groundwater and surface water
recharge and discharge areas RCW 36.70A.030(16).
Additional principles that define Jefferson County’s rural
character include the following (elements of the GMA definition
for rural character supported by each principle are shown in
parenthesis):
▶ Ensure that the County’s quality of life is preserved as it
is enhanced. (all)
▶ Protect and conserve the County’s agricultural and forest
working lands, shoreline and mountain vistas, visual and
forest corridors, night sky, and natural ecosystems. (a, c,
d)
▶ Encourage development that blends with the County’s natural
setting. (a, c)
▶ Promote low-density residential development that is
consistent with the historical pattern of growth, prevents a
new pattern of sprawling development, and offers a variety of
residential densities. (e)
▶ Promote economic development that supports place-based jobs,
supports renewable resources, supports local healthy food and
local job and housing choices for residents and the local
workforce. (b, d)
▶ Encourage and provide incentives for businesses to create
local “family wage” employment opportunities, and for modern
economic opportunities—including home-based business and
cottage industries—compatible with surrounding uses. (b)
▶ Provide efficient delivery of rural public services which
minimize the need for additional infrastructure. (f)
▶ Protect and conserve the environment, ecologically sensitive
areas, natural surface water and recharge areas, and preclude
development and land uses which are incompatible with
critical areas. (d, g)
The land use designations and the goals and policies of this
element have been developed to meet these criteria. Goals and
policies of other elements of the Comprehensive Plan have been
evaluated for consistency with the protection of rural character
as defined above, and by the other factors contributing to local
“rural character” as provided under the full text of the
amendment.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–57
February 2021
Limited Areas of More Intensive
Rural Development
Rural commercial and industrial lands in Jefferson
County are designated using criteria in the GMA at RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d), which establishes the criteria by
which limited areas of more intensive rural development
(LAMIRDs) can be designated by local jurisdictions
outside of urban areas. GMA includes LAMIRDs for three
types of development patterns in rural areas (WAC 365-
196-425(6)):
▶ Type 1 LAMIRDs: Isolated areas of existing more
intense development. Within these areas, rural
development consists of infill, development, or
redevelopment of existing areas. These areas may
include a variety of uses including commercial,
industrial, residential, or mixed-use areas. These
may be also characterized as shoreline development,
villages, hamlets, rural activity centers, or
crossroads developments.
▶ Type 2 LAMIRDs: Small-scale recreational uses.
Counties may allow small-scale tourist or
recreational uses in rural areas. Small-scale
recreational or tourist uses rely on a rural
location and setting and need not be principally
designed to serve the existing and projected rural
population.
▶ Type 3 LAMIRDs: Small-scale businesses and cottage
industries. Counties may allow isolated small-scale
businesses and cottage industries that are not
principally designed to serve the existing and
projected rural population and nonresidential uses,
but do provide job opportunities for rural
residents, through the intensification of
development on existing lots or on undeveloped
sites.
Counties making such designations must adopt measures
to minimize and contain the existing areas or uses of
more intensive rural development. In Jefferson County,
rural commercial areas include Rural Village Centers,
three types of Rural Commercial Crossroads, and Rural
industrial areas.
As shown in Exhibit 1-1, Jefferson
County predominantly consists of
resource lands, with sparsely
distributed communities settled
many decades ago and serving as
focal points including Chimacum,
Quilcene, Brinnon, Gardiner, and
others. These communities are
distant from urban services and
limited in their ability to grow or
change due to limitations on
infrastructure such as wastewater
treatment and some limitations on
growth under GMA’s rural policy
framework.
As described in the Housing and
Economic Development Elements,
Jefferson County has a critical
need for safe and affordable
housing, accessible health and
human services, supportive
infrastructure, and local jobs.
Urban densities and job growth are
planned for a majority of the
County’s growth through 2038 in
Port Townsend and Port
Hadlock/Irondale UGAs. Urban
housing and job options in these
locations cannot solely meet the
needs for housing options and
services in other corners of the
county that are experiencing
housing cost burdens, lack of job
opportunities, and in some cases
failing septic systems, endangered
water supplies and low health
outcomes.
Jefferson County seeks legislative
and rule adjustments to GMA Rural
Element provisions for Limited
Areas of More Intensive Rural
Development (LAMIRDs) to more fully
realize the potential for its
historic communities to serve as
complete compact communities and
rural employment centers (small-
scale services, small businesses
that support resource-based
industries, etc.).
Jefferson County LAMIRDs
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–58
February 2021
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs
Exhibit 1-18 shows the location of all designated rural
commercial areas and master planned resorts in Jefferson County.
A detailed discussion of the types of rural commercial areas and
master planned resorts, as well as a description and map of each
individual area, follows.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–59
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-18 Location of Rural Commercial Areas & Master Planned
Resorts
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–60
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
Rural Commercial Areas: Centers & Crossroads
Rural Village Centers
Rural Village Centers are established, historically settled areas
with commercial uses that address most of the essential needs of
the rural population, supply a large variety of goods and day-to-
day services, and provide a broad range of professional and
social services. The designated Rural Village Centers contain
mixed residential and commercial uses and are designated for
residential as well as commercial uses according to historic
patterns of mixed development.
Rural Village Centers are intended to provide for a mixture of
commercial, residential, and community/public services uses.
Infill allowed in Rural Village Centers considers affordable
housing goals through limited multi-family (duplexes, triplexes)
and assisted living/special needs housing, as well as by
preserving the existing housing supply (see Housing Element). In
addition to residential and commercial uses, land for community
clubs, churches, public facilities, and social services are
necessary to meet projected population growth and to preserve
community identity.
There are two designated Rural Village Centers in Jefferson
County: Brinnon and Quilcene. The Comprehensive Plan identifies
policies in Goal LU-G-21 that help guide development of any new
Rural Village Center designation.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–61
February 2021
BRINNON
Rural Village Center
Carolyn Galloway
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
Undeveloped parcels are those with a land use code of 9100 (undeveloped and unused land area) in the
Jefferson County Assessor’s database.
Total Area:
66.1 acres
Undeveloped:
18.8 acres
(29%)
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–62
February 2021
Carolyn Galloway
The historic community of Brinnon is located on U.S.
Highway 101 at the mouth of the Dosewallips River. The
traditional community boundaries are the river on the
south, the steep valley wall to the north, and Hood
Canal on the east. The designated core area consists of
mixed commercial and residential uses. Existing uses—
such as a nursery and a mixed commercial/residential
short plat with an existing mini-storage and a new post
office—have been included in the RVC, which was
modified through adoption of the Brinnon Subarea Plan
in 2002.
The boundary allows for areas of infill in Brinnon
based on the distressed economy of the area because of
decreased employment in logging and fishing. The
seasonal increase in the visitor population is expected
to increase in the future because of ongoing regional
growth in Puget Sound. Limited areas of infill in the
Brinnon Rural Village Center will provide employment
opportunities for local residents in the transition to
a more diversified economy as Brinnon attempts to
promote small-scale tourist and recreation-oriented
businesses based on a location on Highway 101 adjacent
to the Olympic National Park.
A high priority for the
community is a facility
that allows elderly
residents to stay in the
community rather than
moving away from family
and friends to
facilities elsewhere.
Areas of limited infill
are also provided in
support of the community
goal of an extended care
or assisted living
facility. Although such
facilities would be
permitted conditionally
in residential areas,
the community prefers
they would be located in
the Rural Village
Center.
Community Priorities
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–63
February 2021
QUILCENE
Rural Village Center
Joel Peterson
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
Undeveloped parcels are those with a land use code of 9100 (undeveloped and unused land area) in the
Jefferson County Assessor’s database.
Total Area:
50.6 acres
Undeveloped:
12.4 acres
(24%)
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–64
February 2021
Quilcene Fair & Parade, North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce
Similar to Brinnon, the historic community of Quilcene
is distinct from the Port Hadlock and Port Ludlow
communities. Quilcene’s location at the gateway to
Olympic National Park on Hood Canal and Highway 101
provides a unique opportunity to serve visitors and
seasonal residents building a diversified economic base.
Areas of commercial infill in Quilcene are intended to
provide new living-wage employment opportunities.
Commercial development can take advantage of a high
volume of visitors because of the community’s location
on both Highway 101 and Center Valley Road. The amount
of potential commercial infill development depends on
the availability of public services, such as the water
system and fire flow. Quilcene has a public water system
with the assistance of the County Health Department and
the JPUD. The Washington State Department of Ecology
approved a water rights transfer in 2004 from the
National Forest Service to the JPUD with the effect of
providing public water for Quilcene.
Jefferson County and its partners have taken efforts to
prevent sprawl, restore habitat, and preserve
environmentally sensitive areas and farmlands in
Quilcene. This has been accomplished through restoration
efforts, land acquisition, and habitat restoration
projects. These efforts along with Quilcene’s natural
growth barriers, such as Dabob Bay and the Olympic
National Park, work to prevent sprawl in this area.
Community concerns in
Quilcene indicate a
priority need for areas
of infill in the
commercial core that
could allow for enhanced
existing and new
economic development and
residential
opportunities. Such
development is
currently, constrained
by the cost of utility
and infrastructure
upgrades as well as
existing LAMIRD
boundaries.
For example, modern
wastewater treatment
options, such as modular
plants or connections
with existing plants are
considered an urban
level of service and
thus prohibited in
LAMIRDs. This limits
wastewater improvements
that would support job
growth, existing
commercial development,
and improve existing
housing stock.
Community Priorities
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–65
February 2021
Rural Commercial Crossroads
Rural commercial crossroads are distinct from rural village
centers in that they provide access to a limited range of
services for residential and non-residential uses. Three types of
rural commercial designations are further defined based on scale
and intensity of use. Individual commercial areas are discussed
regarding the GMA criteria and local circumstances in the
sections that follow. Maps of commercial lands and boundaries are
provided in this element and in digital format on the County’s
website.
This Comprehensive Plan identifies policies in Goal LU-G-22 that
help guide development of any new rural commercial crossroads
designation, including policies specific to general crossroads,
neighborhood/visitor crossroads, and convenience crossroads.
General Crossroads
General crossroads (GC) are existing commercial areas that
provide a broad range of commercial goods and services for a
higher population base in the northeastern part of Jefferson
County. These areas provide several regional uses, as well as
multiple uses at community levels of service. Permitted uses in
these areas include all those allowed in convenience and
neighborhood/visitor crossroads (see below), as well as building
materials, hardware and farm equipment, auto repair with
subordinate auto sales, appliance sales and repair, clothing and
accessories, mini-storage, Recreational Vehicle (RV) repair and
sales, and an expanded range of specialty stores, professional
services, and public and social service offices.
Performance standards for general commercial uses shall allow for
sizes and scales of new development larger than those for
neighborhood/visitor crossroads but be more limiting than those
for rural village centers.
There is one general crossroad designation in Jefferson County:
SR 19/20. The Comprehensive Plan identifies policies in Goal LU-
G-22 that help guide development of any new general crossroads
designation.
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroads
Neighborhood/visitor crossroads (NC) are designated based on
multiple commercial uses that serve the nearby rural neighborhood
and the commuting or traveling public with a limited range of
basic goods and services. Permitted uses include all those
allowed in convenience crossroads (see below), as well as
restaurant, tavern/bar, auto parts and repair, farm supply and
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–66
February 2021
equipment, and a limited range of specialty stores and
professional services.
Performance standards for new development shall be consistent
with the rural character, size, and scale of the existing
commercial area and the surrounding neighborhood.
There are five neighborhood/visitor crossroad designations in
Jefferson County: Mats Mats, Discovery Bay, Gardiner, Chimacum,
and Four Corners. The Comprehensive Plan identifies policies in
Goal LU-G-22 that help guide development of any new general
neighborhood/visitor crossroads designation.
Convenience Crossroads
Convenience crossroads (CC) typically consist of a single
commercial property at a historical crossroads which provides
basic goods and commodities for the local population and the
commuting or traveling public.
There are four convenience crossroad designations in Jefferson
County: Wawa Point, Beaver Valley, and Nordland, are existing
commercial properties that include a convenience general store
with associated uses such as gas station, espresso, or café/deli.
SR 104/Shine Road has a single commercial building and accessory
structures,
The Comprehensive Plan identifies policies in Goal LU-G-22 that
help guide development of any new convenience crossroads
designation.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–67
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
SR 19/20
General Crossroad
Under the criteria for commercial crossroads boundaries, this
area has been downsized considerably from 1994 zoning
designations. Existing development on one side of State Route 19
was recognized and contained, consisting of a nursery/garden
supply store, a former auto dealership—currently commercial self-
moving rentals and supplies—under a Binding Commercial Site Plan.
Commercial uses excluded from the crossroad include an auto
repair business adjacent to residential uses and a drive-in movie
theater. These uses have been excluded to limit access near an
intersection with high traffic volumes and, prior to the
installation of a traffic light, a relatively high incidence of
accidents.
Total Area:
26.5 acres
Undeveloped:
8.8 acres (33%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–68
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
MATS MATS
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad
The Mats Mats General Store serves local neighborhood residents
as well as visitors to the Oak Bay and Mats Mats Bay shoreline
areas. The logical boundary takes in additional uses including a
photography studio, a vacant former medical clinic, and a
chiropractor’s office. The southern boundary is located along a
stream drainage.
Total Area:
5.7 acres
Undeveloped:
1.2 acres (21%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–69
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
DISCOVERY BAY
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad
The Discovery Bay community was historically a thriving economic
area on the railroad line, with a sawmill and a cannery. The
historic community declined in population as these uses ended,
but the commercial area has continued due to its location at the
junction of State Route 20 and U.S. Highway 101. It serves nearby
residents as well as visitors and commuters. Criteria for logical
boundaries have been applied with special consideration of
critical areas and traffic issues.
The logical boundary to contain this commercial area allows for
limited infill but protects critical fish and wildlife habitat in
the Salmon and Snow Creek estuaries. Areas of infill are also
limited over estuarine lands based on seismic, frequently
flooded, and wetlands critical areas. Existing uses have been
recognized, and limited areas of infill have been allowed farther
from critical areas. Several uses on the western boundary were
excluded to address traffic concerns on Highway 101 and to
prevent linear commercial sprawl, as development is constrained
by the estuary on one side and steep slopes on the other.
Total Area:
19.9 acres
Undeveloped:
1.6 acres (8%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–70
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
GARDINER
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad
The Gardiner commercial area is located on U.S. Highway 101, and
historically served the community with a grocery and gas station
that closed during the 1980s. Current uses include a bird feeding
supplies store, U-fish pond, an antique store, espresso, and a
fishing tackle store. The logical boundary around the triangular
commercial area has been drawn using Highway 101, the Old
Gardiner Road, and the Gardiner Beach Road. A limited amount of
infill is allowed to accommodate the community’s desire for
future development of uses, such as a convenience store.
Total Area:
5.3 acres
Undeveloped:
0.2 acres (3%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–71
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
CHIMACUM
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad
Chimacum is a historic commercial area that includes a post
office and is located adjacent to the public school, therefore
serving as a focal point for the local community. Existing uses—
such as a farm equipment and supply store—serve nearby
agricultural activities in the Chimacum Valley, while other uses—
such as mini-storage—provide a community level of service. The
logical boundary recognizes and contains existing commercial uses
and provides for limited infill on a parcel along Chimacum Road.
Total Area:
40.0 acres
Undeveloped:
5.5 acres (14%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–72
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
FOUR CORNERS
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroad
The Four Corners community, which historically served the nearby
area with a sawmill, contains a convenience store and gas pump, a
construction yard, an auto recycling yard, an UPS distribution
office, and a mini-storage rental. The boundary of this
commercial area recognizes and contains the existing uses and
allows for limited infill development only through subdivision or
redevelopment of existing parcels, all of which are developed.
Total Area:
26.5 acres
Undeveloped:
0 acres (0%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–73
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
WAWA POINT
Convenience Crossroad
The hardware/general store and accessory building at Wawa Point
is a designated convenience crossroad. The logical boundary
includes limited additional area for possible expansion and area
to meet parking requirements. The commercial area designated
within the large parcel of 24.3 acres on which the store is
located is limited to 4.3 acres. Safe access from Highway 101 is
provided by a frontage road.
During the Brinnon subarea planning process a Small-Scale
Recreation and Tourist Overlay District (see Overlay Districts
above) was created at Wawa Point for four lots comprising 18.7
acres. The SRT Overlay recognizes the historic use of the area
for recreation and allows low-intensity commercial activities,
such as campgrounds, RV parks, nursery or public gardens, Scuba
diving facilities, and a farmer’s market.
Total Area:
4.3 acres
Undeveloped:
0 acres (0%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–74
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
BEAVER VALLEY
Convenience Crossroad
The historic Beaver Valley Store functions as a community center
and “bulletin board” for nearby residents in the Beaver Valley
area. The store is home to the retail operation for Sugar Hill
Farms and sells locally-produced candies and desserts. Located on
State Route 19 between the Hood Canal Bridge and northeastern
Jefferson County, the store also serves commuters and visitors.
Total Area:
3.1 acres
Undeveloped:
0 acres (0%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–75
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
NORDLAND
Convenience Crossroad
The Nordland store is located on State Route 116 on Marrowstone
Island. The general store has a post office and kayak rental and
provides the only basic goods and services available for the
island community. It is a historic enterprise which serves as a
social and community center.
Total Area:
1.0 acres
Undeveloped:
0 acres (0%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–76
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
SR 104/SHINE ROAD
Convenience Crossroad
The SR 104/Shine Road location was approved as a Limited Area of
More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRD) through the 2008
Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. The half-acre property has
been developed for commercial use since approximately 1977.
Total Area:
0.4 acres
Undeveloped:
0 acres (0%)
Undeveloped parcels
are those with a land
use code of 9100
(undeveloped and
unused land area) in
the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
Infill
Opportunity
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–77
February 2021
Master Planned Resorts
Master planned resorts (MPRs) are large-scale, self-contained
developments that are based on an integrated, conceptual master
plan, yet are typically developed in stages depending on market
demand or other factors. Recent amendments to the GMA allow
jurisdictions to plan master planned resorts as Limited Areas of
More Intensive Rural Development which may constitute urban
levels of growth outside of Urban Growth Areas as limited by RCW
36.70A.360.
Jefferson County currently contains two master planned resorts,
Port Ludlow and Pleasant Harbor.
The Comprehensive Plan contains policies in Goal LU-G-23 that
help guide development at Port Ludlow. Many of Port Ludlow’s
goals and policies were drafted from issues identified by
community residents who, through the establishment of community
planning groups, articulated their desired plan for Port Ludlow’s
future development. The goals and policies identified by the
community and included in Jefferson County’s Comprehensive Plan
focus on maintaining and enhancing Port Ludlow’s recreational and
community amenities and preserving the community’s lifestyle.
Siting of New Master Planned Resorts
The GMA also authorizes counties to allow for the development of
new MPRs in accordance with RCW 36.70A.360. According to the
statute, counties may permit new master planned resorts “in a
setting of significant natural amenities, with primary focus on
destination resort facilities consisting of short-term visitor
accommodations associated with a range of developed on-site
indoor or outdoor recreational facilities”. The MPR designation
provides an opportunity to encourage economic development that
takes advantage of the significant rural recreational resources
and scenic amenities of Jefferson County, particularly in the
more remote areas of the County where the local economy’s
dependence on natural resource-based industries has been
negatively impacted, or where other economic opportunities are
more limited. For example, in the southern and western portions
of Jefferson County, many of the existing communities and rural
residential areas have experienced a downturn in resource-based
economic activities. These areas are gradually transitioning from
primarily a natural resource-based local economy to one that is
also dependent on actively engaged in the tourism industry.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–78
February 2021
The economic reasons for siting of a MPR, however, must also be
carefully balanced against the potential for significant adverse
environmental effects from such a development. Any proposal must
be carefully planned and regulated to prevent sprawl development
outside of the master planned development that would negatively
impact the scenic and often environmentally sensitive setting.
The Comprehensive Plan identifies policies in Goal LU-G-23 that
help guide development of any new MPR designation. The goal and
policies focus on protecting the rural character and natural
environment of areas potentially impacted by development of an
MPR, ensuring adequate provision of public facilities and
services, and preventing the spread of low density sprawl.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–79
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
PORT LUDLOW
Master Planned Resort
The Master Planned Resort of Port Ludlow has a large
residential community that is served by a Village
Commercial Center. The designated commercial area is
consistent with the 1993 programmatic EIS and has been
agreed to by community planning groups. Land use activities
and performance standards will be regulated by the County
but may be limited to a somewhat greater degree by the
Master Planned Resort’s internal community codes,
covenants, and restrictions.
Port Ludlow Resort
Source: The Chamber of
Jefferson County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–80
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County, BERK, 2018.
PLEASANT HARBOR
Master Planned Resort
The remote rural areas of south Jefferson County offer
significant recreational opportunities and scenic amenities
including access to the Olympic National Park, the Olympic
National Forest, and the Hood Canal. Popular recreational
activities in the area include boating, fishing, shellfish
gathering, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and historical
sites.
In the peak summer months, it is estimated that as many as
500,000 tourist visitors travel through the North Olympic
Peninsula. However, the lack of private tourist
accommodations and services in the south County area often
means that potential economic benefit from tourism spending
is lost to other, more developed, areas of the Peninsula.
Pleasant Harbor Marina
Source: Pleasant Harbor Marina
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–81
February 2021
Evaluation of Rural Commercial Boundaries
Criteria for Determining Logical Boundaries of Rural Commercial
Areas
The designation of Jefferson County’s rural commercial areas was
guided by the GMA criteria as applied to local circumstances.
Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(5), measures used by Jefferson County
to protect the rural character of the County must be used to
control rural development, assure visual compatibility of rural
development with surrounding areas, reduce sprawl, protect
critical areas and water resources, and protect against conflict
with the use of agricultural, forest, and mineral resource lands.
To be consistent with the requirements of the GMA, designated
LAMIRDs must also have clearly identifiable and logical outer
boundaries delineated predominately by the built environment
and/or physical boundaries, such as bodies of water, streets and
highways, and land forms and contours. Although new development
and redevelopment is allowed, development cannot extend beyond
the established boundary and contribute to a new pattern of low
density sprawl. Public facilities and services provided to
LAMIRDs must not permit low density sprawl.
In addition, the boundaries were evaluated based on local
considerations that could affect location or require the
application of special conditions. The following local
considerations were determined in response to extensive public
comment heard by County decision-makers during the planning and
review process:
▶ Regional transportation concerns, traffic volumes, access,
and safety.
▶ Proximity to incompatible uses.
▶ Partial designation of large parcels that are not fully
developed for existing uses, to prevent sprawl.
▶ Home businesses/cottage industries should not be used to
determine boundaries.
▶ Provide employment opportunities for local residents, in
particular in areas of insufficient economic growth or
economic decline.
▶ Support community planning goals and rural community
cohesion.
▶ Provide for multi-family and special needs housing
opportunities.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–82
February 2021
▶ Avoid creating new non-conforming uses.
Application of Criteria to Designation of Rural Commercial
Boundaries
The process for determining rural commercial boundaries in
Jefferson County included public comment and an internal County
review to ensure consistency with the GMA criteria, Comprehensive
Plan goals and policies, and local considerations discussed
above. Historical commercial areas that serve as a focal point
for community economic and social activities were recognized for
the multiple functions they provide to residents. A number of
these areas also serve the visiting public, a seasonal population
influx that is increasing during other times of the year.
Final Comprehensive Plan boundaries for rural commercial areas
resulted in a substantial reduction in the amount of commercial
land available for development in rural Jefferson County from
1994 zoning. This reduction in commercial land resulted from the
application of the GMA criteria for rural lands, including those
established in 1997 legislative amendments (RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d)). Logical boundaries were drawn around existing
commercial uses to contain and limit new development to existing
areas of more intensive development.
Current Trends & Opportunity to Serve Community Needs
Exhibit 1-19 provides total acreage within each rural commercial
area, as well as net acreage of land available for infill in
undeveloped parcels based on the County Assessor’s land use
codes. The net undeveloped acreage—without factoring in roads,
water and right of ways—is followed by the percent that the total
undeveloped land comprises of total land for each commercial
area.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–83
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-19 Rural Commercial Area Total Acreage
& Infill Acreage
Rural Village Centers Total
Area
Undeveloped*
Brinnon 66.1 acres 18.8 acres (29%)
Quilcene 50.6 acres 12.4 acres (24%)
Total Rural Village Centers 116.7
acres
31.2 acres (27%)
Rural Crossroads Total
Area
Undeveloped*
General Crossroads
SR 19/20 26.5 acres 8.8 acres (33%)
Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroads
Mats Mats 5.7 acres 1.2 acres (21%)
Discovery Bay 19.9 acres 1.6 acres (8%)
Gardiner 5.3 acres 0.2 acres (3%)
Chimacum 40.0 acres 5.5 acres (14%)
Four Corners 26.5 acres 0.0 acres (0%)
Convenience Crossroads
Wawa Point 4.3 acres 0.0 acres (0%)
Beaver Valley 3.1 acres 0.0 acres (0%)
Nordland 1.0 acres 0.0 acres (0%)
SR 104/Shine Road 0.4 acres 0.0 acres (0%)
Total Rural Crossroads 132.8
acres
17.3 acres (13%)
Total Rural Commercial Areas 249.5
acres
48.5 acres (19%)
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
* Undeveloped parcels are defined as parcels that have a land use code of
9100 (undeveloped and unused land area) in the Jefferson County
Assessor’s database.
The total designated rural village centers acreage of 116.7 acres
contains 31.2 acres of undeveloped parcels available for infill,
approximately 27% of the total. The total designated rural
crossroads acreage of 132.8 acres contains 17.3 acres in
undeveloped parcels available for infill, approximately 13% of
the total. The number of uses that may develop in these infill
areas varies with the size and lot coverage of the use, as well
as the requirement for septic systems, critical areas protection,
buffering, access roads, and wells or water supply lines.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–84
February 2021
In addition, the convenience/general stores at Wawa Point, Beaver
Valley, and Nordland can expand the existing business under the
criteria for a Convenience Crossroad but cannot subdivide for an
additional commercial use.
Of the above rural commercial crossroads, many are limited in
infill opportunity. According to the William D. Ruckelshaus
Center, regulatory limitations related to LAMIRDs stifle
reasonable development and vitality in rural counties, and this
topic may be further developed through the Road Map initiative
(The William D. Ruckelshaus Center, 2017). Brinnon and Quilcene,
for example, are distant from urban services yet limited in their
ability to become robust, thriving, and self-sufficient
communities because of GMA restrictions concerning infrastructure
improvements. Modern wastewater treatments options, such as
modular plants or connections with existing plants, are
considered an urban level of service and are thus prohibited in
LAMIRDs. Improvements to existing commercial development and
housing stock are unlikely to occur if necessary infrastructure
upgrades cannot take place. A lack of broadband internet capacity
in rural areas further limits the reach and effectiveness of
emergency response efforts and opportunities for job training,
education, public health, and economic vitality; the Jefferson
Public Utility District has a broadband initiative.
Septic system, water supply, and critical areas issues can
substantially reduce the amount of land area available for
development on a property by 30-50%, depending on the size of the
parcel. For example, a minimum of 12,500 square feet are
necessary just to meet septic drainfield and reserve
requirements. This results in approximately 15.6-21.8 acres of
undeveloped land available for commercial development in rural
village centers (50-70% of the 31.2 undeveloped acres), and 8.7-
12.1 acres of undeveloped land available for commercial use in
rural commercial crossroads (50-70% of the 17.3 undeveloped
acres). The designated logical boundaries thus limit the land
available for infill development in existing rural village
centers and rural commercial crossroads.
The logical boundaries of commercial areas prevent development
from expanding beyond existing developed areas. While areas of
limited infill are provided within the designated built
environment, a significant amount of undeveloped land was removed
from commercial zoning status through implementation of the GMA
in Jefferson County. There were 967 net acres zoned commercial in
unincorporated Jefferson County in 1994. With adoption of the
GMA-compliant Comprehensive Plan in 1998, that number was reduced
62% to 368 net acres zoned rural commercial. With adoption of a
zoning map for the Irondale/Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA) in
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–85
February 2021
2004, the effective percent reduction of commercial area from the
1994 zoning was reduced to 39%.
It should be noted that while rural commercial crossroads are
designated commercial lands, land within the boundaries of Rural
Village Centers (RVCs) is designated as both commercial and
residential land, as the existing uses are mixed to a degree that
precludes separate designations within the boundaries. The
commercial lands identified at Nesses’ Corner, Irondale Road, and
the Port Hadlock RVC were re-designated Urban Commercial as a
result of the Irondale/Hadlock UGA designation.
Periodic Review of LAMIRDs & GMA Implementation
Challenges in Rural Counties
Overview
The Growth Management Act (GMA) advises that counties should
perform a periodic analysis of development occurring in rural
areas to determine if patterns of rural development are
protecting rural character and encouraging development in urban
areas. Jefferson County is investigating potential revisions to
our limited area of more intensive rural development (LAMIRD)
evaluating how we can better meet our rural goals, maintain our
rural character, and plan for economically and environmentally
sustainable growth.
The Comprehensive Plan is our written record of local
circumstances, establishing patterns of rural densities and uses
while harmonizing GMA planning goals. The Comprehensive Plan
establishes a definition of our rural character to guide
development of rural policies and implement development
regulations. Jefferson County’s definition of rural character is
inclusive of our working landscapes, rural economy, and
protection of our natural resources, while balancing the need for
housing, jobs, and services to care for and support our
communities.
Recognizing our past and planning for our future, Jefferson
County has articulated our rural character throughout the
Comprehensive Plan. Jefferson County’s past includes development
intensities from World Wars I & II-era industries that were
intensive in use and distribution. These uses were significantly
more intensive than we experience today. Our communities are not
remnants of a greater past, nor are they in a static development
pattern as established July 1, 1990, but are communities adapting
to local conditions and moving forward.
See also sidebars in this
Section 1.2—Rural
See also the Environment
Element, Challenges &
Opportunities—Balancing
Environmental Protection
With Community Needs.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–86
February 2021
Jefferson County is rich with natural and scenic areas. A part of
the richness of our natural areas comes from 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 in our planning and
development. Seen as a resource to protect and a resource that
has economic value, the County is interested to explore
innovative concepts using our investments in conservation as an
alternate way of delineating and containing development.
Jefferson County proposes to investigate new opportunities in the
following areas:
Update LAMIRD Provisions for Outcomes that Reflect Current Local
Circumstances, Rural Character, and Balancing of GMA Goals
The GMA allows local jurisdictions to balance GMA goals while
taking into consideration the jurisdiction’s local circumstances.
Because local circumstances vary from county to county, in
establishing patterns of rural densities and uses, a county may
consider local circumstances when harmonizing the GMA planning
goals. This process considers the uniqueness of a place’s
geography, such as landscapes, transportation networks,
economics, and distribution of resources. To address the
uniqueness of our local circumstances and places, Jefferson
County seeks flexibility to provide community services in our
LAMIRDs and other local places.
Review the Tightlined Logical Outer Boundaries of Our LAMIRDs
GMA requires the County to adopt measures that contain or control
development so that we do not experience inappropriate conversion
of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development
patterns.
As a result of challenges to the County after the initial
delineation of LAMIRDs, Logical Outer Boundaries (LOB) were
tightlined to existing infrastructure, even to the point of
crossing parcels and creating split-zoning. GMA limits LAMIRD
development to infill and intensification within the outer
boundary. An analysis needs to be undertaken to determine if the
outer boundaries are too tightly drawn, or if a market factor for
vacant land needs to be applied. In fact, ordinances implementing
Jefferson County LAMIRDs include the finding that the planning
work establishing the boundaries needs to continue, and
boundaries need to be reviewed when resources allow.
The County would likely benefit from legislative and rules
changes to GMA better addressing flexibility for rural county
Refer to Exhibit 1-19,
which shows that there is
very little infill
potential in our LAMIRDs
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–87
February 2021
development, while limiting development. Jefferson County’s
existing development within its rural areas promotes GMA planning
goals, such as reducing sprawl, protecting the environment,
providing for open space and recreation, and maintained and
enhancing natural resource-based industries.
Explore Alternate Criteria for Establishing Logical Outer
Boundaries
To contain or control development, the GMA requires LOBs to be
based on criteria that defines an existing area or existing use
that was in existence on July 1, 1990 and includes a criterion
limiting the boundary to infrastructure that existed on that
date. Once a LOB has been adopted, counties may consider changes
to the boundary in subsequent amendments, but must use the same
criteria used when originally designating the boundary. The
current LOB delineation process freezes LAMIRD boundaries as of
July 1, 1990.
Rural counties characteristically have minimal infrastructure—
because of low population density and a correspondingly reduced
need, as well as a generally lower financial base to fund and
finance infrastructure. Using infrastructure as the method to
define LOB constrains the County’s ability to meet community
needs in rural areas. Rural areas are resource rich. Jefferson
County proposes to investigate alternative LAMIRD delineation,
consistent with GMA, focusing on our rural and ecosystems
investments, capacity for future investments, and limiting
factors on growth. The Washington State Legislature recognizes
the economic benefit of the natural resources, open space, and
rural resources to the entire state of Washington. Jefferson
County proposes investigating alternate ways of containing and
controlling growth of LAMIRDs through LOBs bounded by land
conservation easements, extinguishment of development rights,
natural resources boundaries, and natural barriers to growth.
Since GMA’s inception, the State of Washington Growth Management
Hearings Board (Hearings Board) has interpreted the GMA and its
rules to local jurisdictions’ comprehensive plans. Over the
years, a body of law has developed, which appears to force
counties to curtail innovation in rural area development, such as
prescriptively establishing rural and urban densities and
requiring tightlined LOBs in LAMIRDs. This imposes a difficult
challenge when trying to meet affordable housing needs outside of
designated urban growth areas. Some LAMIRDs, such as Chimacum, do
not fit neatly within this urban rural dichotomy. This provides
only two boxes, urban or rural for solutions to complex land use
issues. Solutions may require more in-between areas to meet
requirements, such as a greater focus on performance standards
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–88
February 2021
for some housing developments over a prescriptive residential
density.
Innovations to meet current housing crises is limited by GMA. If
a county allows bonus densities in a rural cluster the resulting
density after applying the bonus must be a rural density, which
doesn’t yield enough bonus density to enable the types of housing
developments that can meet the challenges of providing density
for affordable housing, even within a rural context. Jefferson
County proposes to investigate provisions for planned residential
developments and investigate the feasibility of alternative
performance standards that could potentially increase rural
residential density above the current maximum rural density.
Jefferson County is aware that these options require a
legislative amendment to the GMA.
Rural Economy
Jefferson County’s rural economy has responded to economic
conditions and market forces pivoting towards tourism,
agricultural businesses, and small businesses. Our economy is
similar to other rural economies, transitioning away from
natural resource industries. Our rural economy needs
infrastructure to support its economic activities and changes
in modern infrastructure, such as the ability to scale
wastewater management solutions to meet small community needs
is evolving.
Even though developments in infrastructure, such as small and
innovative sanitary sewer systems may be able to support the
overarching planning goals of GMA, while containing and
controlling growth in rural areas, GMA generally precludes small
and innovative sanitary sewer systems in rural areas as they are
defined as urban levels of service. This ignores potential
opportunities to provide modern, scaled treatment facilities to
support a variety of community needs such as housing and economic
development. Jefferson County is aware these rural infrastructure
systems would require a legislative amendment to the GMA.
GMA allows sanitary sewer infrastructure in rural areas when: (1)
it if abates an public health and environmental problem, does not
induce sprawling urban development, and is affordable by the
community that it serves; (2) it is necessary to support a LAMIRD
and it is consistent with the County-wide Planning Policies; or
(3) supports a school located in the rural area serving both
rural and urban students.
Jefferson County is investigating sewering the Brinnon LAMIRD,
using the existing Dosewallips State Park sewer system. The
Dosewallips State Park sewer treatment plant is located in the
Jefferson County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–89
February 2021
Brinnon LAMIRD and its lines run through the LAMIRD to the
Dosewallips State Park. Sewering Brinnon would alleviate known
and potential environmental problems associated with on-site
sewage systems, considering that the Brinnon LAMIRD is located
within the 100-year floodzone and is adjacent to the Hood Canal.
The application of this allowance is being investigated in the
Brinnon Rural Village Center, adjacent to Dosewallips State
park’s wastewater treatment facility. The County is working to
address requirements of GMA, while allowing limited service by
the Dosewallips State park’s system. Currently, Brinnon is served
entirely by septic systems. These septic systems have current and
potential problems and some systems are located within flood
zones.
In a 2002 amendment to the GMA, the Washington State Legislature
found that GMA is intended to recognize the importance of rural
lands and rural character to Washington's economy, and find that
rural lands and rural-based economies enhance the economic
desirability of the State of Washington. To retain and enhance
the job base in rural areas, rural counties must have flexibility
to create opportunities for business development and to retain
existing businesses and allow them to expand. The legislature’s
findings close with:
“[T]he 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.”
In summary, as Jefferson County reviews rural commercial areas,
we explore ways to meet GMA’s fundamental purposes in flexible
and meaningful manners. For example, flexibility in designating
LAMIRDs, while meeting the purpose and intent of GMA would assist
the County with contained and controlled development, enhanced
rural economies, additional housing, preservation of natural
resources, enhanced open space and parks, and enhanced rural
character. The legislative findings for GMA include the
conservation and wise use of our lands, along with sharing
economic development with communities experiencing insufficient
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–90
February 2021
economic growth. GMA should not be a barrier for rural counties,
but a platform to encourage sustainable, coordinated, and
controlled growth and economic development in accordance with the
public’s interest.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–91
February 2021
Rural Industrial Lands
Rural land designated as rural industrial land in this Plan is
based on existing industrial uses in areas previously zoned as
industrial. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d), counties may
recognize areas of more intensive industrial development and
contain them within logical boundaries to limit to infill
development. All areas meet the following minimum criteria for
designation of rural industrial land, as defined in WAC 365-196-
425:
An area or use of more intensive industrial development in
existence on July 1, 1990; and
An area that is not located on designated natural resource
lands.
The industrial areas designated in 1998 resulted in a reduction
in industrial acreage of 1994 zoning designations from a total of
928.3 acres to 616.9 acres, an overall reduction of 34%. The
application of GMA criteria protected the economic viability of
existing uses while it restricted industrial activities to
existing areas. Rural industrial lands provide job opportunities
for rural residents through redevelopment of existing rural
industrial areas (see Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural
Development above). Designated under this Plan are the following
industrial zones:
▶ Port Townsend Paper Mill as Heavy Industrial (HI),
▶ Glen Cove as Light Industrial (LI) and Light
Industrial/Commercial (LI/C),
▶ Center Valley as Light Industrial (LI),
▶ Eastview Industrial Plat and Quilcene Industrial Area as
Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M),
▶ Forest Resource-Based Industrial zones (RBI) at Gardiner and
Western Jefferson County, and
▶ Jefferson County International Airport Non-Aviation-Related
Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M) Overlay.
Exhibit 1-20 shows the location of all designated rural
industrial areas in Jefferson County. A discussion and map of
each rural industrial area follows.
The Comprehensive Plan contains policies in Goal LU-G-24 and Goal
LU-G-25 that help guide development of rural industrial land.
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–92
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-20 Location of Rural Industrial Lands
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–93
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
PORT TOWNSEND PAPER MILL HEAVY
INDUSTRIAL AREA
Rural Industrial Area
The Port Townsend Paper Mill has provided employment for several
generations of Jefferson County residents. The mill property has
been designated as heavy industrial (HI) for the mill and for
activities ancillary to the mill. The property includes a water
treatment lagoon and a port facility on Port Townsend Bay that
are directly related to activities at the mill. The mill is
recognized as a heavy industrial activity because it is a large-
scale and intensive industrial activity that must meet extensive
environmental permitting requirements under industrial standards
for air quality, water quality, and wastewater treatment.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–94
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
GLEN COVE INDUSTRIAL AREA
Rural Industrial Area
Uses for the Light Industrial (LI) and Light
Industrial/Commercial (LI/C) designations at Glen Cove include
commercial and retail uses that are directly associated with the
light industrial uses. Associated commercial and retail uses may
include commodities and products, mechanical or electrical
supplies, warehousing, and storage, or may provide support
services to those who work in the industries, such as a small
café. Allowing broader commercial uses at Glen Cove would require
addressing concerns regarding pedestrian and traffic safety,
infrastructure, and incompatible uses both visually and in terms
of hazardous materials storage and use. Thus, the commercial
designation for Glen Cove is restricted to uses which differ
considerably from those in Rural Crossroads (NC, GC, & CC) and
Rural Village Centers (RVC).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–95
February 2021
Left: Glen Cove Industrial Park, Jefferson County, 2018.
Right: Oblique aerial view of Glen Cove Industrial Park, Google Earth,
2018.
Light industrial/commercial uses allowed at Glen Cove include but
are not limited to: industrial parks, light manufacturing,
construction yards, engine repair, metal fabrication or
machining, plumbing shops and yards, printing and binding
facilities (non-retail), research laboratories, excavating
contractors, furniture manufacturing, software development,
lumber yards, vehicle repair and restoration, warehousing and
storage, boat building and repair, boat storage, craft goods,
blacksmith or forge, commercial relay and transfer stations, and
associated commercial uses as discussed above. Also permitted as
conditional uses are those such as: amateur radio towers greater
than 65 feet in height, café, car wash, electronic goods repair,
fitness center, kennels, mini-storage, and nursery/landscape
materials.
The Glen Cove industrial boundary for light industrial/commercial
uses recognizes a contained cluster of existing uses. When the
County adopted the Comprehensive Plan in 1998 and established the
interim LI/C zone at Glen Cove, the GMA was still in its
formative years and the case law was not available for guidance.
Jefferson County was among the first counties to establish
LAMIRDs allowed under the GMA as amended in 1997 by ESB 6094.
There was intent to revisit the boundary after thorough analysis
was completed (Tri-Area/Glen Cove Special Study Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement with Addendums,
August 1999). An expanded Light Industrial (LI) zone was
established at Glen Cove in December 2002. The Light Industrial
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–96
February 2021
district does not allow for the commercial uses that are allowed
in the LI/C zone.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–97
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
CENTER VALLEY INDUSTRIAL AREA
Rural Industrial Area
The Center Valley Light Industrial area was previously designated
a Resource Based Industrial Zone due to the presence of a small
sawmill operation. The sawmill closed and was inactive for
several years before the area was rezoned as Light Industrial
(LI) in 2008 to accommodate an expanded opportunity of uses at
the site.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–98
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
QUILCENE INDUSTRIAL AREA
Rural Industrial Area
The Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M) area at Quilcene was
recognized in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan based on criteria in
1997 amendments to the GMA allowing Counties to recognize and
contain existing areas and uses of more intensive industrial
development (RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)). The industries need not be
limited to those serving the local population. Other criteria and
considerations used for this designation include the need to
provide local employment in an area of distressed economic
conditions located at a distance from the Urban Growth Area, and
the desire to reduce commuter-related traffic pressures on County
roadways.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–99
February 2021
Quilcene Industrial Area, Google Street View, 2015.
The existing industrial uses include a sawmill, machine shop, and
industrial storage. A vested project for additional industrial
storage is the basis for recognition of an adjacent parcel. Light
industrial uses allowed in the Quilcene Industrial Area include
but are not limited to those described above for Glen Cove,
except for the associated commercial and retail uses.
Transportation access is adequate, as the area is on Highway 101.
New development will be restricted until water supply issues
related to adequate fire flow are addressed following the
community election for a Local Utility District in late 1998.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–100
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
EASTVIEW LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/
MANUFACTURING AREA
Rural Industrial Area
The Eastview Industrial Plat (LI/M) borders the Paper Mill Heavy
Industrial Zone on the north. Eastview consists of six lots
comprising about 8 acres that was platted in 1978. The current
uses include storage, boat yard, and repair services.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–101
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
JEFFERSON COUNTY INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT NON-AVIATION-RELATED LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING
Rural Industrial Area
Jefferson County has established an overlay zone in association
with the Airport Essential Public Facility (AEPF) in order to
provide a limited opportunity for rural scale non-aviation-
related industrial uses that contribute to the long-term
financial viability of the AEPF, as well as to support rural
economic vitality benefiting the Jefferson County community.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–102
February 2021
Forest Resource-Based Industrial
Zones
Rural Industrial Area
Forest resource-based industries at Gardiner and West Jefferson
County have been designated as Resource-Based Industrial Zones
(RI) to recognize active sawmills and related activities at those
sites, based on 1997 GMA amendments codified as RCW
36.70A.070(5)(d)(i) recognizing existing industrial uses and
allowing for their intensification. The Resource-Based Industrial
Zones are limited to forest resource-based industrial uses to
prevent the establishment of a wider range of industrial uses. It
is also intended to support employment in a distressed economic
sector that, despite a decline in employment, will continue to
have long-term economic importance for the County.
Forest resource-based industrial zone boundaries were determined
based on criteria in RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d) for determining logical
boundaries. The reduction in acreage allows for limited infill
and contains the industrial activity and associated uses to an
area based on the developed area on July 1, 1990.
Jefferson County recognizes that the cyclical nature of the
forest industry will continue to result in economic upturns and
downturns as reforested areas become available for harvest. To
maintain facilities that continue to operate, the County
recognizes that conversion of machinery and facilities into
forest-related production activities would help to support this
industry from one cycle to the next. The development code will
include criteria for the permitting and regulation of conversion
and/or intensification of these areas for related uses that may
involve adapting existing equipment and facilities, recycling, or
adding limited value to the forest resource products and
byproducts (see Policy LU-P-25.4).
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–103
February 2021
Source: Jefferson County Community Development, BERK, 2018.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–104
February 2021
Economic Activities Outside of Rural
Commercial Areas
Jefferson County will allow the following types of economic
activities to provide employment opportunities outside of
designated Rural Village Centers and Rural Commercial Crossroads:
New industrial uses may be allowed in rural areas when they
are resource-based pursuant to RCW 36.70A.365—Major
Industrial Developments, in that they are dependent on a
location near the forest, mining, agricultural, or
aquaculture resource (see Section 1.3). Goals and policies in
the Natural Resources Element provide for protection of the
resource activity as well as of surrounding land uses.
Resource-based industries must be in compliance with
environmental and other regulations.
A major industrial development may be allowed outside of a
UGA if the activity requires a parcel of land so large that
no suitable parcels are available within the UGA, or if the
nature of the activity is incompatible with urban development
due to its potential threat to the public health, safety, and
welfare. Such development is defined in an amendment to the
GMA enacted in Engrossed Senate Bill 5019 and codified as RCW
36.70A.365 as a master planned location for a specific
manufacturing, industrial, or commercial business, but it
cannot be for commercial shopping development or multi-tenant
office parks.
Small-scale recreational or tourist-related uses will be
reviewed through the conditional use permitting process
according to criteria provided in the goals and policies of
this element. The activity must rely on a rural setting and
nearby natural features for its location. Conditionally
permitted uses such as RV parks, boat rentals, marinas, horse
arenas and stables, and campgrounds are typical of this type
of use. Goal LU-G-26 provides policies for these economic
activities.
Home-based businesses may be permitted to provide
opportunities to supplement a family income, start up a
business, or establish a work-place at home. Home-based
businesses must be clearly incidental and secondary to the
primary use of the premises as a residence. The goals and
policies of this element provide limits on home-based
businesses designed to prevent adverse impacts from such
activity on the preservation of rural character (see Goal LU-
G-27).
Cottage industries will be reviewed through the conditional
use permitting process and must be clearly incidental and
subordinate to the residential use of the property. A cottage
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–105
February 2021
industry is defined as limited small-scale commercial or
industrial activities and shall not grow beyond the scale
permitted unless it is moved to a location designated for
commercial or industrial uses. The limitations provided in
land use policies are intended to prevent the activity from
detracting from adjacent land uses and the rural character of
the area (see Goal LU-G-27).
Potential new planning for future zoning designations on
existing highway/commuter corridors and tourist routes.
West Jefferson County
The western portion of Jefferson County is geographically
isolated from eastern Jefferson County by Olympic National Park.
No existing Commercial-zoned lands currently exist in the West
County, and therefore no commercial land for that area was
designated in this Plan. Convenience services are available on
Upper Hoh Road, at the Kalaloch Lodge store on Olympic National
Park land and at a Quinault Nation convenience store at Queets. A
regional decline in forestry and fishing has resulted in
distressed economic conditions in the area. New employment
opportunities in available economic sectors must be developed to
respond to this decline of natural resource-based industries,
allowing West Jefferson County to transition to a more
diversified economy.
West Jefferson County is not projected to experience significant
growth during the 20-year planning period, with a total 20-year
population projection of 43 additional people. Although the
population of West Jefferson County is low, a significant number
of people visit the tourist and recreation attractions of the
area year-round. During the tourist season, the area experiences
a large influx of visitors. Situated on U.S. Highway 101 between
the mountain/rainforest and the ocean beach portions of the
Olympic National Park, West Jefferson County receives visitors
from Puget Sound regional metropolitan areas, as well as national
and international visitors. The Hoh and Quinault Indian
Reservation communities are concentrated population centers that
both contribute to and rely upon the economy in West Jefferson
County.
To encourage employment opportunities in this economically
distressed area, policies in this Plan allow additional small-
scale recreation and tourism commercial activities serving
tourist-related uses so that a broader range of goods and
services can be provided, increasing economic development
opportunities for the local population (see Policy LU-P-26.5). In
addition, policies for home-based businesses and cottage
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–106
February 2021
industries allow for greater flexibility under criteria specific
to West Jefferson County (see Policy LU-P-27.2 and Policy LU-P-
27.4).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–107
February 2021
Rural Goals & Policies
Rural Character
Goal LU-G-15 Preserve rural character and
protect and promote rural lifestyle, as defined
in this element.
▶ Policy LU-P-15.1 Identify and implement rural land
uses, densities, and environmental standards which preserve
and protect rural character. Evaluate environmental quality
as critical to the preservation of rural character when
reviewing development applications in rural areas
▶ Policy LU-P-15.2 Protect open space consistent with
the goals and policies of this plan and in cooperation with
County Conservation Futures and other land conservation
programs.
▶ Policy LU-P-15.3 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-15.4 Endorse the establishment of visual
corridors and forest corridors along suitable roadways in
Jefferson County. Endorse the extension of the forest
corridor concept 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.
Fall in Quilcene,
Carolyn Gallaway
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–108
February 2021
Goal LU-G-16 Ensure that development is
accomplished in a manner which protects the long-
term habitability, significant historical and
cultural areas, and natural beauty of Jefferson
County.
▶ Policy LU-P-16.1 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-16.2 Encourage project proponents to
mitigate potential adverse impacts to the public health,
safety, and welfare as a result of a proposed project,
action, or use concurrent with project development.
▶ Policy LU-P-16.3 Preserve, protect, and enhance
cultural amenities by protecting tribal cultural artifacts,
historic structures, farms and other historical settlements
throughout the rural landscape, through cultural and
historical preservation planning efforts. Local tribes should
be consulted and included early in the planning process to
ensure that tribal recommendations are thoughtfully
considered.
▶ Policy LU-P-16.4 Consider elements of a Night Sky
ordinance and lighting provisions in the Jefferson County
Code.
Goal LU-G-17 Preserve and protect the rural
character of the land and the identities of
existing rural communities through examination of
rural land uses, development densities, rural
economies, and economic development
opportunities.
▶ Policy LU-P-17.1 Residential uses in the unincorporated
portions of the County shall be characterized by a variety of
rural residential parcel sizes and densities.
Related to
western Jefferson
County
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–109
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-17.2 Encourage innovation and creativity in
lot and site design and in re-platting of existing lots to
create efficient land developments, add flexibility in
design, and encourage multi-modal transportation while
meeting underlying density and site requirements.
▶ Policy LU-P-17.3 Carefully plan rural commercial
development in a way that supports and is compatible with
rural community character and that can be supported by rural
levels of service.
▶ Policy LU-P-17.4 Review land use, development
densities, rural economies, and economic development
opportunities in the West End planning area to address local
needs within the requirements of GMA.
Goal LU-G-18 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-18.1 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 should be permanently preserved.
▶ Policy LU-P-18.2 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.
Goal LU-G-19 Foster sustainable natural
resource-based industry in rural areas through
the conservation of lands that support forestry,
agriculture, mineral extraction, and aquaculture
industries and local employment opportunities.
▶ Policy LU-P-19.1 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.
Related to
western Jefferson
County
Irondale Park,
Carolyn Gallaway
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–110
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-19.2 Use farm and forest preservation
programs, such as Forest Stewardship Program, and other tools
to preserve historic working lands.
▶ Policy LU-P-19.3 Encourage responsible stewardship of
upland areas in support of programs that enable sustainable
aquaculture.
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs
Rural Residential Land Use
Goal LU-G-20 Ensure that rural residential
development preserves rural character, protects
rural community identity, is compatible with
surrounding land uses, and minimizes
infrastructure needs.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.1 Identify and encourage diverse rural
land uses and densities which preserve rural character and
rural community identity.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.2 Establish rural residential land use
densities for all lands located outside of designated Urban
Growth Areas. Proposed rural residential densities and site-
specific re-zones 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. Proposed changes to
residential land use designations shall take into
consideration the vacant lot supply of the local area before
allowing site-specific changes to residential zoning.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.3 Analyze historical subdivisions in
Jefferson County to define processes for legal lots of record
certifications, and define valid plats in rural and urban
areas.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.4 Encourage the development and adoption
of new technologies such as alternative wastewater and energy
systems that minimize infrastructure cost, reduce
environmental impacts, and maintain rural character.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–111
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-20.5 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 criteria in
Chapter JCC 18.15.040.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.6 Within limited areas of more intensive
rural development (LAMIRDs), allow infill development at
densities comparable to the surrounding area. 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. Pursue planning analyses that evaluate the
LAMIRDs’ ability to achieve housing goals such as with
appropriate and innovative wastewater management techniques.
▶ Policy LU-P-20.7 Allow minimum lot sizes within the
designated boundaries of Rural Village Centers (RVC) 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.
Rural Commercial Land Use
Goal LU-G-21 Support existing and explore
opportunities for new appropriately-sized Rural
Village Centers (RVC) and provide for the
development of appropriately scaled commercial
and residential uses, with consideration of
innovative planning techniques, such as mixed
commercial and residential use, creating vibrant
communities with access to local services.
▶ Policy LU-P-21.1 Encourage a variety of commercial,
retail, professional, tourist-related, community service,
cottage industry, and residential uses—through new infill
development—including duplexes, triplexes and assisted living
facilities, within the designated boundaries of RVCs at a
scale appropriate to protect the rural character of the
natural neighborhood.
▶ Policy LU-P-21.2 Concentrate and contain the existing
built environment through development regulations allowing
for infill development within Rural Village Center
boundaries.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–112
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-21.3
▶ Policy LU-P-21.4 Ensure visual compatibility of Rural
Village Center commercial and mixed-use 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-21.5 Periodically review Rural Village
Center infill development, logical outer boundaries, and
regulations to ensure the success of Rural Village Centers.
Integrate infrastructure plans with economic development and
housing plans for the Rural Village Centers.
LU-P-21.5.1 Encourage affordable housing in Rural
Village Centers through the allowance of
multifamily housing opportunities such as
multifamily residential units, senior housing,
assisted living facilities, and
manufactured/mobile home parks.
LU-P-21.5.2 Allow for adequate economic development to
provide economic sustainability, adequate
employment opportunities, small business
opportunities, family wage jobs, and services in
and for the rural areas.
LU-P-21.5.3 Promote opportunities for non-motorized and
multimodal transportation options within and to
Rural Village Centers.
▶ Policy LU-P-21.6 Ensure logical outer boundaries
minimize and contain areas of more intensive development and
are delineated predominantly by the built environment.
Goal LU-G-22 Provide access to a limited range
of services in the County’s Rural Commercial
Crossroads for residential and non-residential
users and other compatible uses.
▶ Policy LU-P-22.1 Designate General Commercial
Crossroads (GC), Neighborhood/Visitor Crossroads (NC),
and Convenience Crossroads (CC) pursuant with Chapter JCC
18.15.015(2).
Chimacum Market, Jefferson
County Public Health
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–113
February 2021
LU-P-22.1.1 Lands designated as General Crossroads
(GC) are existing historic commercial areas that
provide a broad range of commercial goods and
services, and shall meet the requirements of
LAMIRDs in WAC 365-196-425(6)ii.
LU-P-22.1.2 Lands designated as Neighborhood/Visitor
Crossroads (NC) serve the nearby rural
neighborhood and the commuting or traveling
public, and shall meet the requirements of LAMIRDs
in WAC 365-196-425(6)ii.
LU-P-22.1.3 Land designated as Convenience Crossroads
(CC) consist of a single commercial property at a
historical crossroads, and shall meet the
requirements of LAMIRDs in WAC 365-196-425(6)iii.
▶ Policy LU-P-22.2 Periodically review Rural Commercial
Crossroad infill development, outer boundaries, and
regulations to ensure the success of Rural Commercial
Centers, including access to affordable housing, family wage
jobs, small business opportunities, non-motorized and
multimodal transportation options, and services in and for
the rural areas.
LU-P-22.2.1 Encourage affordable housing in General
Commercial Crossroads and Neighborhood/Visitor
Crossroads through the allowance of multifamily
housing opportunities such as multifamily
residential units, senior housing, assisted living
facilities, and manufactured/mobile home parks.
LU-P-22.2.2 Allow for adequate economic development to
provide economic sustainability, adequate
employment opportunities, small business
opportunities, and services in and for the rural
areas.
LU-P-22.2.3 Promote opportunities for non-motorized and
multimodal transportation options within and to
Rural Commercial Crossroads.
▶ Policy LU-P-22.3 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 "rural
character" design and development standards. Uses within
Rural Crossroads shall be scaled and sized to protect the
natural character of the neighborhood.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–114
February 2021
Master Planned Resorts
Goal LU-G-23 Provide for the siting of, and
maintain the viability of, Jefferson County’s
Master Planned Resorts (MPR) in locations that
are appropriate from both an economic and
environmental perspective.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.1 Ensure that development of MPRs comply
with County development regulations established for critical
areas, that on-site and off-site infrastructure impacts are
fully considered and mitigated, and that development is
consistent with lawfully established vested rights and
approved development permits.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.2 Allow the provision of urban-style
services to support the anticipated growth and MPR
development only within the designated MPR boundaries.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.3 Discourage any new urban or suburban
land uses within the immediate vicinity of MPRs.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.4 Accommodate a variety of housing types
in MPRs, including affordable housing, single family, and
multi-family housing and assisted living care facilities.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.5 Include designated greenbelts, non-
clearing open spaces, and wildlife corridors within the
boundary of MPRs as appropriate.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.6 Open Space zones created within the
boundaries of MPRs should address non-clearing, permanently
vegetated areas and include forest management plans to ensure
long-term viability, forest ecosystem health, and fire
safety.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.7 Ensure that MPRs, which constitute
urban growth outside of urban growth areas, are limited by,
and consistent with RCW 36.70A.360. 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.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–115
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-23.8 Require that MPRs 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.9 Develop and maintain site-specific
development regulations to guide the review and development
of master planned resorts that include, at a minimum,
compliance with these policies and the Jefferson County Code.
▶ Policy LU-P-23.10 Ensure new or expanded existing
master planned resorts 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, provide and commit to continued
public access.
Rural Industrial Lands
Goal LU-G-24 Recognize and contain areas and
uses of more intensive industrial development
within boundaries that may allow for limited
areas of infill development.
▶ Policy LU-P-24.1 Maintain the Port Townsend Paper Mill
property as Heavy Industrial, the Glen Cove industrial area
as Light Industrial/Commercial, Center Valley industrial area
as Light Industrial, Quilcene industrial area as Light
Industrial/Manufacturing, and Eastview Industrial Plat as
Light Industrial/Manufacturing (LI/M), consistent with the
provisions of RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d) and in Chapter JCC
18.15.015.
▶ Policy LU-P-24.2 Continue the ongoing planning
discussions with the City of Port Townsend regarding
infrastructure and boundaries of the Glen Cove Light
Industrial/Commercial District and examine alternative
solutions such as Large On-Site Sewage Systems (LOSS).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–116
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-24.3 Encourage establishment of renewable
energy power systems in rural areas to foster local economic
prosperity, living wage jobs, local energy resiliency, and
additional revenue opportunities for rural land
owner/operators.
▶ Policy LU-P-24.4 Protect future opportunities for
planning Industrial Land Banks and Major Industrial
Developments by keeping development regulations current and
effective for these land uses.
Goal LU-G-25 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-25.1 Encourage the establishment of
sustainable natural resource-based industrial uses in rural
areas to provide employment opportunities, such as food
processing near areas of agricultural production and milling
infrastructure near designated commercial forests.
▶ Policy LU-P-25.2 Natural resource-based industries may
be located near the agricultural, forest, mineral, or
aquaculture resource lands upon which they are dependent.
▶ Policy LU-P-25.3 Maintain existing pre-1990 forest
resource-based industrial uses and activities at Gardiner as
a Resource-Based Industrial Zone (RBI).
▶ Policy LU-P-25.4 Continue to recognize the Gardiner
Resource-Based Industrial Zone as an area of more intensive
rural development under RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)(i), and allow
the Zone to accommodate conversions and/or an intensification
of these uses and activities under the provisions contained
in RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)(iii).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–117
February 2021
Economic Activities Outside of Rural Commercial Areas
Small-Scale Recreational & Tourist Related Uses
Goal LU-G-26 Foster economic development that
relies on a rural location and setting, and that
is small scaled recreational or tourist-related.
▶ Policy LU-P-26.1 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 by underlying zoning, and that necessary for on-
site management.
▶ Policy LU-P-26.2 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-26.3 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-26.4 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 July 1, 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;
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
e. protecting critical areas and surface and groundwater
resources.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–118
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-26.5 Within isolated West Jefferson County,
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.
▶ Policy LU-P-26.6 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.
Home-based Businesses & Cottage Industries
Goal LU-G-27 Foster home-based businesses or
cottage industries in order to provide economic
and employment opportunities outside of Rural
Commercial zones.
▶ Policy LU-P-27.1 Permit home-based businesses and
cottage industries that are accessory to the residential use
of the property throughout the unincorporated portions of the
County, subject to permit review procedures.
▶ Policy LU-P-27.2 Home-based businesses in West
Jefferson County and the Brinnon Planning Area shall be
regulated according to Chapter JCC 18.15 Article VI-L in
order to encourage new economic development and employment
opportunities in unique areas that are isolated and distant
from commercial and urban growth areas.
▶ Policy LU-P-27.3 Cottage industries are an accessory
use to the primary residential use and shall be operated by
the owner or lessee of the property, who shall reside either
within a single family dwelling or an accessory dwelling
unit, subject to conditional use permit review procedures.
▶ Policy LU-P-27.4 Cottage industries in West Jefferson
County and the Brinnon Planning Area shall be regulated
according to Chapter JCC 18.15 Article VI-L in order to
provide employment opportunities in unique areas that are
isolated and distant from commercial and urban growth areas.
Related to
western Jefferson
County
Related to
western Jefferson
County
Related to
western Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–119
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-27.5 Codify provisions which will ensure
that home-based businesses and cottage industries will not
create de-facto Commercial Zoning in residential districts.
▶ Policy LU-P-27.6 Periodically evaluate the use and
success of home-based business and cottage industry
provisions and make modifications as appropriate.
Capital Facilities in Rural Areas
Goal LU-G-28 Provide Rural Village Centers with
the level of infrastructure support that will
allow the community to be served with
appropriately-scaled housing, commercial
services, and/or mixed-use development patterns
to provide for community needs through infill and
development of the LAMIRD. Limit the
establishment or expansion of urban development
and infrastructure to those areas designated for
urban growth.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.1 Ensure that expansion of urban
infrastructure occurs only in coordination with designated
land uses based on projected growth estimates and in
compliance with provisions of the state Growth Management
Act.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.2 Periodically review and update the
Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP) to ensure consistency
with the joint population projection and all land use
designations.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.3 Ensure that any impact fees adopted by
the County require that a “fair share” of development costs
be borne by the developer. Land use decisions should consider
cost efficiency regarding publicly-funded infrastructure.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.4 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.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–120
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-28.5 Require the provision of an
appropriate level of facilities and services prior to, or
concurrent with, development as identified in Chapter JCC
18.30. 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.6 Ensure that rural areas are adequately
served by a rural level of public services. 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-28.7 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.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–121
February 2021
1.3 RESOURCE
Resource Lands of Long-Term
Commercial Significance under the
GMA
One of the goals of the GMA is the conservation of productive
natural resources lands of long-term commercial significance,
including forestlands, agricultural lands, and mineral resources.
All counties and cities planning under the GMA are required to
identify and designate such natural resource lands for
conservation to avoid conflicts with other incompatible uses and
ensure these lands are available to support economic productivity
and healthy ecological systems.
Identification and classification of natural resource lands is
required by GMA under RCW 36.70A.050 and as described more fully
in Element 2 Natural Resources.
Forest
Forestry has a long history in Jefferson County, and large areas
of the unincorporated county are devoted to timber production.
Forest lands provide both economic and ecological benefits to
local residents, making their conservation a high priority under
the GMA. Over three-quarters of the non-federal land in the
County is zoned for forestry purposes.
Mineral
Mineral resource extraction provides nonrenewable raw materials
for a wide variety of uses, including construction of essential
public infrastructure. The GMA also requires that counties
evaluate future needs for mineral resources and ensure that
access to mineral resources of long-term commercial significance
is not knowingly precluded by other types of land development. To
meet the requirements of GMA, mineral extraction should be a
priority land use for all designated mineral resource lands. Many
of Jefferson County’s designated mineral resource lands are also
designated forest land. Without definitive surveys and mapping of
mineral resources of Jefferson County, the broad forest land
zones covering the largely overlapping resource areas, provide a
stand-in protective designation that helps to protect mineral
lands until additional surveys and mapping can be done.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–122
February 2021
Agriculture
Agriculture plays a vital role in economies of both Washington
and Jefferson County, and it is central to the culture and
history of many communities across the state. As described in
the Framework section of this Element, two agricultural land
zones are part of the land use and zoning districts and are
supported by strong policies that address both agricultural
land protection, and the importance of the food processing
industry, as well as healthy food access for the community.
Aquaculture: Refer to Natural Resources Element for the primary
information on upland aquaculture activities and aquaculture
resources regulated by the Shoreline Master Program (SMP).
Primary information about the SMP can be found in the
Environment Element.
Resource Conservation
While natural resource lands often consist of large properties
under intensive commercial production, valuable natural resource
lands also occur on smaller, family-owned parcels. For example,
nearly 30,000 acres of land in Jefferson County is designated as
forest land for property taxation purposes but is zoned for rural
land use other than commercial forestry, primarily rural
residential development. Nearly one-quarter of farms in Jefferson
County are less than 10 acres in size, and more than half are
less than 50 acres.
While the long-term commercial significance of properties such as
these may not be equal to that of larger commercial operations,
they represent resource lands capable of providing economic and
ecological benefits to local residents and should be conserved in
keeping with the goals of the GMA.
Jefferson County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–123
February 2021
Resource Lands Goals & Policies
Goal LU-G-29 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-29.1 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, and identify where
these facilities will be allowed.
▶ Policy LU-P-29.2 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.
▶ Policy LU-P-29.3 Work with resource-based industries to
achieve compliance with all applicable regulations to protect
environmental values and to protect surrounding land uses.
▶ Policy LU-P-29.4 Allow green burials in designated or
accepting cemeteries and consider allowing green burial
cemeteries consistent with Title 68 RCW, on forest zoned land
greater than 20 acres in size with a conditional use permit.
See also the Natural Resources Element for goals and policies
addressing resource lands of long-term commercial significance.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–124
February 2021
1.4 URBAN
Urban Growth Areas
Municipal & Unincorporated
The GMA authorizes the designation of Urban Growth Areas in RCW
36.70A.110 to include cities and other areas characterized by
urban growth or adjacent to such areas. Urban Growth Areas are
intended to accommodate a projected population growth for the
next twenty years. The GMA specifies that future growth should,
first, be located in areas that already have public facilities
and service capacity and, second, in areas where such services,
if not already available, are planned.
In Jefferson County, there are two Urban Growth Areas:
▶ City of Port Townsend Municipal Urban Growth Area; and
▶ Port Hadlock / Irondale Unincorporated Urban Growth Area.
The City of Port Townsend is subject to its own Comprehensive
Plan and development regulations affecting urban growth and the
provision of public facilities and services in the City of Port
Townsend.
The Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area is an
unincorporated Urban Growth Area, located approximately 5 miles
south of the City of Port Townsend, adjacent to Port Townsend
Bay. This unincorporated Urban Growth Area is subject to the
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and implementing regulations.
An Urban Growth Area defines where urban developments will be
directed and supported with typical urban public facilities and
services, such as storm and sanitary sewer systems, domestic
water systems, fire and police protection services, and public
transit services. Urban growth areas enable new development to
locate close to vital capital facilities and urban services or
"infill" in existing urbanizing areas. Urban Growth Areas enable
fiscal resources associated with capital facilities and urban
services to be operated more cost-effectively.
The Urban Growth Area is an area where urban public facilities
and services are available or are planned. Provision of urban
public facilities and services may be available through several
service providers, such as Jefferson County, the JPUD, or some
other entity such as a sewer and water district.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–125
February 2021
Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth
Area
History of Planning
Designation
Detailed planning for the designation
of a Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban
Growth Area in compliance with the
requirements of the GMA has been on-
going since the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan was originally
adopted in 1998. Specific policy
language in the Comprehensive Plan
indicated the joint city/county intent
to pursue future Urban Growth Area
planning for the “Tri-Area” (including
Irondale, Port Hadlock and Chimacum). As part of the on-going
joint City/County urban growth area planning, the Tri-Area
Provisional Urban Growth Area (Urban Growth Area) was designated
by Jefferson County on October 5, 1999 as an interim step in the
Urban Growth Area planning process. In 2000, the boundary of the
Interim Urban Growth Area was established, and included the
Irondale and Port Hadlock communities. In-depth analysis and
environmental impact review of the land use, population, capital
facilities and public services, natural systems and critical area
constraints, open space, housing, and non-residential land use
needs for a Tri-Area Urban Growth Area are incorporated in the
Tri Area/Glen Cove Special Study conducted from 1998-2002.
Public Facilities & Services
Specific planning for public facilities and services in the Port
Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area is referenced in this
section and in the Capital Facilities Element, as well as
supporting appendices of the Comprehensive Plan, the Tri
Area/Glen Cove Special Study, the Jefferson County Port Hadlock
Urban Growth Area Sewer Facility Plan of September 2008, andthe
Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area Sewer System/Water Reclamation
Facility and Influent Pipeline Design Plans & Specifications
dated December 2013., and the Port Hadlock UGA Sewer Facility
Plan Update.
Inside the Puget Sound Iron Company, Jefferson County,
from the Collection of the Jefferson County Historical
Society
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–126
February 2021
Urban Growth Area Sizing & Capacity
Further planning analysis of the size and capacity of the Urban
Growth Area was conducted in the Proposed Irondale/Port Hadlock
Urban Growth Area: Dwelling Unit & Population Holding Capacity
Analysis, Cascadia Community Planning Services, January 21, 2009,
and updated by Community Development in 2017 for the periodic
review.
CWPPs provide a broad framework for UGA planning that were
developed in a collaborative process between the City of Port
Townsend and the County. Countywide Planning Policy #1.3 provides
specific guidance on criteria for the sizing and delineation of
UGA boundaries outside of cities:
▶ Adequate amount of developable land to accommodate forecasted
growth for the next twenty years.
▶ Sufficient developable land for residential, commercial, and
industrial uses to sustain a healthy local and regional
economy.
▶ Sufficient area for the designation of greenbelts and open
space corridors.
▶ Topographical features or environmentally sensitive areas
that may form natural boundaries such as bays, watersheds,
rivers, or ridge lines.
▶ Lands already characterized by urban development that is
currently served or are planned to be served by roads, water,
sanitary sewer, and storm drainage, schools, and other urban
services within the next twenty years; provided that such
urban services that are not yet in place are included in a
capital facilities plan.
▶ The type and degree of existing urban services necessary to
support urban development at the adopted interim level of
service.
The County-wide Planning Policies also provide selected guidance
for the phasing of urban growth commensurate with the provision
of adequate urban services to UGAs:
▶ Land use plans, regulations and capital facility plans for
each UGA will be designed to accommodate the projected
population. Growth should first be directed into two tiers:
Tier 1—existing commercial centers and urbanized areas where
the six (6) year capital facilities plan is prepared to
provide urban infrastructure; Tier 2—areas included within
the capital facilities plan to receive the full range of
urban services within twenty (20) years. Infrastructure
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–127
February 2021
improvements necessary to support development in the second
tier will be provided by the developer concurrent with
development, or by public entities because of implementing
all or a portion of the capital facilities plan. (CWPP 1.5)
▶ Before adopting boundaries of UGAs, interim Level of Service
Standards (LOS) for public services and facilities located
inside and outside of UGAs must be adopted. (CWPP 1.7)
▶ The full range of governmental urban services at the adopted
level of service standards will be planned for and provided
within UGAs, as defined in the capital facilities plan,
including community water, sanitary sewer, piped fire flow,
and storm water systems (CWPP 2.1)
▶ New development will meet the adopted level of service
standards for the UGA as a condition of project approval.
Said standards will include interim provisions for those
urban facilities identified in the capital facilities plan
but not yet developed. New development will contribute its
proportionate share towards provision of urban facilities
identified in the capital facilities plan. (CWPP 2.3)
▶ Local public involvement and citizen advice into the
formation and development of UGA land uses and supporting
urban public facilities and services are also an important
component of planning and implementation for UGAs. (CWPP 2.2)
Urban Growth Area Designation Criteria
The GMA specifies certain minimum requirements for Urban Growth
Area formation. These include the following provisions of RCW
36.70A.110:
An urban growth area may include territory that is located
outside of a city only if such territory already is
characterized by urban growth whether or not the urban
growth area includes a city, or is adjacent to territory
already characterized by urban growth, or is a designated
new fully contained community as defined by RCW
36.70A.350. (RCW 36.70A.110(1)).
The vast majority of the Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth
Area is “already characterized by urban growth”. In addition, the
boundary for the Urban Growth Area was delineated based on the
criteria in CWPPs with guidance from the Tri-Area Community Plan
(1995) and public input from local residents. Only limited areas
“adjacent to territory already characterized by urban growth” are
included in the Urban Growth Area to: 1) interconnect areas
characterized by existing urban growth; 2) incorporate sufficient
developable land to sustain the urban growth projected to occur
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–128
February 2021
during the 20-year planning period; or 3) provide for a
reasonable land market supply factor to discourage adverse land
and housing price increases. The Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban
Growth Area is significantly smaller and more compact than the
“Tri-Area Urban Growth Area” originally proposed in the Special
Study.
Based upon the growth management population projection
made for the county by the office of financial management,
the county and each city within the county shall include
areas and densities sufficient to permit the urban growth
that is projected to occur in the county or city for the
succeeding twenty-year period. (36.70A.110(2)).
Adequate land area for the expected growth during the planning
period has been designated based on both the projected 20-year
residential population growth for Port Hadlock / Irondale
identified in the Comprehensive Plan as well as the need for
commercial/industrial lands identified as a part of the Special
Study. The Comprehensive Plan population growth projections
indicate a 20-year projected growth from 2018-2038 of 1,516
residents for the Urban Growth Area. The Urban Growth Area
buildout capacity analysis is presented later in this element.
The boundary (i.e., sizing) of the Urban Growth Area included
only those areas “characterized by urban growth...or…adjacent to
territory already characterized by urban growth” necessary to
accommodate the urban growth projected to occur consistent with
the Act. The Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area includes
areas designated for Medium and High Density multi-family
developments that are “adjacent to territory already
characterized by urban growth” as one means to accommodate the
projected population increase.
Although the Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area contains a
significant amount of existing single-family urban residential
development—from a future urban growth perspective—its major
intent is to provide more economic development opportunity to
serve the unmet regional commercial needs of eastern Jefferson
County identified in the Special Study. Secondarily, Urban Growth
Area designation and the provision of urban facilities and
services will allow for development of higher density (and more
affordable) multi-family housing when a sanitary system becomes
available.
Each urban growth area shall permit urban densities and
shall include greenbelt and open space areas.
(36.70A.110(2)).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–129
February 2021
Average urban density of residential development is above 4
dwelling units per acre in the Urban Growth Area. See the
Proposed Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area: Dwelling Unit &
Population Holding Capacity Analysis, Cascadia Community Planning
Services, January 21, 2009. The Urban Low Density Residential
(ULDR) designation on the Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth
Area Zoning Map requires a minimum density of 4 dwellings units
per acre, except where the following criteria are met: 1) in
areas where no sanitary sewer service is provided in the adopted
Six-Year Capital Facilities Plan; and 2) in such areas within an
adopted Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA). The provisions of
the Jefferson County Health Department On-Site Sewage Disposal
Systems regulations (JCC 8.15) and Unified Development Code (UDC)
Section (Best Management Practices for On-Site Sewage Disposal in
CARAs) shall apply under these circumstances which effectively
limit maximum density to approximately 3.5 units per acre. The
so-called “bright line” rule adopted by the Growth Management
Hearings Boards suggests that four units per acre is a minimum
urban density. However, the Boards have also recognized that
jurisdictions may apply densities below that line in Urban Growth
Areas if there is a compelling GMA reason for doing so.
Protection of critical areas, including CARAs, has been
recognized by the Hearings Boards as such a reason. In the Urban
Growth Area, the CARA serves to protect the same groundwater
aquifer that supplies the public water supply for the Urban
Growth Area—the Public Utility District’s Sparling Well located
within the Urban Growth Area at the corner of Kennedy Road and
Rhody Drive (SR 19).
The Zoning Map indicates several additional areas designated for
moderate and high density residential development within sewer
service areas that are in close proximity to existing commercial
centers and community facilities such as the Chimacum Creek
Elementary School and the County Library.
Open space and greenbelt areas have also been identified for the
Urban Growth Area, especially along the Chimacum Creek corridor,
in associated wetland areas and along the Port Townsend Bay
marine shoreline at the mouth of Chimacum Creek where substantial
shoreline restoration has been completed at the site of a former
log dump and at the Irondale smelter site. Concurrently with
development and re-development of the Urban Growth Area, a
primary urban design consideration is to create better
connections between residential and commercial uses, non-
motorized access to transit services, sidewalks, bicycle lanes,
and overall attention to non-motorized transportation
connectivity.
Refer to the Transportation
Element, Non-Motorized
Trail & Standards
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–130
February 2021
An urban growth area determination may include a
reasonable land market supply factor and shall permit a
range of urban densities and uses. (36.70A.110(2)).
Single-family and multi-family residential, urban commercial,
light industrial, lands for public purposes, and open space and
greenbelt land needs are incorporated in the Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth Area. Sizing of the Urban Growth Area was
intended to include only those areas “characterized by urban
growth...or…adjacent to territory already characterized by urban
growth” consistent with the Act. A reasonable land market supply
factor was applied to discourage adverse increases to land and
housing values in the Urban Growth Area. Reduction factors to
account for lands needed for roads and utilities and preservation
of environmentally sensitive areas were also applied.
Documentation of supporting population and land area analysis are
found in the Special Study and in the Port Hadlock / Irondale
Urban Growth Area Buildout Analysis, dated March 4, 2004, and the
Proposed Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area: Dwelling Unit &
Population Holding Capacity Analysis, Cascadia Community Planning
Services, January 21, 2009, and updated in the 2018 Periodic
Review; see Appendix E.
Cities and counties have discretion in their comprehensive
plans to make many choices about accommodating growth.
(36.70A.110(2).)
Planning for an unincorporated Urban Growth Area in eastern
Jefferson County has been on-going since the initial GMA
Comprehensive Plan for the County was adopted in 1998. The
Special Study was a collaborative joint planning process between
the City of Port Townsend and the County that entailed a broad
analysis of population and employment growth and land use needs
as well as alternative Urban Growth Area boundary configurations
and their associated impacts. It presented many choices about
accommodating growth. One of the key findings of the Special
Study was that the County experienced a significant amount of
“retail leakage” to urban areas in adjacent counties due to an
inadequate commercial land use base in the County. The City of
Port Townsend and the County also jointly chose through the Joint
Growth Management Steering Committee to accommodate new growth
through formation of a Tri-Area Unincorporated Urban Growth Area
rather than accommodate the unmet demand for commercial growth in
the existing Port Townsend Urban Growth Area.
The Comprehensive Plan and the CWPPs both identify the Tri-Area
(now Port Hadlock / Irondale Unincorporated Urban Growth Area) as
the primary regional commercial growth center for the
unincorporated County. However, the lack of the full range of
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–131
February 2021
urban services, including a sanitary sewer system, has been an
impediment to significant commercial development and job
creation. The Urban Growth Area planning process involved an
extensive amount of public involvement. The Implementation Plan
for the Special Study identified and analyzed more specific Urban
Growth Area land use alternatives for the area. Because of the
extensive public involvement process and capital facilities
impact analysis conducted throughout the life of the Special
Study, the Tri-Area Urban Growth Area represents a significantly
smaller, more compact and more fiscally viable Urban Growth Area
than originally proposed in the DSEIS/FSEIS prepared as a part of
the Special Study.
Urban growth should be located first in areas already
characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing
public facility and service capacities to serve such
development, second in areas already characterized by
urban growth that will be served adequately by a
combination of both existing public facilities and
services and any additional needed public facilities and
services that are provided by either public or private
sources, and third in the remaining portions of the urban
growth areas. (36.70A.110(3)).
The Special Study included several alternative Urban Growth Area
boundaries and permitted land use alternatives for Urban Growth
Areas in Jefferson County. One of these alternatives (Alternative
1) was not to adopt a new unincorporated Urban Growth Area but
rather accommodate the unmet need for regional commercial growth
identified in the Special Study through intensification of the
existing Port Townsend Urban Growth Area. Following issuance of
the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Amendments, dated August 1999
(FSEIS) the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee (comprised
of three City Councilors and three County Commissioners) decided
on August 24, 1999 (by a vote of 5 to 1) to move forward with
Urban Growth Area implementation for Port Hadlock / Irondale and
to reject implementation of Alternative 1—effectively precluding
allocation of the unmet employment and commercial growth needs
identified in the Special Study to the existing Port Townsend
Urban Growth Area.
Phased Implementation
In 2002, Port Hadlock / Irondale lacked the full range of urban
services needed for immediate Urban Growth Area implementation
indicated in CWPP 2.1, above. Therefore, the Comprehensive Plan
had to plan for the provision of those services as required by
RCW 36.70A.110(3). The Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–132
February 2021
was programmatically defined in several phases. The initial phase
involved amendments to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan in
2002 to adopt the final Urban Growth Area boundary, land use map
and interim levels of service for urban facilities as well as goals
and policies guiding the development of the Urban Growth Area. This
included identification of additional plans and capital facilities
(including costs and funding sources) needed to implement the full
range of urban services and facilities within the Urban Growth
Area. The next phase involved preparation and adoption of Urban
Growth Area development regulations now codified in Chapter 18.18
of the JCC. This phase also included completion of the capital
facility plans needed to implement the full range of urban services
required in CWPP 2.1, including the adoption of urban level of
service standards for Urban Growth Area transportation
improvements, storm water management facilities, and a new sanitary
sewer system. These capital facility plans are adopted herein by
reference and are included as appendices to the Comprehensive Plan.
The Urban Growth Area functional capital facility plans as adopted
herein are available under separate cover and include:
▶ Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area Sewer Facility Plan, September
2008 and Port Hadlock UGA Sewer Facility Plan Update, August
2020.
▶ Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area Stormwater
Management Plan, May 2004
▶ Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area Transportation
Plan, May 2004 as updated in Appendix C
Consistent with CWPP 1.5, the adopted Port Hadlock / Irondale
Urban Growth Area General Sewer Plan identifies phased
development areas within the Urban Growth Area based on where the
six (6) year capital facilities plan is prepared to provide urban
sanitary sewer service in the Urban Growth Area core, followed by
expansion of sewer service availability throughout the Urban
Growth Area in the 20 year planning period. More complete
discussion and analysis of these areas are found in the “Capital
Facilities” section of this element and in the adopted Urban
Growth Area General Sewer Plan.
Public involvement was a key component of all phases of Urban
Growth Area planning. The County appointed an Urban Growth Area
Citizen Advisory Committee during the initial Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth Area boundary and land use planning phase
in 2001. The CAC was comprised of local Urban Growth Area
residents and business owners and participated in developing the
initial recommendations for the Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban
Growth Area boundary and land use designations adopted in 2002.
An Urban Growth Area Citizens Task Force was appointed in 2004,
again comprised of local business owners and residents, to help
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–133
February 2021
the Planning Commission Urban Growth Area Subcommittee develop
specific implementing regulations and capital facility
development standards for the Urban Growth Area.
Alternative Phasing Sewer Policy
Within the UGA, the principal barrier to greater density is the
lack of a sanitary sewer. Some communities in Washington State
allow development activity on alternative wastewater treatment
systems that do not preclude future hook-up to traditional sewer.
For example, Kitsap County explored pocket plants, membrane
bioreactor treatment systems, and community drain fields, and the
Growth Management Hearings Board found these types of systems
provided an urban level of service for new development (KCRP VI
v. Kitsap County; Case 06-3-0007). Pierce County allows dry sewer
lines to be installed; residential development up to the maximum
density may be allowed, if lots in excess of the density
permitted with on-site septic cannot be developed until the sewer
line is extended and connected to all the lots. The City of
Yakima allows urban development if there are either public sewer
systems or approved community sewer systems. A policy is included
allowing for alternative technologies and phasing to advance
development in the Urban Growth Area, and meet community needs
such as for housing variety and affordability.
Land Use Map & Zoning Designations
The Future Land Use and Zoning Map, adopted as a part of this
element, is the graphic representation of the densities and
intensities of use and the goals, policies and strategies
contained within this plan.
The Land Use and Zoning Maps were developed based on consistency
with the GMA, community involvement, consideration of the 1995
Tri-Area Community Development Plan, the results of the Special
Study, the Proposed Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area:
Dwelling Unit & Population Holding Capacity Analysis, Cascadia
Community Planning Services, January 21, 2009, and the specific
criteria contained within this element.
Land use and zoning designations are as follows:
▶ The Urban Low Density Residential (UGA-LDR) zone will allow
housing density from four (4) to six (6) dwelling units per
acre. Moderate Density Residential (UGA-MDR) zoning will
allow housing at a density of 7-12 units per acre. The High
Density Residential (UGA-HDR) zone will allow housing at a
density of 13-18 dwelling units per acre.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–134
February 2021
▶ The Urban Commercial (UGA-UC) zone covers both the existing
and planned future commercial development in the Port Hadlock
core area and along Rhody Drive from Ness” Corner along the
commercial strip fronting SR 19. The Visitor-Oriented
Commercial (UGA-VOC) zone is applied to the tourism-oriented
potential development area around the Old Alcohol Plant.
▶ The Urban Light Industrial (UGA-LI) zone in the UGA applies
to a largely developed industrial area: all but 5 acres are
already in light industrial use. These uses are in the
southwest corner of the UGA well buffered from the bulk of
the residential neighborhoods in the community.
▶ Public facilities (UGA-P) comprise 80 acres, including public
park and open space areas, the Library and Chimacum Creek
Elementary School, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and
Jail, Jefferson County Public Works Department Maintenance
Yard, and the JPUD’s Sparling Well facility along Rhody Drive
and the Kivley Well in Port Hadlock.
Rural zones apply until urban wastewater services are available,
and then Urban zones apply. See Exhibit 1-21.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–135
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-21 Transitional Rural Zoning
Source: Jefferson County, 2009.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–136
February 2021
EXHIBIT 1-22 Irondale & Port Hadlock Urban Zoning
Source: Jefferson County, 2009.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–137
February 2021
Dwelling Unit & Population Holding Capacity Analysis
Planning analysis of the Urban Growth Area’s capacity was
conducted in by Community Development staff for the 2018
Comprehensive Plan using the current population allocation from
Resolution No. 38-15, and the methodology outlined in the 2009
Cascadia Community Planning Services analysis.
The Comprehensive Plan population growth projections for 2018-
2038 indicate a 20-year projected growth of 1,516 residents for
the Urban Growth Area.
The capacity analysis prepared for the 2018 Periodic Update
illustrates there is a capacity for new population of 1,518-
2,413. Thus, there is capacity to meet the 20-year growth
projection.
EXHIBIT 1-23 Estimated Total Dwelling Unit &
Population Holding Capacity
Dwellings Population
Estimated Net Additional Capacity of Vacant &
Underdeveloped Lands 723– 1,149 1,518– 2,413
Estimated Existing Dwelling Units &
Population on Vacant & Underdeveloped Lands 1,380* 2,898
Estimated Holding Capacity Range at Build-Out 2,103–2,529 4,416–5,311
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
* 1,352 in 2016 x 1.06% growth rate from 2010 to 2016 = 1,380 (1261 in “developed areas; 119 in
“underdeveloped” areas).
Projected population 2038 = 5,394 5,311-5,394 = (83)
Housing Variety & Affordability
Aside from the extension of sewer, other obstacles to urban
development include the size of older semi-rural lots and
ownership that make redevelopment difficult.
Some solutions could be to offer incentives such as fee
reductions or permit fast-tracking for infill housing such as
accessory dwelling units. Lot consolidation incentives could
include: density bonuses, reduced yards, reduced parking, fee
waivers and permit fast-tracking in exchange for implementing lot
consolidation.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–138
February 2021
Urban Growth Area Goals & Policies
The goals and policies of the Urban Growth Area element provide
direction for the development of Jefferson County’s Port Hadlock
/ Irondale Unincorporated Urban Growth Area. They outline
specific criteria for urban development, incorporating issues and
opportunities identified by County residents in the public Urban
Growth Area planning process.
Goal LU-G-30 Provide for the orderly development
of urban land uses in urban growth areas
consistent with the provision of adequate and
feasible urban levels of public facilities and
services.
Goal LU-G-31 Encourage a balance of commercial
and industrial uses for urban-scale and regional-
scale economic activities within Urban Growth
Areas (Urban Growth Areas).
Goal LU-G-32 Provide urban development
design that promotes healthy communities
through policies that promote healthy
lifestyles.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.1 Encourage and facilitate urban
regional-scale economic activities in unincorporated
Urban Growth Areas which provide for County-wide
goods, services, and employment opportunities.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.2 Direct new urban growth into
areas that are already characterized by existing urban
growth or adjacent to areas characterized by urban
growth. Within the confines of the GMA, urban levels
of services (capital facilities and infrastructure)
should be scaled to the needs of urban growth areas
and the ability of businesses, homeowners, workers, and the
public to finance them.
Examples of urban development
design that promotes healthy
lifestyles include:
▶Complete Streets planning;
▶Pedestrian friendly
developments; and
▶Access to healthy foods,
healthcare, and senior
care services.
Healthy Communities
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–139
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-32.3 Ensure future infrastructure
improvements are appropriately sized and scaled to the
planned population projections and development densities in
the County. The level of urban infrastructure must serve the
needs of the public, protect the environment and be
affordable. Use Health Impact Assessments in the decision-
making process of prioritizing capital projects, in order to
make progress on healthy community goals.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.4 Encourage growth in the Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth Area commensurate with the appropriate
level of urban public facility and service capacities
consistent with adopted plans, projections and interlocal
agreements.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.5 Plan urban governmental services at
urban levels of services prior to or concurrent with
development. (See Capital Facilities and Utilities Element
for a list of urban public facilities and their adopted
levels of service).
▶ Policy LU-P-32.6 Consider Urban Growth Area development
plans that allow urban development on septic systems or
alternative wastewater treatment systems in a site design
process, such as a binding site plan, subdivision or shadow—
plat, that ensures future urban development will not be
precluded, and develop regulations that facilitate urban
infill in areas previously developed or platted at sub urban
densities, including multiple accessory dwelling units.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.7 Provide incentives for affordable
housing through planned urban densities initially on septic
systems.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.8 Provide incentives for efficient
development patterns such as lot consolidation.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.9 Consider developing an affordable
housing incentives program for the Port Hadlock / Irondale
Urban Growth Area per RCW 36.70a.540, as funding allows.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.10 Support legislative efforts to allow
tax exemptions for housing in unincorporated Urban Growth
Areas for rural counties like Jefferson County. Include
support for multifamily tax credits such as federal low
income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and project-based vouchers
(Section 8).
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–140
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-32.11 Periodically review development
regulations for potential affordable housing barriers with
for-profit and non-profit housing providers and community
members.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.12 Consider allowing tiny homes as
accessory dwelling units or where mobile home parks are
allowed. Adopt tiny home building standards such as Appendix
Q, International Residential Code.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.13 Set a walkability standard (for
example, a quarter mile) for residential access to daily
retail and transit stops in urban areas. Adopt a service
standard that can be applied to urban or rural village
centers throughout the county.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.14 Incorporate physical activity
measures into the design of project evaluation studies, such
as multimodal transportation planning, community design, or
community health studies..
▶ Policy LU-P-32.15 Incorporate traffic calming measures
where needed to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.16 Facilitate non-motorized
transportation and reduce the need for automobile parking in
pedestrian use areas through development regulations in the
Irondale / Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.17 Support farmer’s markets and farm
stands in urban, rural residential, and commercial districts.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.18 Encourage small-scale urban community
farming and gardening, consistent with urban plans.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.19 Maximize opportunities to incorporate
urban home and community gardens in new development. Allow
community gardens to count toward park and open space
requirements.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.20 Promote equitable access to food
growing opportunities. Identify neighborhoods that are
underserved by open space and healthy-eating opportunities,
including access to existing urban agriculture resources.
Prioritize the development of new urban agriculture sites in
low-income and underserved neighborhoods.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.21 Support and expand access to school
gardens and safe multi-modal non-motorized transportation
facilities around schools.
Refer to the Housing
Element,
Policy HS-P-2.2, and the
Housing Action Plan
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–141
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-32.22 Provide mixed use development
strategies in the commercial centers of the Urban Growth Area
to provide housing within walkable distance to services,
food, transit, and parks; and to promote neighborhoods that
foster interaction. Incentivize mixed-use developments to
provide affordable housing.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.23 Identify non-motorized transportation
connections that provide opportunities, such as sidewalks and
bicycle lanes, for physical activity as key elements to mixed
use center planning.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.24 Prioritize the placement of community
services in neighborhood centers (i.e. health clinics,
childcare centers, senior centers, libraries, educational
facilities, etc.).
▶ Policy LU-P-32.25 Coordinate with the respective
purveyor, special district, agency, or other entities
delivering, or who are anticipated to deliver, urban public
facilities and services to ensure that growth and development
are timed, phased, and consistent with the provision of
adequate urban level facilities and services. The County
shall conduct the coordination with other providers during
Comprehensive Plan periodic updates when growth allocations
or levels of service are revisited, or during the development
review process.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.26 Ensure the provision of adequate
levels of service for urban public facilities and services.
Where the County is not the urban public facility or service
provider for the unincorporated Urban Growth Area, the County
may adopt an Interlocal Agreement with the appropriate
service provider. Such agreements, when utilized, shall
include the level of urban public facilities and services.
▶ Policy LU-P-32.27 Recognizing that the Port Hadlock /
Irondale Urban Growth Area has a limited amount of
undeveloped commercial parcels suitable for attracting and
accommodating regional commercial development, conduct
periodic evaluation of commercial land needs to ensure the
adequacy of commercial zones to provide community goods and
services and to promote economic development.
Refer to the Transportation
Element, Non-motorized
Trail & Standards, and Goal
TR-G-4
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–142
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-32.28 Provide for on-going review and
evaluation of the Port Hadlock / Irondale Unincorporated
Urban Growth Area to monitor the rate of development, land
supply and availability, market conditions, infrastructure
implementation and costs in order to identify constraints to
growth in the Urban Growth Area and recommend corrective
actions, where appropriate.
Urban Level Capital Facilities
Goal LU-G-33 Provide infrastructure for the
needs of Urban Growth Areas, Master Planned
Resorts, and Rural Village Centers, but limit the
establishment or expansion of urban-level
development and infrastructure to rural
residential and small rural commercial
crossroads.
▶ Policy LU-P-33.1 Ensure that expansion of urban
infrastructure occurs in coordination with designated land
uses based on projected growth or land supply needs and will
be concurrent with amendments to the comprehensive plan.
▶ Policy LU-P-33.2 Ensure that where the County assumes
maintenance responsibilities for infrastructure, the
infrastructure is adequately designed to meet the area growth
needs and to fulfill the functions the infrastructure is
intended to perform.
▶ Policy LU-P-33.3 Require that development provide,
plan, or mitigate for, an appropriate level of service for
capital facilities including, but not limited to, potable
water supply, fire flow, adequate sanitary sewerage treatment
and disposal, stormwater management, and roads, including
sidewalks where required by adopted urban road standards.
▶ Policy LU-P-33.4 Ensure the planning and implementation
of transportation and stormwater management facilities in the
unincorporated Urban Growth Area reflects consistency with
the goals and policies in the Urban Growth Area Stormwater
Management Plan and the Urban Growth Area Transportation Plan
adopted as components of this Comprehensive Plan.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–143
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-33.5 Maintain consistency with the Capital
Facilities and Utilities Element, as amended. All adopted
Level of Service Standards (LOS) for Category A, B and C
Public Facilities identified in the Element shall apply to
the Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area, except as may
be modified by or provided for separately in an adopted Urban
Growth Area-specific Capital Facility Plan, including the
Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area Sewer Facilities Plan,
Transportation Plan and Stormwater Management Plan.
▶ Policy LU-P-33.6 In addition to the LOS adopted for
public facilities in the Capital Facilities and Utilities
Element of this Comprehensive Plan, adopt Urban LOS standards
for the following capital facilities and public services in
the Port Hadlock / Irondale Unincorporated Urban Growth Area:
a. On-Site Septic Sewage Treatment and Disposal: Per
Jefferson County Code Chapter 8.15 (On-Site Sewage
Disposal Systems)
b. Sanitary Sewer: Per the adopted Port Hadlock / Irondale
Urban Growth Area General Sewer Plan and Port Hadlock
Wastewater Facility Final Design.
c. Stormwater Management: Per the Washington Department of
Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western
Washington (DOE Manual), as amended.
d. Transportation: Maintain Level of Service standard “D” or
better on all road facilities within Urban Areas (Urban
Growth Areas) as established by the Peninsula Regional
Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO), based upon
Average Annual Daily Trips.
e. Jefferson County Public Utility District Urban Growth
Area Public Water System Design Criteria
Demand Average Daily Demand (466 GPD/ERU)
Maximum Daily Demand (933 GPD/ERU)
Fire Flow: The adopted Coordinated Water System Plan
(CWSP) for Jefferson County establishes the
Fire Flow level of service requirements for the
Urban Growth Area Water System. The
requirements are identified in Table 4-1 of the
CWSP, as may be amended.
Water Spout, Jefferson
County
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–144
February 2021
Stormwater Management
Goal LU-G-34 Minimize the adverse effects on
ground and surface water quality and quantity and
protect aquatic resources and habitats from
stormwater runoff generated within the Irondale
and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.1 Manage stormwater runoff in the Urban
Growth Area in compliance with the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.2 Use the technical standards from the
Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual
for Western Washington to manage stormwater within the
Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.3 Develop and implement an Irondale and
Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area Stormwater Management Program.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.4 Increase the public’s knowledge of
stormwater runoff issues and support public involvement in
stormwater management by developing and implementing a
Stormwater Management Public Education component of the
Irondale and Port Hadlock Stormwater Management Program.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.5 Ensure the continued operation of
stormwater management facilities by developing and
implementing a Stormwater Management Facility Operation and
Maintenance component of the Irondale and Port Hadlock
Stormwater Management Program.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.6 Ensure that stormwater management
activities are effective by developing and implementing a
Water Quality Monitoring and Stream Gauging component of the
Irondale and Port Hadlock Stormwater Management Program.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.7 Develop a stable and equitable revenue
source to fund a Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area
Stormwater Management Program.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.8 Maintain an inventory of public and
private stormwater management facilities within the Urban
Growth Area.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–145
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-34.9 Join with State and local agencies and
private landowners to plan, finance, and construct regional
stormwater management facilities and to remediate existing
stormwater management deficiencies.
▶ Policy LU-P-34.10 Minimize adverse stormwater impacts
and preserve aquifer recharge by encouraging Low Impact
Development design strategies.
Transportation
Goal LU-G-35 Encourage efficient multimodal
transportation systems that are based on regional
priorities and coordinated with county and city
comprehensive plans, in order to connect people
from where they live to where they work, learn
and play.
▶ Policy LU-P-35.1 Encourage the use of roadway features
that enhance urban qualities by applying urban standards as
deemed appropriate in the Urban Growth Area. Make these
facilities safe and accessible for all modes of transport,
including pedestrians and cyclists.
▶ Policy LU-P-35.2 Require that subdivision and
commercial project designs address the following issues:
a. Cost effective transit and delivery of emergency services;
b. Provisions for all transportation modes, including
electric vehicle infrastructure;
c. Dedication of rights of way for existing and future
transportation needs;
d. Motorized and nonmotorized access;
e. Sidewalks and bicycle pathways;
f. Compatibility between motorized vehicles, pedestrians,
bicyclists, and transit users
g. Inclusion of transit and bicycle friendly design elements
h. Adequate parking for non-peak period; and
i. Frontage improvements and roadway features to meet urban
design standards within the Irondale-Port Hadlock Urban
Growth Area.
j. Freight access and mobility
Refer to the Transportation
Element, Goals TR-G-4 and
TR-G-5. and Appendix C—
Transportation Technical
Appendix
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–146
February 2021
▶ Policy LU-P-35.3 Develop a Complete Streets model to
all new construction and redevelopment of roadways in the
Urban Growth Area to make roadways accessible for all users,
including vehicles, bicyclists, public transportation
vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and
abilities.
Green Space Planning in Urban Growth Area
Goal LU-G-36 Identify and protect open space
corridors within and abutting the Urban Growth
Area.
▶ Policy LU-P-36.1 Tie non-motorized transportation
planning to urban open space planning, and consider
connectivity of urban/rural greenways. Identify open space
corridors and urban separators. Identify open space lands and
corridors within Urban Growth Areas. Consider lands useful
for recreation, wildlife habitat, trails, and connection of
critical areas per RCW 36.70A.160.
▶ Policy LU-P-36.2 Identify implementation strategies
and regulatory and non-regulatory techniques to protect the
corridors.
▶ Policy LU-P-36.3 Develop innovative ways to apply gross
residential density in areas that have planned greenspace or
critical area protection areas.
▶ Policy LU-P-36.4 Develop Transfer of Development Rights
program to create a market solution using Urban Growth Area
density to protect rural lands and resource areas from
conversion.
▶ Policy LU-P-36.5 Explore the potential to conserve an
open-space corridor along Chimacum Creek, such as through
transfer of development rights and on-site density transfer
for properties along the creek. Coordinate efforts with
Jefferson Land Trust, Jefferson Conservation District
preservation and restoration efforts, and Public Works
wastewater treatment facility access planning efforts.
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–147
February 2021
1.5 ACTION PLAN
Exhibit 1-24 highlights key activities the County can use to
implement the Land Use Element over the next eight years (prior
to the next periodic update), several in partnership with other
entities:
EXHIBIT 1-24 Land Use Action Plan
Action Description
Implement Overlays Address Highway 20 View Corridor Overlay on Zoning Maps and
UDC as appropriate.
Work with economic development entities on a study and
potential location for Highway/Commuter Corridor Overlay.
Integrate healthy and
active living into system
plans and codes
Implement goals and policies supporting active living and
access to healthy foods, into development plans for UGA,
Non-Motorized Transportation & Recreation Plan,, PROS Plan,
and into the Unified Development Code.
Encourage urban densities
in UGAs
Address innovative wastewater treatment facilities that do
not preclude future urban services.
Seek funding for Irondale/Port Hadlock Wastewater Facility
Encourage legislative
solutions to address needs
of rural counties
Support the Road Map initiative by the Ruckelshaus Center
and other legislative initiatives that address needs of
rural counties, particularly affordable housing and living
wage jobs.
Review LAMIRDS and add additional flexibility to boundaries
and uses, meeting GMA requirements. Seek legislative
amendments to GMA where appropriate.
Economic Development Seek opportunities for additional
economic development in Glen Cove.
Prioritize Glen Cove and
Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA as
priority economic development areas.
Source: Jefferson County, 2018.
Refer to the Economic
Development Element for
additional information
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–148
February 2021
[ This page intentionally blank ]
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–149
February 2021
Remove prior intentionally blank page from PDF if needed—
formatted as a placeholder to ensure each element starts on a
right hand spread.
Do not publish from this point forward. Remove pages from
consolidated PDF. These sections should be updated and copied
into their appropriate chapters (TOC, References) as needed.
References
Employment Security Department and PSRC. (2017, October). 2016
Covered Employment Estimates by Jurisdiction. Seattle, WA.
Jefferson County. (1992). County-wide Planning Policies
Resolution 128-92.
Jefferson County. (2015, October 26). Resolution #38-15.
Jefferson County GIS Department. (2018). Retrieved from
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/293/GIS
Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington. (2000,
March). Nuisance Regulation for Washington Cities and
Counties. (MRSC Report No. 49).
OFM. (2017). Population Density and Land Area Criteria Used for
Rural Area Assistance and Other Programs. Retrieved from
https://www.ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-
research/population-demographics/population-
estimates/population-density/population-density-and-land-
area-criteria-used-rural-area-assistance-and-other-
programs
OFM. (2018). Growth Management Act Population Projections for
Counties: 2010 to 2040. Retrieved from
https://ofm.wa.gov/washington-data-research/population-
demographics/population-forecasts-and-projections/growth-
management-act-county-projections/growth-management-act-
population-projections-counties-2010-2040-0
The William D. Ruckelshaus Center. (2017). Road Map to
Washington's Future: Phase I Pre-Assessment Report.
Retrieved April 2018, from
http://ruckelshauscenter.wsu.edu/a-roadmap-to-washingtons-
future/
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–150
February 2021
U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). 2010 Census. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xh
tml
U.S. Census Bureau. (2016). American Community Survey 2012-2016
5-Year Estimates. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xh
tml
Washington State Legislature. (2018). Revised Code of Washington
(RCW). Retrieved from http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/
Contents
1 LAND USE 1–1
1.1 Framework 1–1
Land Use Typologies 1–2
Population Projections 1–4
Land Use, Health, & Surface Water Analysis 1–8
Land Use Inventory & Analysis 1–8
Land Use & Public Health 1–10
Review of Surface Water Conditions & Existing
Polluted Discharges 1–14
Land Use Strategy 1–16
Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–16
Rural Designations 1–20
Resource Land Designations 1–25
Master Planned Resort Designations 1–26
Urban Growth Area Designations 1–29
Public Designations 1–30
Major Industrial Development & Industrial Land
Banks 1–31
Legal Nonconforming Uses & Lots 1–31
Establishing Allowed Uses & Regulations Within
Land Designations 1–32
From Rural Character to Development Regulations 1–32
Rural Character & Review of Regulations for Land
Uses, Development Patterns, & Nuisances 1–33
Community Planning Efforts 1–35
County-wide Planning Policies 1–38
Rural Areas Policies 1–38
Urban Growth Areas & Services 1–38
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–151
February 2021
Overarching Land Use Goals & Policies 1–40
General Land Use 1–40
Land Use Consistency with Naval Base Kitsap 1–41
Industrial Development 1–44
Housing 1–44
Public Purpose Lands 1–45
Transportation 1–45
Environment 1–46
Drainage, Flooding, Stormwater Management, &
Polluted Discharges 1–49
Flood Hazards 1–50
Groundwater 1–50
Legal Nonconforming Uses 1–53
Permit Processing 1–54
1.2 Rural 1–55
Rural Character 1–55
Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development 1–57
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs 1–58
Rural Commercial Areas: Centers & Crossroads 1–60
Master Planned Resorts 1–77
Evaluation of Rural Commercial Boundaries 1–81
Periodic Review of LAMIRDs & GMA Implementation
Challenges in Rural Counties 1–85
Rural Industrial Lands 1–91
Forest Resource-Based Industrial Zones 1–102
Economic Activities Outside of Rural Commercial
Areas 1–104
West Jefferson County 1–105
Rural Goals & Policies 1–107
Rural Character 1–107
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs 1–110
Rural Industrial Lands 1–115
Economic Activities Outside of Rural Commercial
Areas 1–117
Capital Facilities in Rural Areas 1–119
1.3 Resource 1–121
Resource Lands of Long-Term Commercial
Significance under the GMA 1–121
Forest 1–121
Mineral 1–121
Agriculture 1–122
Resource Conservation 1–122
Resource Lands Goals & Policies 1–123
1.4 Urban 1–124
Urban Growth Areas 1–124
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–152
February 2021
Municipal & Unincorporated 1–124
Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area 1–125
History of Planning 1–125
Phased Implementation 1–131
Alternative Phasing Sewer Policy 1–133
Land Use Map & Zoning Designations 1–133
Dwelling Unit & Population Holding Capacity
Analysis 1–137
Housing Variety & Affordability 1–137
Urban Growth Area Goals & Policies 1–138
Urban Level Capital Facilities 1–142
Stormwater Management 1–144
Transportation 1–145
Green Space Planning in Urban Growth Area 1–146
1.5 Action Plan 1–147
Exhibit 1-1 General Land Use Categories 1–3
Exhibit 1-2 Jefferson County & City of Port Townsend
20-year Population Projection &
Distribution (2018-2038) 1–4
Exhibit 1-3 Population Shares 2010 & 2038 1–5
Exhibit 1-4 Employment: Quimper Peninsula Travel
Demand Model Updated 2018 1–7
Exhibit 1-5 Current Land Use Map, 2018 Assessor
Information 1–9
Exhibit 1-6 Current Land Use, 2018 Assessor
Information 1–10
Exhibit 1-7 Recreation Trail Connections to Schools
and Parks of the Irondale-Port Hadlock
UGA and Chimacum 1–13
Exhibit 1-8 Land Use / Zoning Map 1–17
Exhibit 1-9 Land Use Designations / Zoning Districts
& Acreage 1–18
Exhibit 1-10 Planned Residential Densities 1–19
Exhibit 1-11 Summary of Rural Land Use & Zoning
Designations 1–20
Exhibit 1-12 Summary of Overlay Land Use & Zoning
Designations 1–23
Exhibit 1-13 Summary of Resource Land Use & Zoning
Designations 1–25
Exhibit 1-14 Summary of Master Planned Resort Land Use
& Zoning Designations 1–27
Exhibit 1-15 Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area
Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–29
Exhibit 1-16 Public Land Use Designations & Zoning 1–30
LAND USE
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 1–153
February 2021
Exhibit 1-17 Community Planning Areas 1–37
Exhibit 1-18 Location of Rural Commercial Areas &
Master Planned Resorts 1–59
Exhibit 1-19 Rural Commercial Area Total Acreage &
Infill Acreage 1–83
Exhibit 1-20 Location of Rural Industrial Lands 1–92
Exhibit 1-21 Transitional Rural Zoning 1–135
Exhibit 1-22 Irondale & Port Hadlock Urban Zoning 1–136
Exhibit 1-23 Estimated Total Dwelling Unit &
Population Holding Capacity 1–137
Exhibit 1-24 Land Use Action Plan 1–147