HomeMy WebLinkAboutBriefing re Shoreline Master Program JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Josh D.Peters,AICP,Community Development Director
DATE: December 11,2023
SUBJECT: Briefing on Shoreline Master Program(SMP)Periodic Review
Transmittal of Planning Commission Recommendation
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson County has been working on an SMP Periodic Update, as required by the state Shoreline
Management Act (SMA). The attached joint staff report from our SMP consultants and Department of
Community Development(DCD) staff provides background on this process and lists attached documents
and referenced background information stored elsewhere (i.e.,through the SMP project webpage or within
the Planning Commission directory in Laserfiche). Hyperlinks are provided in the staff report.
This briefing includes transmittal of the Planning Commission recommendation for SMP amendments, as
described in the attached letter signed by the Planning Commission Chair. A majority of the Planning
Commission reached a recommendation on November 15, 2023 following a duly-noticed public hearing on
October 4, 2023.
Following a presentation from DCD staff and our SMP consultants at this briefing, along with potential
Planning Commission statements concerning the Planning Commission recommendation,the decision
before the Board is between the following options:
1. Accept the Planning Commission recommendation, forgoing a public hearing before the Board.
2. Schedule a public hearing before the Board.
After any questions that the Board may have following the presentation(s), staff recommends the following
process: make a motion regarding one of those options, accept public comment, then act on the motion.
Note: You may wish to emphasize before the regular 9:00 AM public comment period that SMP-related
comments will be accepted during the 10:30 AM SMP briefing, following the staff presentation and once a
motion is under consideration.
ANALYSIS:
State adoption process
Regardless of whether the Board holds its own public hearing or not, once the Board adopts amendments to
the SMP at a later meeting through ordinance, staff and consultants will coordinate completion of
supporting documentation, then forward the package to the Washington State Department of Ecology for
review. Pursuant to the SMA, Ecology has the final authority to approve local government SMPs or require
1
changes. Ecology will arrange for a written public comment period before taking final action on Jefferson
County's SMP.
The choice for the Board is between moving the Planning Commission-recommended proposal to Ecology
in the immediate future (through ordinance adoption; tentatively scheduled for January 2) or postponing that
action until a public hearing is scheduled and held (tentatively scheduled for January 8), followed by Board
deliberation(tentatively scheduled for January 16), and, finally, ordinance adoption based on Board
decision.
Depending upon the nature of the set of SMP amendments adopted by the Board, staff and consultants may
need to update/modify supporting materials—such as the Cumulative Impacts Analysis—before submitting
the complete package to Ecology.
FISCAL IMPACT:
DCD has budgeted for this activity, irrespective of the Board decision to hold a public hearing. Long-Range
Planning is paid for through the General Fund. (Ecology provided grant funds for this process, yet those
funds were expended at the end of the last state fiscal biennium.) If the Board chooses to send SMP
amendments recommended by the Planning Commission to Ecology,there would be a smaller expenditure
for consultant assistance and less staff time needed. That said, staff considers the difference unsubstantial
considering the relative importance of the SMP Periodic Review process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Board, at the appropriate time in the briefing, make a motion for one of the following
options:
1. Accept the Planning Commission recommendation.
2. Schedule a public hearing before the Board.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaule ounty Administrator Date
2
°� ��G2 Jefferson County
NI zz,5'� Shoreline Master Program
Periodic Review
Staff Report December 7, 2023
By: BERK Consulting, Inc., Shannon & Wilson, and Jefferson County Department of Community Development
Meeting
Board of County Commissioners Briefing:
■ December 11, 2023, 10:30 AM
• https:ZZwww.co.jefferson.wa.usZ492/Board-of-County-Commissioners
Purpose
Jefferson County is undertaking a periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP; Chapter 18.25
Jefferson County Code), as required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA), RCW
90.58.080(4). The SMA requires each SMP be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year
schedule established by the Legislature. The review ensures the SMP stays current with changes in laws
and rules, remains consistent with other Jefferson County plans and regulations, and is responsive to
changed circumstances, new information, and improved data.
Review Process
2020-2022 — Development of Periodic Update Proposals and Ecology Review
A 30-day Joint Review with Jefferson County Planning Commission & Washington Department of Ecology
was held May 17-June 16, 2021. A Planning Commission Public Hearing was held on June 16, 2021.
After the public hearing, the Planning Commission deliberated at several sessions and made
recommendations regarding the SMP Periodic Update in October 2021. On September 30, 2022,
Ecology transmitted its Initial Determination of Consistency on the Draft Jefferson County SMP just about
a year after the submittal of the Planning Commission recommendations.
2023 Grant Support and SMP Revisions
In Spring 2023, Jefferson County secured some grant funds to help support completion of the SMP
Update process. The Planning Commission reviewed Ecology's comments and discussed key issues and
potential options at meetings on June 7, June 29, and August 2, 2023.
A set of revisions was incorporated into a Hearing Draft, which was published on September 20, 2023.
Public comments were solicited through October 4, 2023.
:III II
Following the Planning Commission hearing and deliberations through November 15, 2023, the
recommendations are now forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
The County intends to complete the SMP Periodic Update by early 2024 following the Board's
consideration. The revised amendments would then go to Ecology, which will hold its own comment period
and consider the amendments as an approving agency per the SMA.
Materials
This report transmits several elements of the proposal or process. See also: SMP Periodic Review webpaae.
Attached for December 1 1 briefing
1. Planning Commission recommendation transmittal letter,signed December 5, 2023.
2. Staff report for November 15. 2023 Planning Commission meeting along with notations for results of Plannina
Commission motions on specific SMP issues/sections.
3. Summary of written comments submitted during the September 20 through October 4, 2023 comment period.
4. SMP with proposed amendments shown in Track Changes format, including margin annotations.
5. Corresponding Jefferson County Code (JCC) 18.40 Amendment—Permit Type— Proposed amendments to JCC
18.40.040 that change shoreline substantial development permits (SDPs) under the SMP from a Type III permit
decision to a Type II permit decision.
Referenced with hyperlinkslfile storage information
6. SMP clean version with proposed amendments included (i.e., what the language will be if and when amendments
are adopted).
7. SMP Periodic Review Checklist—Tool for cities and counties subject to the SMA to ensure their SMP complies with
current state laws, rules, and guidance and is consistent with the local comprehensive plan and development
regulations.The June 30, 2023 Periodic Checklist and Ocean Management Checklist will be updated prior to
Ecology submittal; the checklists are largely still applicable.
8. Initial Determination of Consistency Matrix—Set of required and recommended changes from Department of
Ecology's review of previous SMP update draft.The June 30, 2023 copy of Ecology's comments with consultant
notes will be updated prior to Ecology submittal. The responses are largely still applicable.
9. State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Checklist issued September 20, 2023 for the SMP Proposals evaluated
with the Planning Commission hearing draft.
10. Cumulative Impacts Analysis (CIA)—Addendum to 2009 CIA based on 2023 proposal.This will be finalized
based on the Planning Commission recommendations after the Board's consideration.
11. Complete set of written comments submitted during the September 20 through October 4 comment period.
MB PDF file stored on Laserfiche.]
12. Correspondence to the Planning Commission after the comment period closed on October 4, 2023.
13. Planning Commission meeting minutes for October 4, 2023, at which time a public hearing was held on
proposed SMP amendments (found here on Laserfiche within October 18, 2023 agenda packet folder).
14. Select Planning Commission packet information,including staff reports and presentations from DCD and
consultants concerning aspects of the SMP Periodic Review:
■ Agenda Packets: June 29,August 2,October 4,October 18, November 1,and November 15 meetings
(agenda packet folders found here on Laserfiche by meeting date).
:111 December 7, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Briefing 2
ON JEFFERSON COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION
621 Sheridan Street I Port Townsend,WA 98368
0? 360-379-4450 1 email: PlanComm@co.jefferson.wa.us
i^'6 www.co.jefferson.wa.us/580/Planning-Commission
December 5, 2023
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Re: Planning Commission Recommendation for Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review
Dear County Commissioners:
The Jefferson County Planning Commission is pleased to forward the following findings and
recommendations regarding periodic review of the county's Shoreline Master Program (SMP). We
provide these recommendations for consideration in your final deliberations regarding the proposed
SMP amendments.
Planning Commission Review: All proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and
associated development regulations, including the SMP, are assessed by the Planning Commission,
which makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC)after holding at
least one open record public hearing.
Periodic Review of the SMP began in the 2019-2021, continued through the 2021-2013 biennium,
and extended into the current 2023-2025 biennium. See the image below, created by BERK
Consulting, for a graphic representation of the planning process to date.
History
Develop Priorities and Proposed Changes Ecology Review&Comment
OCy
O^ O^-V O^4-*3 Re-initiate
000000001N N N N
a 0 0 0 0 0 we 0 0 0
'A
y F i 4
a vt
PC_ Plonning Commission
TF=Task Force
Starting in June 2023, the Planning Commission held a series of meetings that included the SMP
Periodic Review on the agenda. These meetings included staff reports and presentations from the
Department of Community Development(DCD) and consultants, as well as public comment and
Planning Commission discussion. On September 20, DCD initiated a duly-noticed formal public
comment period that lasted to midnight on October 4, 2023. During the Planning Commission
meeting on October 4, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments as
published on September 20. During our meeting on October 18, we deliberated on the proposal,
using the staff report from DCD and the consultants as a guide. At the conclusion of that meeting,
we agreed in principle to a recommendation and requested that staff prepare complete versions of
the proposed SMP update, including a Track Changes version and a clean version with all changes
accepted. However, at our November 1 meeting, we were unable to reach a recommendation on a
full SMP amendment proposal supported by a majority of the Planning Commission. Subsequently,
DCD staff and consultants prepared a memorandum that included 2-3 options for us to decide
among for remaining, unresolved issues. At our November 15 meeting, we voted on each of those
issues and, ultimately, reached a recommendation for a complete set of SMP amendments by a
vote of seven (7)for and one (1) against, with one (1) abstention. The staff memorandum has since
been updated to include the results of each issue vote, for your consideration.
Planning Commission Findings: Pursuant to Jefferson County Code (JCC) 18.45.090, when
making a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) that involves
amendments to the county's development regulation, the Planning Commission considers the
criteria set forth in JCC 18.45.080(1)(b) and (c), as applicable.'
JCC 18.45.080(1)(b)
(i)Whether circumstances related to the proposed amendment and/or the area in which it is
located have substantially changed since the adoption of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan;
Planning Commission Finding:This criterion does not apply to an SMP periodic review required by
the Washington State Shoreline Management Act(SMA) and associated Washington Administrative
Code (WAC). That said, circumstances have not changed significantly since the 2018
Comprehensive Plan periodic review.
(ii) Whether the assumptions upon which the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan is
based are no longer valid, or whether new information is available which was not considered
during the adoption process or any annual amendments of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan; and
Planning Commission Finding:This criterion does not apply to an SMP periodic review required by
the SMA and associated WAC. That said, circumstances have not changed significantly since the
2018 Comprehensive Plan periodic review.
(iii)Whether the proposed amendment reflects current widely held values of the residents of
Jefferson County.
Planning Commission Finding:The importance of the county's SMP is recognized in the Jefferson
County Comprehensive Plan. We believe that the widely held values of the residents of Jefferson
' Notwithstanding the reference in 18.45.080(1)(b),the growth management indicators set forth in JCC
18.45.050 are not applicable to an SMP periodic review required by the Washington State Shoreline
Management Act.
2
County include complying with the SMA and keeping the county's SMP up-to-date. The depth of
public comment received during this planning process demonstrates the level of interest in the
community. That said, there are differences of opinion for addressing a number of policy questions.
We believe that the proposed SMP amendments as recommended by the Planning Commission
reflect widely held values of the residents of Jefferson County.
Planning Commission Recommendation: The Planning Commission hereby transmits a
recommendation to the BoCC for adoption of amendments to the SMP as a result of SMA-required
Period Review.
The Planning Commission wishes to commend the Department of Ecology, the BoCC, the SMP
Task Force, DCD staff, the consultants (BERK Consulting and Shannon & Wilson), stakeholders,
and the public for their contributions to this process.
Our understanding is that staff will transmit an annotated line-in/line-out version of the SMP that
reflects our amendment recommendations, along with the aforementioned "results memo" from our
November 15, 2023 meeting and other supporting information.
Thank you for your consideration.
r _ oA
'Richard Hull, Chair
Jefferson County Planning Commission
3
�_soN �GG2 Jefferson County
Shoreline Master Program
Periodic Review
Staff Report I November 10, 2023
By:BERK Consulting, Inc., Shannon & Wilson, and Jefferson County Department of Community Development
Meeting Date
■ Location: Tri-Area Community Center, 10 W Valley Rd Chimacum, WA 98325
■ Hybrid Meeting Zoom Option: Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 886 7104 7253 Passcode: 894561
https://us02web.zoom.us/*/88671047253?pwd=OU8vTWZGWTVRRGNRVEQl c2kOWDVadzO9
• Date and Time: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 5:30 PM
Key Topics and Options
Staff and consultants prepared a compete Shoreline Master Program (SMP) proposal (posted October
27, 2023) based on Planning Commission deliberation at its October 18, 2023 meeting. The October 27,
2023 material was discussed at the November 1, 2023 Planning Commission meeting, but the Planning
Commission could not complete a recommendation. Links to those materials appear below:
■ 2023 11 Ol Track Changes Draft SMP - PC Recommendation
■ 2023 11 01 Clean Draft SMP - PC Recommendation
The County Administrator, in consultation with the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners with
respect to the Board's calendar, requested that the Planning Commission use its November 15, 2023
meeting to reach a recommendation. The topics that have generated discussion — geoduck aquaculture
and marine shoreline buffer/setback provisions — are addressed in the table below (as well as errata
noticed during Planning Commission review). The context of the comments and potential options are
provided. The final column is blank and would be filled in per actions taken by the Planning Commission
at its November 15 meeting.
AI
Exhibit 1. Potential Options to Amend the 11/1/2023 Draft SMP with Planning Commission Recommendations
OptionsCommission
Recommendation
Topic Context: State Rules, Comments
Conditional Use Permit— ■ WAC 173-26-241(3)(b)(iv)—CUP required for new 1. Maintain approach in 11/1/23 draft Option 1: 5 yea,
Geoduck Operations geoduck operations. Optional for conversions. Silent with a mix of standard and discretionary
CUPS for new,conversion or expansions
4 nay; motion
on expansions. � � p
depending on shoreline environment passes
■ Shine Residents: Make all geoduck standard CUP. designation.
Expansions are like new proposals. 2. Maintain approach in 1 1 1 23 draft
PP / / Option 3: 4 yea,5
■ Producers: Do not use standard CUP. Upland EXCEPT treat expansions like new nay; motion fails
environment designations should not direct form of geoduck operations.
permitting for tidelands. Historic or ongoing farms 3. Treat all geoduck aquaculture with Amend line 4580
should not require permits. standard CUP. and 4585 (re:
upland
Geoduck —Aesthetics WAC 1 73-26-241(3)(b)(C) says: "Aquacultural 1 . Maintain approach in 1 1/1/23 draft regulations)to
Standard facilities should be designed and located so as not to with aesthetics analysis as a submittal match 4591: 8
spread disease to native aquatic life, establish new requirement with the allowance that: La,Oy, 1
nonnative species which cause significant ecological Applicants may omit information from n; motion
impacts, or significantly impact the aesthetic qualities Table 18.22.400 that is demonstrably not
of the shoreline. (emphasis added) applicable to a specific aquaculture
proposal. An aesthetics analysis would be Option 1: 7 yea,
■ Producers: Remove visual analysis requirements. an important tool to determine first if
Priority is on water-dependent uses over aesthetics there are conflicts, and second if and how 0 nay, 2
analysis when there is a conflict according to WAC they could be reconciled. abstentions;
173-26-221(4)(d)(iv), which says: "Where there is an Remove submittal requirement for motion passes
irreconcilable conflict between water-dependent aesthetics analysis, but retain a
shoreline uses or physical public access and performance standard that the geoduck
maintenance of views from adjacent properties, the aquaculture not significantly impact the
water-dependent uses and physical public access aesthetic qualities of the shoreline.'
shall have priority, unless there is a compelling
reason to the contrary."
Remove Row (d) Visual Analysis in Table 18.25.440.Amend 1 8.25.440(6)(a) with the addition of another CUP criteria of approval (vi): The county shall review the
considerations listed in WAC 1 73-26-241(3)(b)(i)(C) regarding ecological functions, design and location impacting ecology or aesthetic qualities of the shoreline and
requirements for mitigation of impacts to ecological functions.
:111 November 10, 2023 2
Commission
Recommendation
Topic Context: State Rules, Comments Options 11/15/23
Common Line Provisions ■ Ecology—clarify use and avoid overlap of modest 1. Maintain approach in 11/1/23 draft
home and common line provisions. See Initial (Option A).
Determination. 2. Maintain approach in 1 1/1/23 draft but
• WDFW —concerned with buffer width and code amend modest home criteria
allowances for encroachment. 1 8.25.270(5)(a)(viii) to address common
line as a factor in setting the allowed
■ SMP 9/20/23 hearing draft included Option A buffer reduction provided other
removing common line and Option B to amend enhancement requirements apply.z Option 3: 7 yea,
common line to be distinct and apply to conforming Implement Option B like in hearing draft, 0 nay, 2
lots only. See 7/28/23 memo by Shannon & Wilson which allows common line with conforming abstentions;
for more information on the Common Line Provision, lots whereas modest home is for non-
included in the 8/2/23 meetingpacket. motion passes
p conforming lots.
MODEST HOME—Criteria 18.25.270(5)(a)(viii):The standard shoreline buffer is reduced by the minimum necessary to ensure that all structures are as far
landward as possible and not closer than the greater of either the average of the nearest abutting residential structures per subsection 18.25.270(J(bl
common line. or 30 feet from the ordinary high water mark. The standard building setback of JCC 1 8.25.300 still applies to the reduced buffer; and ***
Retain portions of: 18.25.270 (5)(b) NONCONFORMING LOTS—COMMON LINE BUFFER to set the buffer distance on MODEST HOME lots per Criteria
18.25.270(5)(a)(viii): For the purpose of accommodating shoreline views on properties suboect to modest home provisions in subsection (5)(a)(viii)_ta be
adequate and comparable to adjacent residences, but not necessarily equivalent,the administrator may reduce the standard buffer for a new single-family
residence on nonconforming lots consistent with the following criteria:
(i) The proposed residence must be located within 300-150 feet of an adjacent legally established single-family residential primary structure constructed prior to adoption
of this program that encroaches on the standard buffer.The mere presence of nearby shacks,sheds or dilapidated buildings does not constitute the existence of a
residence,nor can such structures be used to determine a common line buffer.The nearest corners of the adjacent residences are those closest to the side-yard property line
of the proposed residence.
(ii) Existing Homes on Both Sides.Where there are existing residences adjacent on both sides of the proposed residence,the modest home provisions common line buffer
shall be determined as the greater of either (A) a common line drawn between the nearest corners of each adjacent residence (see Figure 18.25.270(1)),or(B)a common
line calculated by the average of both adjacent residences'existing setbacks(i.e., (y+z)/2=x buffer;see Figure 18.25.270(2)).
(iii) Existing Home on One Side.Where there is only one existing residence adjacent to the proposed residence,the modest home provisions common line buffer shall be
determined as the greater of either (A) a common line drawn between nearest corner of the foundation for the adjacent residence and the nearest point of the standard
buffer on the adjacent vacant lot(see Figure 18.25.270(3)),or (B) a common line calculated by the average of the adjacent residence's setback and the standard buffer
for the adjacent vacant lot(i.e.,(y+z)/2=x buffer; see Figure 18.25.270(4)).
(iv) Figures 18.25.270(1)through(4) illustrate examples of the common line buffer allowance.When discrepancy between the text and the graphic exists,the text shall
govern. Graphics are for illustration only; buffer shall be measured perpendicularly from the ordinary high water mark as per this section. Figures 18.25.270(1)—(4) ***
:111 November 10, 2023 3
OptionsCommission
Recommendation
Topic Context: State Rules, Comments
Clarify standard buffer ■ Add 50% threshold maximum percent reduction as a 1. Maintain approach in 11/1/23 draft. Option 2: 6
reduction result of special report to support no-net-loss of 2. Clarify that a 25% reduction of the yea, 0 nay, 3
shoreline ecological function. Otherwise, a variance standard buffer is the standard per the
applies. critical area regulations and 50% is a abstentions;
maximum if preparing a special report.s motion passes
Errata Clean up errata. 1. 11/1/23 clean copy: Lines 399 to 419
appear to not be in alphabetical order. Consensus
1 1/1/23 clean copy: On line 6037 the approval; no
symbol for European currency "€" is used need for motion
instead of "th" to make the word "that".
* Motion to approve
proposed
amendments to 11/1
SMP version with
changes per above:
7 yea, 1 nay, 1
abstention; passes
3 Qi) Buffer Reduction or Averaging. Proposals that request a decrease in the standard shoreline buffer of this program shall not require a shoreline variance
if all of the shoreline critical area approval criteria in JCC 18.22.640(1) and (2) are met:, with the addition of a 50% maximum buffer reduction in JCC
18.22.640(1)(b) when a special report is prepared by a qualified professional. All other shoreline buffer reduction or shoreline buffer averaging proposals
shall require a shoreline variance.
:111 November 10, 2023 4
-XI Jefferson County
Sf/l NG'C
� Shoreline Master Program
Periodic Review
Staff Report I October 16, 2023
By: BERK Consulting, Inc., Shannon & Wilson, and Jefferson County Department of Community Development
Meeting Date
• Location: Tri-Area Community Center, Library Room, 10 W Valley Rd Chimacum, WA 98325
■ Hybrid Meeting Zoom Option: Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 886 7104 7253 Passcode: 894561
https://us02web.zoom.us./i/88671047253?pwd=OU8vTWZGWTVRRGNRVEQ1 c2kOWDVadzO9
• Time and Date: October 18, 2023, 5:30 PM
Summary
The Planning Commission held a hearing on October 4, 2023, which was noticed on September 20, 2023.
The Commission received 23 written comments during the comment period.
• Written public comment received from September 20 through October 4 has been compiled into one
PDF file (34 MB), found here on Laserfiche.
Several commenters also testified orally at the hearing, and the recording is available on Laserfiche. The
persons or agencies below with asterisks also submitted written comments.
1) Neil Harrington —Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe*
2) Bernadette Olson — Hood Canal Environmental Council*
3) Gordon King — Port Townsend resident*
4) Marilyn Showalter—Shine resident*
5) Darlene Schanfald — Sequim resident
6) Kim Thompson — Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA)*
7) Sue Corbett—Shine resident*
8) Jan Wold — Jefferson County resident*
9) Steve Dittmar— Port Ludlow resident*
10) Anne Dutton — Port Ludlow resident
VII
This document summarizes the comments and provides responses or options to address the comments. It is
anticipated that the Planning Commission will deliberate and decide on specific SMP provisions during the
October 18 meeting, which would result in changes to the September 20 hearing draft of the SMP
proposal. Following Planning Commission deliberation, staff would coordinate with BERK Consulting to
prepare a revised draft SMP that reflects Planning Commission recommendations. The revised draft
would be presented to the Planning Commission for confirmation of the changes and a formal vote on the
proposal, an action anticipated for the November 1, 2023 meeting.
Following the Planning Commission deliberations, the recommendations would be forwarded to the Board
of County Commissioners for consideration. The County intends to complete the SMP Periodic Update by
December 2023. The revised amendments would then go to Ecology, which will hold its own comment
period and consider the amendments as the approving agency per the Shoreline Management Act.
Table 1. Comment Summary and Response Matrix
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
Letters
1 Val and Donn Require CUP for new Geoduck Response: The WAC rules require
Martinson Operations and/or any shellfish new geoduck operations to have a
operation shoreline conditional use permit
(CUP).' Per the WAC rules, if there
is a conversion,the requirement for
a conditional use permit is at the
discretion of local government.
Options for conversions or
expansions are under review per
below.
2 Nezam Tooloee Support of adopting the standard Response: See response to
CUP process for new geoduck Comment 1.
operations.
3 Taylor Shellfish
Company, Inc., by
Plauche & Carr LLP
(Jesse DeNike)
3-1 Shellfish Farming Provides Response:Agreed. Aquaculture
Important Benefits to Jefferson including shellfish farming is
County. important to Jefferson County.
'173-26-241 (3) (b)(iv)
(A) Conditional use permits are required for new commercial geoduck aquaculture only.Where the applicant proposes to
convert existing nongeoduck aquaculture to geoduck aquaculture,the requirement for a conditional use permit is at the
discretion of local government.
(B) All subsequent cycles of planting and harvest shall not require a new conditional use permit.
(C) Conditional use permits must take into account that commercial geoduck operators have a right to harvest geoduck once
planted.
(D)A single conditional use permit may be submitted for multiple sites within an inlet,bay or other defined feature,provided
the sites are all under control of the same applicant and within the same shoreline permitting jurisdiction.
:111 October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 2
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-2 Provisions must be consistent with Response:Agreed. However, state
state law and supported by law does not prevent the County
scientific and technical from making its own determinations
information. about the level of review a project
receives.Available
scientific/technical information also
does not preclude the County from
being specific about the types of
information needed to evaluate a
proposal's consistency with the
Shoreline Management Act and the
Shoreline Master Program.
3-3 Changes to SMP were based on Response: See link.The comment
comments after comment period matrix submitted to Ecology on
and about a poorly managed October 1, 2021, included comments
farm that is not following laws. from the public during the comment
period and the hearing that
addressed aquaculture standards
and permitting.
One letter post-hearing was a
concern about what had been
presented at the hearing, but was
not a new topic.
3-4 The County should revert back to Response:The amendments
the proposed amendments that proposed in May 2021 reflected
were proposed in May 2021. Task Force input, but did not yet
reflect comments from the public or
Planning Commission.
3-5 County has imposed the burden Proposed Changes: See the
on shellfish farmers to attached potential amendments that
demonstrate why any would identify minimum standards
objectionable proposed revisions with the ability for the Administrator
should be removed.The County to request additional information if
should demonstrate that new needed, rather than listing
aquaculture restrictions are requirements that then can be
supported by scientific and waived.
technical information and support
water-dependent use of
statewide interest.
�i,l October 16, 2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 3
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-6 18.25.220,Table 18.25.220:The Proposed Changes: The law
County's original proposal to requires a CUP for new geoduck
require a discretionary CUP for aquaculture and leaves it to County
new geoduck aquaculture aligns discretion whether or not to require
with state law,WAC 173-26- a CUP for conversion. The WAC
241(3)(b), and provides the leaves the mechanics of local
County with the ability to require government's CUP review and
heightened review by the Hearing approval process to the local
Examiner on a case-specific basis governments,many of which require
when warranted.The proposal to a public hearing for all CUPS.The
require a standard CUP for new, decision about whether or not to
expanded,and converted require a hearing is not based on
geoduck is scientifically scientific merit, but on weighing by
unsupported and will local government of other factors,
inappropriately hamper this use such as level of community interest or
by imposing unnecessary potential for controversy,and/or
permitting costs and delays on degree of local government
project proponents. The County expertise in a particular subject.The
should revert to its original state review criteria for CUPs are
proposal to require a based on multiple factors,the
discretionary CUP for new natural environment comprising one
geoduck aquaculture. of them. See response to comment 3-
7, regarding the approach to
standard and discretionary CUPS.
3-7 18.25.440(3):The County is Proposed Changes: See response to
proposing to further amend the comment 3-6 above.
designation-specific regulations to Based on WAC rules,and extensive
specify that new geoduck
aquaculture requires a standard Public and producer comments,the
CUP. County is now proposing to require
a hearing (standard CUP) for new
The County should instead require geoduck aquaculture in priority
a discretionary CUP. aquatic,aquatic,and natural
environments,with a hearing
required at the County's discretion
for new operations in other
environments. For expansions and
conversions, standard CUPS would
be required in the priority aquatic
and natural environments,and others
would be subject to discretionary
cups.
This would match the approach of
using SMP environment designations
to identify areas where geoduck
aquaculture would be allowed,
particularly the different aquatic
environments. See 2009 Shellfish
Aquaculture Regulatory Committee
Recommendations.
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 4
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-8 18.25.440(4)(b):The County first Proposed Changes: See response
proposed to clarify a calculation 3-7 regarding changes to the
for triggering a new permit but is standard and discretionary CUPS
now proposing extensive varying by shoreline environment
additional restrictions and designation based on the 2009
permitting requirements for Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory
expansions.The County is also Committee Recommendations.
proposing new restrictions and The proposed revisions included in
permitting requirements for the the hearing draft SMP related to
cultivation of new species.
cultivation of new species only
These proposed revisions should added a new requirement for
be removed, and JCC cultivation of "non-native species not
18.25.440(4)(b) should either previously cultivated in the state of
remain unchanged or, at most,the Washington." A requirement for
limited clarification proposed in added monitoring and adaptive
the May 2021 draft should be management is appropriate in that
advanced. circumstance,considering the harm
that can be done by escaped non-
native species.
3-9 18.25.440(4)(e)(v):The County Proposed Changes:The changes
appears to be proposing changes proposed to (4)(e)(v) are intended
to the height of floating or to increase both clarity and
hanging aquaculture structures flexibility in better implementing the
and associated equipment, WAC requirement to prevent
although given inconsistencies with significant impacts to "the aesthetic
the proposed language,the qualities of the shoreline" (WAC
precise changes are unclear. 173-26-241(3)(b)(i)(C)). We will re-
Taylor Shellfish supports examine the language to attempt to
amendments that are required to
identify and correct any
align this code section with the inconsistencies.
WAC, although no such
amendments appear necessary.
3-10 18.25.440(4)(e)(vii):The County is Proposed Changes: This change
proposing to add a reference to will be made as requested for
"other water dependent uses" in consistency with language used in
this section. Revise per letter; WAC 173-26-241(3)(b)(i)(C).
includes revising this code section
to include the "significantly
conflict" standard in compliance
with the Guidelines in lieu of the
undefined and potentially
confusing "materially interfere
with" standard.
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 5
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-1 1 18.25.440(4)(e)(vii) The County is Proposed Changes: [This is referring
proposing numerous new to 1 8.25.440(4)(e)(xii)]
requirements and restrictions (C) is proposed to be modified to
related to gear use. As discussed
above,Taylor Shellfish allow other colors to be used if
understands and appreciates the required by other agencies or the
need to use appropriate gear, Administrator to be more visible to
effective secure gear,and provide other benefits, such as to
support public safety,navigation,
perform routine maintenance.
Shellfish farmers are already and necessary operation and
maintenance.
required to follow these practices
through federal permitting
conditions, and the current SMP Changes to (B) and the original (E)
already requires operators to and (F) intended to be included in
comply with such requirements. the Hearing draft in response to an
That said,Taylor Shellfish does earlier Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
not object to the new, proposed letter were incorrectly transferred
requirements in subparagraphs (the first letter E in the hearing draft
(B),(D), and (F) of this section. was inserted out of order and
And, while most gear should use intended to replace the second letter
colors to blend with the natural E),and similar edits are made to the
environment,as set forth in (C), updated draft (see Attachment A).
there may be some instances in Additional edits are proposed to
which it is desirable to have gear (xii) in response to this comment to
more noticeable, so this should not further remove language that
be a universal requirement.And, highlights potential effects.
while Taylor Shellfish agrees that
gear that does become loose
should be promptly retrieved,the
remaining language in
subparagraph (E) is inflammatory
and unsupported,and it should be
removed. The new, introductory
language to this section,stating
these measures are needed to
limit ecological and aesthetic
impacts from predator control
measures,is not properly
supported and serves no function;
it should be removed as well.
�i,I October 16,2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 6
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-12 8.25.440(4)(e)(xvi)- (xviii) The Proposed Changes: Agree that the
County is proposing new Coast Guard-related requirement in
regulations addressing the use of (xviii) is not necessary; the provision
equipment (xvi), accumulation of will be removed from the updated
garbage (xvii),and complying draft consistent with guidance in
with Coast Guard requirements. Ecology's handbook that indicates,
Taylor Shellfish supports the "Local governments are encouraged
appropriate use of gear and to avoid including SMP provisions
management of sites so that they that duplicate state or federal
do not accumulate garbage or requirements."
waste. Therefore, while Taylor
Shellfish disagrees with the
County's rationale for adding
these provisions—relocating from
the finfish section and
incorporating Kitsap County SMP
requirement—Taylor does not
object to including them in the
SMP. Taylor Shellfish does not
believe that the County needs to
separately include a requirement
for aquaculture operators to
comply with Coast Guard
requirements and would
recommend removing
subparagraph (xviii).
3-13 18.25.440(4)(e)(xix):The County Proposed Changes: Agreed. The
is proposing to add a new change will be made in the updated
regulation prohibiting aquaculture SMP.
from,among other things,
significantly impacting the
aesthetic qualities of the shoreline.
This new regulation appears to be
based on WAC 173-26-
241(3)(b)(i)(C). However,the SMA
Guideline uses "should" rather
than "shall." The SMP should
similarly use the term as water-
dependent uses are given priority
over aesthetics when there are
irreconcilable conflicts per WAC
173-26-221(4)(d)(iv).
3-14 18.25.440(6):The County is Response: The new geoduck-specific
proposing numerous new restrictions are nearly verbatim from
restrictions specific to geoduck WAC 173-26-241(3)(b)(ii-iv). These
aquaculture. were the result of WAC amendments
See letter. made in 2011 that were overlooked
in the 2014 County SMP update.
�i,I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 7
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
3-15 18.25.440(7):The County is Proposed Changes: In response to
proposing extensive application Tribe and industry comments, a table
requirements for aquaculture. identifying which application
See letter. requirements apply to different
aquaculture types has been
incorporated in the draft SMP in
place of the listing of requirements,
based on the chart provided in the
Tribe's comment letter.
4 Kerri Patterson Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
operations. Including expansions CUPS.
and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
5 Gordon King,Taylor Reviewed 2021 comments.There Proposed Changes: See response to
Shellfish were requests for all geoduck comment 3-15 regarding table of
farm permit applications to application requirements.
require Conditional Use Permits
(CUP'S) but there was no agency
or public request to increase the
collection of data and other
information related to marine
physical parameters and farm
management when applying for a
shellfish farming permit.
Most of these regulations were
written for Fin Fish farms and the
information asked for is often
difficult and expensive to provide
and serves no reasonable
purpose for a shellfish farm
application.
Regulations are from Kitsap
County and not well written.
6 Kim Thompson, Many of the data requirements in Proposed Changes: See response to
Pacific Coast section 7 of the aquaculture comment 3-15 regarding table of
Shellfish Growers chapter are actually aimed at application requirements.
Association finfish and not appropriate for
shellfish farming.
We recommend including
language or a chart that outlines
the core application requirements
for each type of aquaculture in
the SMP.
Already meet Army Corps 2015
Programmatic Biological
Assessment and the Services 2016
Biological Opinion.
�i,l October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 8
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
7 Sue Corbett Retain Standard CUP for any new Proposed Changes: See responses
geoduck operations on Jefferson to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
tidelands, including expansions CUPS.
and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
By adopting the CUP process,
Jefferson County will harmonize
with Kitsap and Clallam counties
in how they review commercial
geoduck operations in our
common waters.
8 Reed Gunstone Language in Section 7 is excessive Proposed Changes: See response to
J&G Gunstone for non-geoduck aquaculture. comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
Clams, Inc. Allows waiver but burden of CUPS.
proof is on applicant.
See response to comment 8
Predator control language— regarding waiver removal.
blending colors will make it more See response to comment 3-1 1
difficult to see problems or regarding predator control
tampering. language.
9 Discovery Bay Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
Neighbors and CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
Supporters operations. Including expansions CUPS.
and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
10 Laura Hendricks Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
Director,Coalition To CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
Protect Puget Sound operations. Including expansions CUPS.
Habitat and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
Attachment of Federal Lawsuit.
11 Marilyn Showalter Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
operations. Including expansions CUPS.
and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
�i,I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 9
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
12 Paull Steenberg Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
operations. Including expansions CUPS.
and conversions of other shellfish Response: JCC 18.25.270(4)(c) in
to geoduck.
the Hearing draft was revised such
Address buffer function even that the Administrator will decide,
where they cross roadways. either independently or based on a
report, whether the buffer area on
the upland side of a roadway is
"functionally isolated from the
shoreline or critical area such that it
provides insignificant biological or
hydrological function."
(Note:The hearing draft repeats the
last sentence twice and will be
corrected.)
13 Jessica Bryant,
WDFW
13-1 Overarching Comments: Many Response: As noted,the SMP
changes requested previously changes respond to many informal
incorporated. Concerned about WDFW comments made in 2020.
desire that riparian management WDFW referenced the riparian
recommendations be addressed. management recommendations as a
Standard Shoreline Buffer: Use source for planting plan standards in
site potential tree height November 2020. See attached
approach to buffers. Address informal comments from WDFW.
other alternatives to buffer The Draft SMP was modified in
reduction 2020-2021 per input to increase the
standards for proposals to expand
non-conforming uses and to require
the planting plan to meet no-net-loss
of shoreline ecological function.
Ecology requested in its 2022
comments a cumulative impacts
assessment addendum,which was
completed and shared in ahead of
the hearing held October 4, 2023.
WDFW's current letter is requesting
the County change its standard
buffer.The County's standard buffer
is 150 feet applied to new
development along rivers and
marine shorelines and 100 feet
along lakes.
Using site potential tree height
(SPTH) as a basis for buffers in
shoreline jurisdiction would be
difficult to implement and may be
inconsistent with the SMA. The
WDFW SPTH mapper does not
�i" October 16,2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 10
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
provide widths for all shoreline
locations, and adjacent property
owners in the same environment
designation and in similar landscape
positions may have varying widths
(e.g.,no data, 105', 185', 187,
196', 211', 231',etc.).
The SMA also requires
accommodation of water-oriented
and preferred uses in shoreline
jurisdiction,which would be difficult
with buffers that are close to or
wider than shoreline jurisdiction. The
SMA requires no net loss of
ecological functions, recognizing that
there is a developed baseline
condition that needs to be
considered.
13-2 Non-conforming development. Proposed Changes: The County has
Oppose waterward expansion. worked closely with Ecology to craft
Do not support lateral expansion very limited allowances for
where encroaching on the riparian alterations of existing non-
areas. conforming development that do not
require a variance.
Additional edits are proposed to
further reference critical area
protections and mitigation
sequencing and to remove reference
to the common line setback. See July
28, 2023,memo by Shannon &
Wilson for more information on the
Common Line Provision, included in
the Planning Commission's August 2.
2023 packet.
Due to the availability of the buffer
reduction and buffer averaging
provisions, and enhanced criteria, it
is proposed that the common line
buffer be removed (Hearing Option
A). That provision would allow the
closest setback.
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 1 1
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
13-3 Sedion (4) (i) Buffer Reduction Response: Mitigation sequencing is
or Averaging. part of the approval criteria,
WDFW emphasizes an referenced at JCC 18.22.640(1)
exploration of other alternatives and (2).
to buffer reductions to
sequentially avoid,minimize, and
compensate for any impacts to
the waterbody. WDFW advises
that a consideration of the
mitigation sequence if the County
allows buffer alteration
exceptions.
14 Monica Montgomery,
Jefferson County
Marine Resources
Committee
14-1 Do not apply language from Proposed Changes: See responses
Kitsap County, which is more to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
applicable to finfish. Support CUP CUPS.
for new geoduck farms. Review
the change of water dependent See response to comment 3-15
to water oriented. regarding table of application
requirements.
The commenter does not provide a
specific location. However,
regarding the change from water-
dependent to water-oriented, see
response to comment 3-10.
14-2 Do not prioritize common line over Proposed Changes:The staff
buffer averaging. Do not allow recommendation proposed to be
non-conforming development included in the updated SMP omits
without a variance. the common line buffer strategy,
relying instead on buffer reduction,
averaging,and modest home
provisions. See July 28, 2023,memo
by Shannon & Wilson for more
information on the Common Line
Provision, included in the Planning
Commission's August 2, 2023 packet.
The County has worked closely with
Ecology to craft very limited
allowances for alterations of existing
non-conforming development that do
not require a variance.Additional
emphasis on application of critical
area regulations and mitigation
sequencing is proposed to be
added.
�i'� October 16, 2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 12
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
15 Lee Steele Section 7 aquaculture language is Proposed Changes: See response to
overly burdensome. comment 3-15 regarding table of
Predator control language is application requirements and
contradictory. comment 8 regarding waiver
removal.
16 Lisa Carleton-Long, Section 7 aquaculture language is Proposed Changes: See response to
Rock Point Oyster overly burdensome. comment 3-15 regarding table of
Company, Inc. Predator control language is application requirements and
contradictory. comment 8 regarding waiver
removal.
17 Hansi Hals, Natural
Resources Director,
Jamestown S'Klallam
Tribe
17-1 Pg. 141, line 4591 —4593 Proposed Changes: Changes to (B)
reflects updated language and the original (E) and (F) intended
consistent with the Tribe's input on to be included in the Hearing draft
July 31, 2023 and reads "E) in response to an earlier Jamestown
Predator exclusion devices that S'Klallam Tribe letter were
become dislodged,such as rubber incorrectly transferred (the first
bands,small nets, and area letter E in the hearing draft was
netting,shall be promptly inserted out of order and intended
recovered and/or disposed of to to replace the second letter E),and
minimize the risk of harm to similar edits are made to the
wildlife and, if not,may be updated draft (see Attachment A).
subject to public nuisance Additional edits are proposed to
regulations." However, subsection (xii) in response to Taylor Shellfish's
xii includes two repetitive clauses, comment 3-1 1 to further remove
both labeled as "E." The second language that highlights potential
"E" on lines 4596—4600 includes effects.
the original language that
unnecessarily highlights harmful
effects of predator exclusion
devices that could be said of any
other infrastructure associated
with commercial uses.
Remove the subsection typo of the
second XII-E on lines 4596—
4600 in favor of the first.
17-2 Pg. 148,section 7, beginning on Proposed Changes: See response to
line 4853, lists items A-D (plus comment 3-15 regarding table of
subsections) to be included in the application requirements.
application "unless waived by the See response to comment 8
administrator when an applicant regarding waiver removal.
has demonstrated that the
requested information is not
applicable to a specific proposal
or type of aquaculture." This
language does not delineate
between aquaculture types and a
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 13
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
table showing which items are
required for each type of
aquaculture practice (shellfish,
geoduck,finfish,etc.) would be
helpful,as was done in the
Clallam County SMP.
Additionally, current language
puts the onus on the applicant to
demonstrate why certain
requirements are not applicable
and creates additional,
unnecessary work for all involved.
Section 7 should read "In addition
to the minimum application
requirements in 4854 JCC
18.25.630,aquaculture
applications shall provide the
information listed in subsections
(a) —(d) [based on in the table
below depending on the type of
aquaculture application being
submitted.]
17-3 Pg. 151. 18.24.400.7.f.This Proposed Changes: This provision
statement should be clarified that was intended to be removed for the
it applies only to finfish. It should Hearing draft in response to the
read: "Where the county does not Tribe's earlier comments,and will be
have expertise to analyze the removed in the revised draft. The
merits of a report provided by an County has a global regulation in
applicant [for a finfish permit], JCC 18.25.820 (Third-party review)
the applicant may be required to that addresses this topic for all
pay for third-party peer review applications.
of said report."
18 Phil Best, President Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
Hood Canal CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
Environmental operations. Including expansions CUPS.
Council and conversions of other shellfish See response to comment 12
to geoduck. regarding buffers across roadways.
Address buffer function even
where they cross roadways.
19 Steve Ditmer Keep CUP proposal for Proposed Changes: See responses
commercial growers of shellfish. to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
Offer to have people come to cups.
site.
20 Marilyn Showalter Response to Plauch6-Taylor Response: Comments noted.
Shellfish 9-29-2023 letter to the
Planning Commission
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 14
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
21 Call Nichols Attached are two letters:one Response: Acknowledge the major
from me, Call Nichols, Jefferson point of the Nichols letter—"a
county resident and career reminder of the importance of
shellfish worker and devotee. The shellfish in our waters and people
other is a letter from Jesse who work with shellfish in our
DeNike on behalf of Taylor communities."
Shellfish,which I wholeheartedly Proposed Changes: See responses
support. to comments 3-1 through 3-15
(Taylor Shellfish letter by Jesse
DeNike).
22 J Creek Support of adopting the standard Proposed Changes: See responses
CUP process for new geoduck to comments 3-6 and 3-7 above.
operations. Including expansions See response to comment 12 above.
and conversions of other shellfish
to geoduck.
Address buffer function even
where they cross roadways.
23 Jan Wald Unfounded Dependence of the Response: Comments noted.
Shellfish Industry on the Use of
Two Army Corps of Engineers
Required Biological Opinions for
Commercial Shellfish Farming in
Washington State
Hearing
Commenters
1 Neil Harrington— Aquaculture—propose changes to See Letter 17 and responses.
Jamestown S'Klallam ensure standards and submittal
Tribe requirements are appropriate.
Thank you for making other edits
in response to prior comments.
See recording at 19:22-22:46 for
full comments.
2 Bernadette Olson— Support applying CUP to See Letter 18 and responses.
Hood Canal geoduck operations similar to
Environmental Kitsap and Clallam Counties.
Council Protect buffers including critical
area buffers even when cross
roads.
See recording at 23:17-24:25 for
full comments.
3 Gordon King —Port Shellfish harvesting is important See Letter 5 and responses.
Townsend resident for the County's economy.
Shellfish producers want to ensure
clean water and avoid pollution.
Well written regulations are
important.Aquaculture section is
not well written and will affect
�i,I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 15
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
shellfish jobs without more
environmental regulations. The
Planning Commission
recommendations after the
hearing applied not only a CUP
requirement but also more
submittal requirements. Was on
Periodic Task Force for SMP.
There is no scientific justification;
only that it is Kitsap County. If you
want a model code to reference
use Mason County. Provided
statistics on pollution and closed
areas. Do not ignore input from
industry. Go back to June 2021
version. Do not waste resources in
front of Shorelines Hearing Board.
See recording at 24:36-27:50 for
full comments.
4 Marilyn Showalter— Speaking to CUP requirement for See Letters 11 and 20 and
Shine resident geoduck harvesting. Has been in responses.
draft for 2 years. Continue the
course. Prior to 2014,the County
did not require a permit for
shellfish harvesting. There is an
unknown amount of acreage. If
someone is expanding or
expansions there may not be
information about the basis.The
CUP is a process that allows a
neutral decision maker to weigh
the evidence in that particular
location. Need to consider in
cumulative effects. PVC tubes are
relatively new.
See recording at 28:05-31:47 for
full comments.
5 Darlene Schanfald— Urge support of CUP. Laws are Proposed Changes: See responses
Sequim resident old and need to be updated. It is to comments 3-6 and 3-7 regarding
an industry in conflict with goals CUPS.
of Puget Sound Partnership,
plastics remaining in environment
and affect wildlife and plastics
stay in animals. One third of
shorelines taken up with
aquaculture.
See recording at 32:12-34:36 for
full comments.
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 16
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
6 Kim Thompson— Represent shellfish producers in See Letters 3 and 6 and responses.
Pacific Coast multiple states including in
Shellfish Growers Washington. Shellfish harvesting
Association (PCSGA) are important to the economy.
Washington regulations are
strongest among other states.
Have concerns about Draft SMP
on new and existing shellfish
farms. Request going back to
discretionary CUP.Also concerned
about requirements for studies
that may be unnecessary and
related to finish. Impacts all
growers. Already have federal
opinions supporting requested
level of regulations. See PCSGA
letter and letter on behalf of
Taylor Shellfish by Plauche &
Carr.
See recording at 35:16-38:07 for
full comments.
7 Sue Corbett—Shine Relayed richness of marine life. See Letter 7 and Responses
resident Habitat damaged with harvest of
geoduck. Retain requirement for
CUP.
See recording at 38:20-40:00 for
full comments.
8 Jan Wold— About 30%of tidelands are See Letter 23 and responses.
Jefferson County under shellfish production.
resident Geoduck harvesting uses PVC
tubes 1 tube per square foot.
Need thorough CUP process, and
support current hearing draft.
Consistent with Kitsap and
Clallam Counties.
Where buffers cross roads they
should be protected. Make similar
to Mason County SMP.
Biological opinions quoted by
other speakers are about a
decade old and not appropriate
to consider now.
See recording at 40:14-43:29 for
full comments.
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 17
Number Commenter Topic Response or Options
9 Steve Dittmar—Port Own tidelands adjacent to Proposed Changes: See responses
Ludlow resident geoduck operations. In support of to comments 3-6 and 3-7 above.
having a CUP in the SMP.
Considering impacts of PVC tubes,
it seems reasonable to have for
new farming. Local people have
local knowledge and should be
able to give input. Would be
open to having County visit the
tidelands and see what 40,000
PVC tubes per acre look like with
wave action.
See recording at 43:43-46:52 for
full comments.
10 Anne Dutton— Port In support of having a CUP in the Proposed Changes: See responses
Ludlow resident SMP like Jefferson and Clallam to comments 3-6 and 3-7 above.
Counties; do not rely only on
Army Corps of Engineers.
Geoduck operations destroys
natural habitat. Most is exported
for profit. Local residents know
the area.
See recording at 47:10-48:50 for
full comments.
Attachments
• Attachment A: Draft Amendments to Jefferson County Periodic Update September 20, 2023 Hearing
Draft Document
• Attachment B: WDFW Informal Comments, November 2020
�i'I October 16, 2023 Jefferson County I SMP Hearing Draft Revisions 18
December 2023:Permit Application Framework Amendments related to SMP
Jefferson County Code
The following edits have been part of the SMP Periodic Update review process.Ecology prefers the
County not include other edits in the unified development code,but the County can show the edits as a
related.
18.40.040 Project permit application framework.
Table 8-1.Permits—Decisions
Type 11 Type II Type III Type IV Type V
Septic permits Classification of Reasonable Final plats under Special use
unnamed and economic use Chapter 18.35 JCC permits,such as
discretionary uses variances under for siting essential
under Article II of JCC 18.22.250 public facilities
Chapter 18.15 JCC under
JCC 18.15.110
Allowed uses not Release of six-year PRRDs under Final PRRDs Jefferson County
requiring notice of FPA moratorium for Article VI-M of under Article VI-M Comprehensive
application(e.g., an individual single- Chapter 18.15 JCC of Plan amendments
"Yes"uses listed in family residence and major Chapter 18.15 JCC under
Table 3-1 in under amendments to Chapter 18.45 JCC
JCC 18.15.040, JCC 18.20.160 PRRDs under
building permits, JCC 18.15.545(3)
etc.)
Minor amendments Cottage industries Shoreline Amendments to
to planned rural under R.-hMnRt+al development
residential JCC 18.20.170 develepmeRt regulations
developments peFm ts onditional
(PRRDs)under use permits,and
JCC 18.15.545 variance permits
under the Jefferson
County shoreline
master program
(SMP)
Home businesses Short subdivisions Plat alterations and Amendments to
approved under under Article III of vacations under the Jefferson
JCC 18.20.200 Chapter 18.35 JCC JCC 18.35.030(3) County SMP
Temporary outdoor Binding site plans Long subdivisions Subarea and utility
use permits under under Article V of under Article IV of plans and
JCC 18.20.380 Chapter 18.35 JCC Chapter 18.35 JCC amendments
thereto
Stormwater Administrative Discretionary Development
management conditional use conditional use agreements and
permits under permits under permits under amendments
JCC 18.30.070 JCC 18.40.520(1) JCC 18.40.520(2) thereto under
Shading in Comment Flags:1)Yellow in response to public comments within Planning Commission Recommendations October
2021.2).changes in response to Ecology initial review and Planning Commission discussions in 2023.3)-based on
Planning Commission motions.
Page 1
December 2023:Permit Application Framework Amendments related to SMP
Type 11 Type II Type III Type IV Type V
and listed in Table [i.e., listed in Table Article XI of this
3-1 in 3-1 in chapter
JCC 18.15.040 as JCC 18.15.040 as
"C(a)" "C(d)"]where
required by
administrator
Road access Discretionary Conditional use Master plans for
permits under conditional use permits under master planned
JCC 18.30.080 permits under JCC 18.40.520(3) resorts
JCC 18.40.520(2) [i.e., uses listed in
listed in Table 3-1 Table
in 3-1 in
JCC 18.15.040 as JCC 18.15.040 as
"C(d)"unless Type "C"]
III process required
by administrator
Sign permits under Minor variances Major variances Amendments to
JCC 18.30.150 under under the Unified
JCC 18.40.640(2) JCC 18.40.640(3) Development Code
Boundary line Shoreline Wireless
adjustments under substantial telecommunications
Article II of development permits under
Chapter 18.35 JCC permits under the JCC 18.20.130 and
Jefferson County Chapter 18.42 JCC
shoreline master
prOQram(SM Commented[LG1j:Response to Comment:12.23
Administrative
conditional use
permits,under
Jefferson County
SMP,
JCC 18.25.620(3)
listed in
JCC 18.25.220,
Table 18.25.220 as
"C(a)"
Discretionary
conditional use
permits under
Jefferson County
SMP,
JCC 18.25.620(4)
listed in
JCC 18.25.220,
Table 18.25.220 as
"C(d),"unless Type
Shading in Comment Flags:1)Yellow in response to public comments within Planning Commission Recommendations October
2021.2)0 changes in response to Ecology initial review and Planning Commission discussions in 2023.3)-based on
Planning Commission motions.
Page 2
December 2023:Permit Application Framework Amendments related to SMP
Type 11 Type II Type III Type IV Type V
III process required
by administrator
Minor adjustments Wireless Major industrial
to approved telecommunications development
preliminary short permits under conditional use
plats under JCC 18.20.130 and approval under
JCC 18.35.150 Chapter 18.42 JCC Article VIII of
Minor amendments Small-scale Chapter 18.15 JCC
to approved recreation and Forest practices
preliminary long tourist(SRT)uses release of a
plats under in SRT overlay moratorium under
JCC 18.35.340 district under Chapter 18.20 JCC
Site plan approval JCC 18.15.572.
advance Plat alterations
determinations under
under Article VII of JCC 18.35.670.
this chapter and
boundary line
agreements under
Article VIII of
Chapter 18.35 JCC
Exemptions under
the Jefferson
County SMP
Revisions to
permits issued
underthe
Jefferson County
SMP
If not categorically exempt pursuant to SEPA,Type I projects shall be subject to the notice
requirements of JCC 18.40.150 through 18.40.220 and Article X of this chapter(the SEPA integration
section).
Shading In Comment Flags:1)Yellow in response to public comments within Planning Commission Recommendations October
2021.2).changes in response to Ecology initial review and Planning Commission discussions in 2023.3)-based on
Planning Commission motions.
Page 3