HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2021 PC Agenda PacketJefferson County Planning Commission
MEETING AGENDA Virtual Meeting (no in-person attendance allowed per Gov. Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28) Phone-in information located at the bottom of this agenda March 3, 2021 P: 360-379-4450 621 Sheridan St. F: 360-379-4451 Port Townsend WA 98368 plancomm@co.jefferson.wa.us
Regular Meeting
5:30pm Welcome (chair) and Overview Presentation
• Call to Order/Roll Call
• Approval of Agenda
• Approval of previous Meeting Minutes
• Planning Commissioner Updates
• Director’s Update 5:35pm Observer Comment
See Observer Comment Conduct, below. Regular Meeting Business
• 2021 Comp Plan Amendment Cycle ......................................... David Wayne Johnson
6:30pm Adjournment
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public, not a question and answer session. The
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will not be part of any hearing record;
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JEFFERSON COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION
621 Sheridan Street | Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-379-4450 | email: PlanComm@co.jefferson.wa.us
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/580/Planning-Commission
1
TO: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Jefferson County Planning Commission
DATE: September 15, 2020
SUBJECT: Jefferson County Planning Commission’s Report and Recommendation for the
2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Final Docket
The Jefferson County Planning Commission (PC) has conducted its review of the 2020 Preliminary Docket
(attached) and forwards this report and recommendation to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
(BoCC). This report identifies those suggested text amendments the Planning Commission is recommending for
consideration by the BoCC during the annual amendment process. We have based our recommendation on
need, urgency, and appropriateness of each suggested text amendment.
Additionally, the PC recommended four (4) suggested amendments for placement on the 2019 final docket. The
PC requests these items be placed on the 2020 Preliminary Docket for further consideration by the BoCC.
Due to the COVID pandemic, and the cancellation of ten (10) PC meetings from February thru July 2020, Staff
and the PC did not communicate regarding the March 1st deadline for inclusion on the preliminary docket and
those items were not initially included on the docket. After the August 5th PC meeting, and prior to the PC Public
Hearing of August 19th, Staff placed the subject amendments on the 2020 preliminary docket.
On August 19, 2020, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to accept testimony regarding
the suggested text amendments on the Preliminary Docket. Thirty-seven written comments were received from
the public during the hearing which ended at 4:30 p. m. August 21, 2020.
The Jefferson County Planning Commission, representing the expressed will of the citizens of Jefferson County,
respectfully requests the opportunity to revisit the current marijuana, and Forest Transition Overly regulations
in order to refine, revise, remove and improve current regulations, consistent with Regulatory Reform
Resolution No. 17-19.
Further, the Jefferson County Planning Commission is advocating that the time to address pressing issues of
affordable housing with ultra-low-impact and impact-positive development is now.
We depend upon the Department of Community Development (DCD) to assist with the cultivation and analysis
of new approaches and ideas, especially when those new proposals are of an urgent planning nature. The PC
relies on DCD to provide community-based planning and analysis, it is critical that we fund additional DCD work
in the public interest in ways that are unattached to permit fees and are compatible with the Department’s
everyday operations. We submit to you the following recommendations regarding which suggested text
amendments should be placed on the Final Docket:
Jefferson County Planning Commission Recommendations on Final Docket
2020 Comprehensive Plan & Unified Development Code Annual Amendment Cycle
2
2020 Suggested Text Amendments on Preliminary Docket
Through a motion and affirmative vote with seven (7) in favor and one (1) opposed, the Jefferson County
Planning Commission at their regular scheduled meeting of September 2, 2020, recommends the following
suggested amendments be placement on the 2020 Final Docket.
MLA20-00102 Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Reflect Revisions to the Port Hadlock Sewer Plan. The Jefferson
County Department of Public Works is revising the 2008 Port Hadlock Sewer Plan to plan a more cost-effective
sewer development approach within the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area. It is expected that the revisions to the
2008 Port Hadlock Sewer Plan will be engineering and cost related. The revisions must be incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan’s Capital Facilities Element.
MLA19-00018. Jefferson County Planning Commission suggests an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and
Unified Development Code (UDC) to rescind provisions of the Forest Transition Overlay (FTO).
MLA19-00019. Jefferson County Planning Commission, with a high priority advocates for an immediate review
and amendment of JCC 18.20.295, Recreational Marijuana, addressing community concerns regarding land use
issues experienced with recreational marijuana production in rural residential zones. This proposed Amendment
received a strong community voice as well as considerable written communications during the Planning
Commissions August 19, 2020, Public Hearing.
MLA19-00020. Jefferson County Planning Commission suggests development of new regulations using “Eco-
ADU” as a method for permitting multiple Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) per parcel. The suggestion would
allow the existing square footage of ADUs to be allotted over multiple ADUs per parcel when certain “eco”
performance standards are met.
MLA19-00023. Jefferson County Planning Commission suggests an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
adding a priority work item to the Housing Element’s Action Plan to “convene a panel of citizens knowledgeable
in the innovative technologies listed in Policy HS-P-2.3 to research and recommend a set of performance
measures upon which to build a set of opt-in, very-low-impact and/or impact-positive standards for Jefferson
County.” One might consider the Eco ADU (MLA19-00020) and Housing Element’s Plan (MLA19-00023) being
coordinated with and inserted onto the Jefferson County / Port Townsend Housing Action Plan Network (HAPN).
Thank you for your consideration.
___________________________________ ________________
Michael Nilssen, Chair Date
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street | Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-379-4450 | email: dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/260/Community-Development
Page 1 of 9
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2020-2021 WORK PROGRAM
Related to Long-range Planning Projects
2020 and 2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Preliminary Docket
and Other High-priority Initiatives
TO: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator, Planning Commission, and
Interested Parties
FROM: Patty Charnas, Director, Department of Community Development
DATE: March, 2020
Under Chapter 18.45 of the Jefferson County Code (JCC), the Jefferson County Department of Community
Development (DCD) annually accepts applications for formal site-specific Comprehensive Plan amendments (re-
zones) and suggested text amendments to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development
Code (UDC) for inclusion in the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment preliminary docket. DCD accepts
applications for each cycle’s docket until March 1st.
DCD abides by the County’s new, biennial budget cycle and, as such, plans and manages projects and other work
programs in the two-year framework. As of the writing of this memorandum (memo), there have been no formal
submittals of formal site-specific amendments or proposed text amendments to the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan or to the Unified Development Code (UDC). The purpose of this memo is to review a list of
various activities that provide measurable actions in response to current community situations and that
implement the goals and policies of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan.
The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of providing for economic development,
affordable housing, residential development, sustainable agriculture and regulatory reform through its goals,
policies and supporting narrative including:
• Framework Goal III Enhancement of the Rural Economy
• Framework Goal IV Housing Variety and Affordability
• Goals LU-G-14 and ED-G-8 advocating for responsive, fair and efficient permit processing.
Chapter 18.45 of the JCC requires that the preliminary docket be reviewed by DCD, the Planning Commission,
and the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) prior to adoption of the final docket. During
this process DCD reviews and recommends whether a suggested text amendment should be included in the final
docket. Under JCC 18.45.060, DCD’s review and recommendation includes the following factors:
a) Need;
b) Urgency;
c) Likelihood of Success;
d) DCD staff capacity to substantively review and manage the suggested text amendments; and
e) Anticipated DCD cost and budget for processing the suggested amendments.
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 2 of 9
DCD has extremely limited staff capacity for any additional Comprehensive Plan or suggested UDC text
amendments beyond the on-going and planned 2020-2021 updates including: Critical Areas Ordinance,
Shoreline Master Program, Regulatory Reform updates (Onsite Septic/Water/Building and Land Use), and Code
Enforcement. Placement of any suggested text amendments on the final docket will likely result in significant
requests for outside consultant services or potential substantial increases in land use and building permitting
processing times. The cost estimates appearing below each project, therefore, are based on using consultant
services. In addition, where indicated, those high visibility and/or controversial projects include additional
general fund support to address higher departmental and prosecuting attorney levels of involvement.
If any suggested text amendments are docketed on the final docket (see Figure 1), DCD requests supplemental
budget authority to support the docket work. As DCD relies on a combination of on-going general fund, project
specific general fund, and grant dollars to support all long-range planning work, DCD’s existing budget cannot
support any suggested text amendments without supplemental budget authority.
Figure 1 – 2020 Process and Proposed Timeline for Preliminary Docket to Final Docket
Date Activity
March 18, 2020 Staff distributes the Department of Community Development’s review and
recommendation on the 2020 Comprehensive Plan amendment preliminary docket.
April 1, 2020 Staff cooperatively reviews and discusses preliminary docket with the Planning
Commission.
April 17, 2019 Planning Commission holds public hearing on suggested text amendments on the
preliminary docket. (can schedule Special Meeting for public hearing April 22nd )
May 4, 2020 Planning Commission prepares a report and recommendation to the BoCC on the
preliminary docket. (can schedule Special Meeting for deliberations April 29th)
May 11, 2020* BoCC considers the preliminary docket, including the Staff’s and Planning Commission’s
report and recommendations by the second regular BoCC meeting in May.
July 6, 2020* Possible BoCC hearing on the preliminary docket if BoCC decides to modify the Planning
Commission’s recommended preliminary docket. Hearing to be held no later than the
first BoCC meeting in July.
July 2020 BoCC adopts final docket consisting of suggested text amendments which the BoCC
elects to consider and all formal site-specific amendments.
*Scheduled as required by Chapter 18.45 JCC
2020 Formal Site-Specific Amendment (Automatically Included in the Final Docket)
1. MLA20-00039. Bruce Seton, Jr. Parcel #001281002. Requests a rezone of 22.15-acre parcel from Rural
Residential 1 dwelling per 10 acres (RR1:10) to Rural Residential 1 dwelling per 5 acres (RR1:5) to enable
a 4-lot short plat.
2. MLA20-00038. Shauna Coleman (business owner), Tom McClanahan (property owner). Request to
rezone 9.13-acre parcel zoned rural residential to rural commercial to support local business
development. Parcel has been used commercially since 1979.
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 3 of 9
Potential Comprehensive Plan and Site-Specific Amendments (Staff Proposals)
3. Port Hadlock Sewer Redesign Comprehensive Plan Amendment. A value engineering report completed
in 2019 studied alternatives to the existing Port Hadlock UGA Sewer Facility Plan and recommended
revisions, including a reduced initial service area. Amending the Comprehensive Plan with the relevant
sewer redesign aspects will avoid inconsistencies in the plans published intent and in its
implementation.
• Need:
o This is needed. Jefferson County’s Comprehensive Plan must be updated so that the
sewer redesign is consistent with the Plan’s capital facilities element.
• Urgency:
o This project is urgent. The sewer redesign is connected with substantial implementation
funds for this year.
• Likelihood of Success:
o High likelihood of success. This project allows for the sewer redesign to comply with the
Comprehensive Plan and, once municipal sewerage is constructed, the Hadlock Urban
Growth Area can have the full suite of urban development, housing types, densities and
levels of service.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested amendment.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 25 hours
o Estimated cost: $3,800.00 (25 hours @ $140 per hour consultant services
and $300 in prorated administrative costs, such as printing and legal ads)
4. Glen Cove Industrial Area. Glen Cove Industrial Area is one of the very few areas of light
industrial/commercially zoned lands in unincorporated Jefferson County. State law allows for
“associated commercial and retail uses” in industrial land designations. Discussions of sharing levels of
urban services with the incorporated City of Port Townsend have languished without any positive
results. Glen Cove lacks key infrastructure, namely municipal wastewater treatment which is
endangering the viability of existing commercial and industrial businesses and severely limiting any
growth or redevelopment of this key rural employment center. A study would address Glen Cove’s
existing conditions, growth and sustainability limitations and provide alternatives, including state
legislative options, that respond to local employment needs.
• Need:
o This is needed. Jefferson County continues to deal with unemployment rates higher than
state averages. Glen Cove’s job base provides sustainable family wage jobs. It is close to
public transit and adjacent to services.
• Urgency:
o This project is important and from an employment base retention view is also urgent.
The potential for an economic recession could result in permanent losses of industrial
and commercial jobs and the tax base that these businesses provide.
• Likelihood of Success:
o Low likelihood of success. This project allows for an objective review and development
of realistic alternatives. The political tension for the area to be annexed to the City of
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 4 of 9
Port Townsend will be high and there may be substantial pressure to designate it as an
associated urban growth area first.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested amendment.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 120 hours
o Estimated cost: $18,300.00 (120 hours @ $140 per hour and $1,500 in
prorated administrative costs, departmental and prosecutor’s involvement)
Suggested Rural Communities Planning
5. Port Hadlock Urban Core Revitalization Subarea Plan
With the potential for the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area to be allowed to grow and develop as an
UGA, this planning effort would focus on the initial service area for the redesigned sewer system, which
includes the existing retail businesses and professional services along Ness Corner Road. The advent of
municipal wastewater treatment will allow these businesses to grow and/or redevelop. There is a need
to ensure that the existing zones and uses envisioned for the Port Hadlock UGA in planning documents
prepared over a decade ago still apply and are still relevant. There is a likelihood that those zones and
uses can be revised to reflect current conditions and aspirations for an attractive urban core, complete
with design standards and considerations of developing public amenities such as multi-modal trails and
sidewalks, outdoor recreation areas and areas for future residential and commercial development with
an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
• Need:
o This is project would be needed if the redesigned sewer system is able to be constructed
and if the area citizens support a subarea plan investment for the core business district.
• Urgency:
o This project is not urgent but may provide important motivation to creating and
supporting a L.I.D.
• Likelihood of Success:
o Moderate likelihood of success. This project allows for a pathway to revitalize the Port
Hadlock area if it is able to become a fully operating urban growth area and this project
may stimulate local investment to create and maintain an exciting new urban area for
Jefferson County. There will be political pitfalls should large portions of affected areas
become concerned about potential displacements or properties becoming unaffordable.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested plan.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 90 hours
o Estimated cost: $13,800.00 (90 hours @ $140 per hour consultant services
and $1,500 in prorated administrative costs, departmental and prosecutor’s
involvement)
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 5 of 9
6. Highway Commuter Tourist Zone at Junction of State Highways 19 and 104
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is studying a traffic-calming
roundabout at the junction of State Highway 104 (the principle east-west route across the Olympic
Peninsula) and State Highway 19 (the principle north-south route to Port Townsend through
Jefferson County). While this study is primarily to address acute vehicular safety issues at this
intersection, the roundabout concept can become part of a land use planning study to analyze
potential future commercial opportunities that would be immediately adjacent to the proposed
roundabout. During the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan periodic update, it was recognized
that Highway 104 supports 19,000 to 25,000 vehicular trips per day and that no supportive highway
tourist-commuter services exist such as a commercial/retail enterprise alongside a major
roundabout at the Highway 104-19 intersection. This project would address the feasibility of
rezoning and developing selected areas under a new, highway-tourist-commuter zone and prepare
an economic analysis of potential outcomes.
• Need:
o This is project is needed to address commercial and retail services that are noticeably
lacking along the Highway 104 and 19 intersection area.
• Urgency:
o This project is somewhat urgent; the WSDOT roundabout study could provide timely
planning and design information for this land use planning project.
• Likelihood of Success:
o Moderate likelihood of success. This project allows the County to potentially diversify
job and tax base needs in a modest, environmentally sustainable way. Potential
challenges under Growth Management exist yet establishing rural commercial areas is
not without precedent elsewhere in the County.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested plan.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 72 hours
o Estimated cost: $11,080.00 (72 hours @ $140 per hour consultant services
and $1,000 in prorated administrative costs, departmental and prosecutor’s
involvement)
7. Jefferson Rural Communities Subarea Planning (not prioritized for 2020 docket)
a. South Discovery Bay
A study and land use planning effort to look into enhancing existing and creating new commercial
and retail establishments in this small existing hamlet that would potentially be created as a
highway tourist commuter zone and consider short term lodging development.
b. Quilcene LAMIRD Business and Residential Development Plan
An effort to extend existing or create new limited areas of more intensive rural development
(LAMIRD) that would address much needed business and commerce uses and development.
Suggested Text Amendments
A. Customer Service Delivery Enhancements
In consultation with the Department of Public Health and the County Administrator, cooperatively
review and revise customer service issues and opportunities for improvements in permit processing and
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 6 of 9
customer experience for permit applicants jointly applying for septic/water/building and land use
permits. Code development may not necessarily need to go on the annual docket. Additional
cooperative service delivery enhancements are available by partnering water quality monitoring and
natural resources/salmon recovery projects with Shoreline Master Program updates, Critical Areas
Agricultural Code implementation and general joint issues of land use, drinking water supply and water
quality. Directly engage permit processing staff, permit stakeholders and involve the Jefferson County
Health Officer and Board of Health as appropriate for code revisions and policy approvals. Jointly
implement critical areas agricultural code in cooperation with environmental public health and
conservation district. Cooperatively set processing improvement goals and output benchmarks along
with code revision and integration targets. Create continuous process improvement and adaptive
management frameworks.
• Need:
o This is needed. Jefferson County elected and departmental officials continue to hear
from residential, commercial and agricultural customers and citizens about permit
processing issues, conflicts in code applications and permit timeliness and
reasonableness.
• Urgency:
o This project is urgent on an on-going basis. While the permit processing partnership
between DCD and Environmental Public Health is positive and constructive, a more
concerted effort is needed to address customer service delivery and permit issuance
issues that ultimately affect single family residential housing and commercial
development.
• Likelihood of Success:
o High likelihood of success. A dedicated level of effort with a cooperatively developed
and approved work plan that has benchmarks for success will increase the likelihood of
success.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD possesses the staff capacity to efficiently process this suggested project provided
certain joint workload assignments and work program planning are done so that
sufficient time and attention is allowed for this important project.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 122 hours
o Estimated cost: $14,012.00 (122 hours @ $96 per staff-hourly rate; $2,300
modest consultant services and prorated administrative costs and prosecutor’s
involvement)
B. Brinnon Subarea-Wastewater Treatment Development Regulations
The Dosewallips State Park sewer system has been shown to possess sufficient capacity to connect much
needed, high priority locations in Brinnon to the sewer system. This will address significant water quality
concerns arising from failing onsite septic systems. While some Washington State jurisdictions have
been able to extend limited sewer service from a designated urban area to immediately adjacent rural
areas, the extension of sewer service to selected locations and properties requires specific code
development to address the standards by which these additional connections can be made outside of
the state park service area.
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 7 of 9
• Need:
o This is needed. Jefferson County continues to deal with substantial degradations in
shoreline water quality and closures of shellfish beds to recreational and commercial
harvest due to contamination of failing septic systems.
• Urgency:
o This project is urgent. The State Park desires to work cooperatively with the County to
provide for these sewer service extensions. Septic system failures are a chronic problem
along the shorelines of Brinnon.
• Likelihood of success:
o High likelihood of success. This project ensures long term consistent application of
standards for sewer connections in Brinnon. There will be, however, substantial
pressure to extend connections to private individual residential and commercial
properties which may create compliance issues under the Growth Management.
• DCD Staff capacity:
o DCD lacks the capacity at present to efficiently process this suggested amendment. Staff
capacity could be created with funding to allow for workload shifts.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 35 hours
o Estimated cost: $6,700.00 (35 hours @ $140 per hour consultant services
and $1,800 in prorated administrative costs, departmental and prosecutor’s
involvement)
C. Countywide Update to Geologically Hazardous Areas Mapping. DCD and Jefferson County Planning
Commission suggests a specific follow up to the Critical Areas Ordinance that improves the geographic,
mapped information relating to geologically hazardous areas. New development standards related to
geologically hazardous areas create a critical need for modern, up-to-date data and mapping regarding
landslide, erosion, seismic and other hazards. Recent, high-resolution land data exists but needs staff
time and resources are highly needed to install, reconcile metadata sets and to validate accuracy. This is
a responsive project to regulatory reform directives.
• Need:
o This is a very high need. Permitting customers are preparing expensive geotechnical
reports when largely they are not necessary because on-site data is lacking in mapped
formats.
• Urgency:
o This suggestion is of high urgency. With the advent of implementing an updated Critical
Areas Ordinance, this substantively addresses an urgent need in current planning and
permitting.
• Likelihood of Success:
o High likelihood of success. If docketed and implemented this suggestion likely will result
in immediate benefits to permit processing times, customer expense and staff
limitations regarding geotechnical issues.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff possess partial staff capacity to efficiently process this project but likely would
rely upon the County geographic information system experts.
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 8 of 9
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 50 hours
o Estimated cost: $5100.00 (50 hours @ $96 per hour and $300 in prorated
administrative costs, such as printing and legal ads)
D. JCC 18.20.295 Recreational Marijuana. Jefferson County Planning Commission may suggest a review and
amendment of JCC 18.20.295 Recreational Marijuana addressing community concerns regarding land
use issues experienced with recreational marijuana production in rural residential zones.
• Need:
o Review of these code sections is needed to address community concern over
implementation of marijuana grow, production, and processing in rural residential
zones.
• Urgency:
o This a low-to-modestly urgent suggestion. This topic was identified during the periodic
review and update of the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code and has
been the subject of fairly consistent citizen concern.
• Likelihood of Success:
o Moderate likelihood of success. This suggested amendment provides specific code
updates; however, the proposed code updates may be limiting in nature. Multiple policy
options exist to address community concerns not suggested by this amendment. The
proposal requires substantial DCD staff time and resources.
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested amendment.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 101 hours
o Estimated cost: $9,996.00 (101 hours @ $96 per hour and $300 in prorated
administrative costs, such as printing and legal ads)
E. New regulations for “Eco-ADUs.” Jefferson County Planning Commission may resubmit 2019 suggested
development of new regulations using “Eco-ADU” as a method for permitting multiple Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs) per parcel. The suggestion would allow the existing square footage of ADUs to be
allotted over multiple ADUs per parcel when certain “eco” performance standards are met.
• Need:
o Innovative affordable housing options are needed to address housing affordability and
homelessness within Jefferson County.
• Urgency:
o This an urgent suggestion. However, substantial compliance issues are noted.
• Likelihood of Success:
o Low to Moderate Likelihood of Success. This proposal touches on existing broad
Comprehensive Plan goals. However, substantial compliance issues with Washington’s
Growth Management Act are present. The suggestion, as drafted, has high
implementation and monitoring costs, including a review board and appeal processes
outside of existing code procedures. The suggestion requires substantial staff time and
resources.
2020 Preliminary Docket
DRAFT
March 11, 2020 Page 9 of 9
• DCD Staff Capacity:
o DCD staff lacks the capacity to efficiently process this suggested amendment.
• Cost:
o Estimated level of effort: 184 hours
o Estimated cost: $18,264.00 (184 hours @ $96 per hour and $600 in
prorated administrative costs, such as printing and legal
ads)
F. New regulations for “green burials.” Jefferson Land Trust has submitted a request for a text amendment
to develop and adopt standards for “green burials.” Additional information regarding feasibility,
urgency, and likelihood of success is attached to this memo.
Department of Community Development Work Program and Docket Recommendations
DCD recommends the following prioritization for the 2020-2021 work program.
• MLA20-00038 and 00039 Site Specific Rezones
• Onsite Septic/Water code development (with linkage to Title 18) – existing DCD and EPH staff
• CAO/SMP - existing staff time and resources with limited consultant services
• Geohazards Mapping – outside consulting services
• Transitory Housing Ordinance – existing staff with limited outside consultant services
• Pt Hadlock Sewer Redesign Comprehensive Plan Amendment – existing staff assisted by consultant
services
• Brinnon Wastewater Treatment Development Regulations – existing staff and consultant services
DCD further recommends for years beyond current biennium (2022-24)
• Onsite Septic/Water/Building and Land Use cooperative programs – existing DCD and EPH staff
• Development regulations for “green burials”
• Pt Hadlock Business Core Subarea Plan and Design Guidelines – consultant services
• Glen Cove Industrial LAMIRD update – consultant services
• Quilcene Business and Residential Centers Plan – consultant services
• South Discovery Bay Economic Revitalization Plan – consultant services
DCD wishes to defer for further analysis
• Eco-ADU Affordable Housing Concept
• Land use code development on marijuana growing and processing
2021 Comprehensive Plan Annual Amendment Process Flowchart
Formal Site-Specific Amendment & Suggested Amendment Proposals
Anticipated timeline
or required deadline
Shading denotes legislatively determined dates
Draft February 12, 2021 - Subject to Revision
4:30 pm Reports
March 1, 2021
March 12, 2021
est. April 2021
May 10, 2021
July 5, 2021
July/August 2021
September 2021
October 2021
November 2021
December 13, 2021
Ends February 2022
PC Recommentdation Report
to BoCC Regarding
Suggested Amendments
DCD Staff Report, SEPA
Addendum & Recommendations
on Docketed Proposals
Planning Commission
Recommendations to BoCC
on Docketed Proposals
DCD Drafts Ordinance
for Final Board Action
DCD Compilation of
Preliminary Docket &
Evaluation Report on
Suggested Amendments
Applications due no later than March 1 of each year
JCC 18.45.040(2)(a)
DCD Staff Report evaluating which Suggested Amendments meet criteria to be placed on
the Final Docket
JCC 18.45.060(1)
Staff prepares compilation of Preliminary Docket for public review by the end of the
second full business week of March of each year.
+ All Formal Site-specific Amendments
+ All Suggested Amendments
JCC 18.45.050
Optional Joint BoCC/Planning Commission Workshop
Invite applicants to present proposals
JCC 18.45.060(2)
Planning Commission Hearing on Suggested Amendments on preliminary docket
JCC 18.45.060(3)
Planning Commission Report and Recommendation to BoCC on Suggested Amendments
for Final Docket
JCC 18.45.060(3)
BoCC to consider Preliminary Docket by the second regular BoCC meeting in May
JCC 18.45.060(4)
Possible BoCC public hearing on suggested amendments if majority of BoCC
decides to add or subtract suggested amendments
to be held no later than the first BoCC meeting in July
JCC 18.45.060(4)(a)
BoCC adopts Final Docket
All timely submitted petitions for Formal Site-Specific Amendments
Proposals for Suggested Amendments which the BOCC elects to consider
DCD review, staff report, and recommendation of Final Docket, including SEPA review
JCC 18.45.070
Planning Commission review of Final Docket proposals & at least one Public Hearing
JCC 18.45.080(1)
Planning Commission recommendations on Final Docket proposals to BoCC
Approve, Deny, Approve with Conditions or Modifications
BoCC reviews CPAs and PC Recommendations at regularly scheduled meeting
JCC 18.45.080(2)(b)
Optional BoCC workshop to review the Planning Commission
Recommendations
JCC 18.45.080(2)(a)
BoCC Public Hearing if change deemed necessary to Planning Commission
Recommendations
BoCC Decision
The final action on the docket must be taken
by the second regular board meeting in
December of each year
JCC 18.45.080(2)(d)
Possible Appeals shall be filed with and processed by WWGMHB per Chapter
36.70A RCW
LAND USE CODE CHANGE REQUEST
INITIAL FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS: GREEN BURIAL ON FOREST ZONED LAND
BACKGROUND
Jefferson Land Trust, a local non-profit conservation organization, has been investigating the concept of Green Burial for several
years, and is interested in a possible land use code change that could help facilitate more opportunity for such options in Jefferson
County. The Land Trust considers Green Burial an endeavor that could benefit current and future generations, and is consistent with
the Land Trust's mission of helping the community preserve open space, working lands and habitat forever.
The environmental case for green burial as an alternative to conventional burial is strong. Conventional burials contribute to climate
change in a number of ways: embalming with formaldehyde, hard wood caskets, concrete grave liners, mowing of lawns, etc. While
cremation is relatively benign compared to conventional burial, thanks in part to the required filtering of emissions done by
crematories in the US, the average cremation uses 28 gallons of fuel to burn a deceased individual, emitting about 540 pounds of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Cremation is the predominant choice of our population, and evidence suggests a growing
demand for greener choices, such as green burial. Green burial on forest zoned land has the potential to restore and conserve land,
and represents an opportunity for our death care choices have a real, positive contribution to our environment, rather than just
minimizing the negative impact.
NEED
Under current code, cemeteries in Jefferson County are limited to areas of Rural Residential zoning. Experienced operators suggest
that a green burial cemetery needs to be at least 40 acres to have long-term viability, and as a county with a primarily forested land
base, forest zoned lands are the most appropriately sized and situated for green burial cemeteries.
Current options for green burial within Jefferson County (and perhaps the entire Olympic Peninsula) appear to be limited to resident
members of the Quilcene Cemetery District. A Peoples Memorial Association survey in 2018 demonstrated a growing preference for
green burial over conventional burial or cremation in the Puget Sound region. The Washington Legislature's 2019 adoption of SB
5001, revising Section 68 of the RCW to permit alkaline hydrolysis and 'natural organic reduction', or composting, of human remains
also demonstrates a growing interest in, and commitment to, more environmentally-friendly disposition of our remains. Jefferson
County's demographics show us as the oldest county in the state with a median age of 58 (WA state median age is 37.3 years of age),
and about one third of our population over 65 years of age, which further indicates that the need for burial alternatives is evident.
URGENCY
It takes time to raise capital, set up a business, identify property, meet appropriate and necessary County requirements for
permitting, obtain cemetery licenses, raise public awareness of new burial options, and get established. This process cannot begin
until County rules make a green burial cemetery possible, in a size and location that is viable.
What we now call green burial was standard practice through much of human history, and there is a growing demand in this county
for greener choices for after-death arrangements. Jefferson Land Trust staff and individual board members have received numerous
and increasing inquiries from community members as to what the green burial options are in Jefferson County (of which there are
virtually none for most people), and whether a green burial cemetery could be a possibility.
The demographics and observed demand in our region indicate that green burial would be a successful endeavor in Jefferson
County. It presents an opportunity to provide multiple community and environmental benefits for generations, including:
- environmental protection and restoration that can support carbon sequestration and resilience with climate change
- help meet a growing demand for after-life arrangements that minimize environmental impacts
- provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and local jobs
LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS
Jefferson County has already moved toward enabling green burial by including Policy LU-P-29.4 in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan
[p.1-111]:
"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."
This policy also supports the Environmental Considerations in Chapter 5 [p.5-2] of the Comp Plan, including :
"reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change" and "environmentally friendly development
techniques" that "benefit overall ecosystem vitality and biodiversity while aiding ecological restoration and adapting to
climate disruption" [p.5-6].
A change to the land use code for this purpose directly responds this County Policy in the Comprehensive Plan, so we expect there is
high likelihood of success.
The following are two minor proposed land use code changes that could help fulfill the Comprehensive Plan policy:
Change the land use code from a “no” cemeteries or prohibited use in the Forest zone, to a “C(d)” use, and change JCC
18.20.110(3) to read, “A protective fence and landscaped strip of trees and shrubs at least 10 feet in width shall be installed
on all common property boundary lines, except for parcels zoned Forest land greater than 20 acres and approved with a
conditional use permit.”
Also, a change to JCC 18.20.110(6) to read: “Graves shall be located a minimum of 15 feet, and 100 feet for Forest zoned
property, from any property line,” under the assumption that 100 feet of forest land provides an adequate buffer from
other properties that may not be zoned Forest.