HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_03-06-2024 Full PC Agenda PacketDistrict 1
Kevin Coker
Cynthia Koan
Ahren Stroming
District 2
Matt Sircely, Vice Chair
LD Richert
Michael Shultz
District 3
Richard Hull, Chair
Chris Llewellyn
Michael Nilssen
Public Comment: When the Chair recognizes you to speak, please begin by stating your name
and address. Please be aware that each person is limited to a three-minute comment.
AGENDA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting – March 6, 2024
Tri Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum, Washington 98325
This will be a hybrid meeting with telephone or on-line options. The public is invited to attend in-person,
with a limit of up to 50 percent of the venue' s capacity, pursuant to Resolution 24-22.
You can join this meeting remotely via Zoom:
Jefferson County Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Time: Jan 3, 2024 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/96997604223?pwd=NUJoRktHNEtOUjFHTUF1VDdSaXpXZz09
Meeting ID: 969 9760 4223
Passcode: 742684
This option will allow you to join the meeting live. You will need to enter an email address. If you wish
to provide public comment, click on the hand icon at the bottom of the screen to “raise your hand.”
The public comment period is managed by the Chair.
Please sign on 5 to 10 minutes before the official start of the meeting to check sound and video quality.
This video will be closed-captioned enabled.
Meeting Materials: To access the Planning Commission folder on the county’s Laserfiche Web Portal,
either navigate to the Jefferson County Planning Commission webpage & find the link there,
or, click on this link
Both the username and password to Laserfiche are “public”
5:30 Chair Welcome and Overview Presentation
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes: February 21, 2024
District 1
Kevin Coker
Cynthia Koan
Ahren Stroming
District 2
Matt Sircely, Vice Chair
LD Richert
Michael Shultz
District 3
Richard Hull, Chair
Chris Llewellyn
Michael Nilssen
Public Comment: When the Chair recognizes you to speak, please begin by stating your name
and address. Please be aware that each person is limited to a three-minute comment.
GENERAL UPDATES
4. Planning Commission Updates
5. DCD Staff and Director Updates
a. Web page update- Community Development / Planning Commission
b. Comp Plan Periodic Review Update- RFP
c. Homebuilder’s Home and Garden Show report
d. Upcoming Meetings:
March 20: Planning Commission Public Hearing on amendments to Flood Damage
Prevention (Ch. 15.15 JCC)
April 3: Agenda TBD
PUBLIC COMMENT – GENERAL
6. Public comments from attendees about any topic that is not on the agenda. Note that public
comment on agenda items are during the agenda item’s section.
7. Transmitted Information: Clean copy of completed Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement
attached.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. Jefferson County Provisions for Water and Septic – Randy Marx, Environmental Health
Specialist, Public Environmental Health
a. Synopsis
In the January 3, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, training topics were proposed for
the January 20 Planning Commission Retreat. Two topics were requested: 1) Background on
Tribes involved in County planning and outreach, and 2) Public Environmental Health training on
septic and water requirements related to residential development in Jefferson County.
Training on Tribes and current issues was covered during the Retreat. However, Public
Environmental Health information required more time than was available in the Retreat, so was
scheduled for March 6.
It is a timely topic as the PC is contemplating code amendments allowing more rural residential
dwelling units, or larger “families” on individual rural parcels. Under consideration is congregate
housing, boarding houses, tiny home cluster housing, and similar patterns of housing. Septic and
water considerations shape what development standards are possible, or may affect the
affordability of developments.
b. Assignment
In the February 21, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission was asked to provide
Community Development with advance questions for Public Environmental Health’s
District 1
Kevin Coker
Cynthia Koan
Ahren Stroming
District 2
Matt Sircely, Vice Chair
LD Richert
Michael Shultz
District 3
Richard Hull, Chair
Chris Llewellyn
Michael Nilssen
Public Comment: When the Chair recognizes you to speak, please begin by stating your name
and address. Please be aware that each person is limited to a three-minute comment.
consideration, and which would be redistributed to the whole Planning Commission for review
and consideration. No questions were received by Community Development. Community
Development generated a list of possible questions, shared with Public Environmental Health,
and provided in this agenda packet. Please review these questions and prepare to share your
questions and concerns that are not on this list.
c. Options & Decisions
Information provided by Public Environmental Health will assist in the Planning
Commission’s understanding and development of rural housing proposals. A future presentation
could include information from Community Development’s Building Division, if considered
necessary by the Planning Commission.
9. Review of Short-Term Rentals by Planning Commission
a. Synopsis
The Planning Commission will have upcoming discussions about Short-Term Rental
issues and possible future regulations addressing types of transient rentals (less
than 30 days duration). Community Development proposed a short discussion by
the Planning Commission about how this topic could be addressed, such as in a
sub-committee.
b. Assignment
Have a brief discussion to decide if establishing a sub-committee would be
beneficial in consideration of the details involved in the subject of transient
rentals, or otherwise discuss how short-term rental topics might be reviewed and
recommendations developed.
c. Options & Decisions
Create a sub-committee or other plan for developing adequate information to
make recommendations on transient rentals in Jefferson County.
10. Adjournment
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MEETING MINUTES
JEFFERSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting – February 21, 2024
Tri Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum, Washington 98325 Start time 5:33 PM: Welcome Chair and Overview Presentation Staff in Attendance: Joel Peterson, Vince Maniaci, Emily Calkins, George Terry
• Call to Order/Roll Call
Kevin Coker Present Matt Sircely Present Richard Hull Present Cynthia Koan Present LD Richert Present Chris Llewellyn Present Ahren Stroming Present Michael Shultz Present Michael Nilssen Present
• Approval of Agenda: approved by acclimation
• Approval of Minutes: KC 1st / LD 2nd – 9 yay - approved
GENERAL UPDATES
1. Planning Commission Updates:
a. MN: The Port Ludlow Village Council (PLVC) would like to continue to be informed about
Comp Plan update work. PLVC would like to be included in all things South County.
Resignation announcement, 2/21 meeting is Commissioner Nilssen’s final meeting, term
officially ends 3/17.
b. KC: Homebuilder’s Home and Garden Show 3/2. This is shaping up to be an exceptional
event this year. Commissioner Coker would love to see everyone there.
c. MaS: Commissioner Sircely will be absent from the 3/6 PC meeting.
2. DCD Staff Updates, Vince Maniaci, Joel Peterson:
a. Web page update
b. LUPA case re: UDC code and Campgrounds
c. Resolution 08-24 setting new WUCC Members (Water Users Coordinating Committee)
d. Upcoming meetings and agendas
i. March 6, 2024: Public Hearing on Ch. 15.15 Flood Damage Prevention
amendments,
ii. March 6, 2024: What you need to know about septic and water—Randy Marx,
Public Environmental Health. PUBLIC COMMENT – GENERAL
3. Public comments: Public comments, in their entirety, can be viewed within the video recording of
the meeting at the time stamp location provided below.
a. Kellen Lynch – Olympic Housing Trust – 26:02 – 29:52
b. Liz Revord – Housing Solutions Network – 30:26 – 32:45
c. Richard Berg – Architect, Chimacum Commons – 32:48 – 35:37
4. Transmitted Information:
a. Chimacum Commons Prospectus—Olympic Housing Trust/Land Trust
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b. DCD Community Outreach Summary & Attachments: Port Hadlock UGA Zoning
Charrettes, Short Term Rentals, CWSP recruitment.
CK: Expressed concern over the differences between “consent agenda” and “transmitted
information.” Commissioner Koan understands the Planning Commission bylaws to demonstrate
a need for a “consent agenda” item within the Planning Commission agenda and Planning
Commission minutes to function as a documentation of actions. DCD’s position is that we place
the items in the agenda and therefore they appear in the minutes and the nature of the
transmitted information does not require a vote as would a true consent agenda item.
Chairperson Hull directed Joel Peterson to add a discussion of Planning Commission bylaws,
consent agenda, and transmitted information to the agenda for the 2024 Planning Commission
Retreat.
REGULAR BUSINESS
5. Final Review of Vision Statement
a. Synopsis
For the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review, the Planning Commission
provided considerable effort and care to develop a Vision Statement for the
Comprehensive Plan. The Vision Statement provides background and support for
defining the direction and characteristics important to Jefferson County, including
perspectives on Rural Character.
A review of the Vision Statement was done at the February 7, 2024 Planning
Commission meeting. In that meeting, the general consensus is that the Vision
Statement remains relevant, and only minor editing will be needed to make it
current.
Live editing to the Vision Statement took place at the February 21, 2024 Planning
Commission meeting. Those edits are contained within the transmitted
information that will accompany the March 6, 2024 Planning Commission meeting
agenda packet. There was a quorum present at the February 21, 2024 Planning
Commission and these edits were agreed upon by the Planning Commissioners in
attendance thereby adopting these edits by acclimation.
6. Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review – Amendment Proposals for 2024
a. Synopsis
The Jefferson County Code sets out procedures for amending the Comprehensive
Plan (CP) and Unified Development Code (UDC) (Ch. 18.45 JCC). The Board of County
Commissioners (BoCC) has directed Community Development to run the 2024
annual amendment process this year, ending in December 2024, and defer an annual
2025 amendment cycle while the County completes the State-mandated periodic
review requirements by the mid-year 2025 deadline (Resolution #11-24).
In this meeting, Community Development workshopped with the Planning Commission
to identify proposals for the 2024 annual amendment cycle that will be on the
preliminary amendment docket. This discussion is in preparation for the March 1
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deadline for amendment proposals in the 2024 cycle (refer to the 2024 amendment
calendar provided in previous meetings). All 2024 proposals will be evaluated by
Community Development, given a public hearing and recommendations by the
Planning Commission, and the final docket established by the Board of
Commissioners. Community Development and the Planning Commission will then
proceed to evaluate the Final Docket proposals.
Some amendment proposals may be scheduled outside of the annual amendment
process timeframe. These amendment proposals, responding to State-mandated
periodic review requirements, may require additional time to be developed and
completed, and therefore may be considered for adoption mid-year 2025. The
Growth Management Act (GMA, Chapter 36.70A RCW) generally allows
amendments to comprehensive plans no more often than once per year, except in
emergency situations, as codified in JCC 18.45.010.
b. Continuing Assignment
Community Development’s presentation and the following discussion included a
broad look at county needs and priorities as identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Prepare to share your focus areas in the 2024 work, and identify subject matter that
you may want to assist with data development. Refer to the Commerce Checklist
provided in a previous meeting. Priorities already evident include housing issues,
implementing regulations for the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA) with
urban-style development, tribal involvement, and climate change.
Community Development proposes to organize and develop the annual amendment
work under the following project categories or case numbers:
i. 2024 site-specific amendment proposals (individual cases).
ii. All general County Periodic Review & Update work for 2024,
including City/County work on UGA swap discussions.
iii. Port Hadlock UGA work (zoning, development-based
regulations, subdivision regulations).
iv. Planning Commission 2023 Rural Housing Proposals
6:58 pm ADJOURNMENT The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 2024-03-06 at 5:30pm. These meeting minutes were approved this ____________ day of_____, 2024. Richard Hull, Chair Presiding Planning Commission Secretary
Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan
December 2018
Ordinance No. 14-1210-18
Photos courtesy of the Collection of the Jefferson County Historical Society, Carolyn Gallaway, and
Jefferson County.
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION STATEMENT
PLAN FOUNDATION i
Introduction i
Planning Area ii
Comprehensive Plan Purpose iv
Why Plan? iv
Guiding Land Use & Growth Decisions iv
The Growth Management Act vi
The County-wide Planning Policy viii
Jefferson County’s Compliance Strategy ix
Planning Process & Public Participation x
Planning Since 1991 x
Considering Alternative Futures xi
Plan Creation & Amendment xii
Public Involvement xii
Vision Statement xiii
Framework Goals xiv
Using This Comprehensive Plan xvii
Comprehensive Plan Contents xvii
Related Plans xviii
Community Plans xviii
Wayfinding: Western Jefferson County xviii
Plan Implementation & Monitoring xix
The Decision-Making Process xix
Limitations in County Finance Structure to Implement Plan xix
Volunteerism xx
Amending this Comprehensive Plan xx
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Appeals xxii
Growth Management Hearings Board Review xxii
Judicial Review xxii
Monitoring xxii
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
1 LAND USE 1–1
1.1 Framework 1–1
Land Use Typologies 1–2
Population Projections 1–4
Land Use, Health, & Surface Water Analysis 1–8
Land Use Inventory & Analysis 1–8
Land Use & Public Health 1–10
Review of Surface Water Conditions & Existing Polluted
Discharges 1–14
Land Use Strategy 1–15
Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–15
Rural Designations 1–19
Resource Land Designations 1–23
Master Planned Resort Designations 1–24
Urban Growth Area Designations 1–26
Public Designations 1–27
Major Industrial Development & Industrial Land Banks 1–28
Legal Nonconforming Uses & Lots 1–28
Establishing Allowed Uses & Regulations Within Land Designations 1–28
From Rural Character to Development Regulations 1–28
Rural Character & Review of Regulations for Land Uses,
Development Patterns, & Nuisances 1–29
Community Planning Efforts 1–31
County-wide Planning Policies 1–34
Rural Areas Policies 1–34
Urban Growth Areas & Services 1–34
Overarching Land Use Goals & Policies 1–36
General Land Use 1–36
Land Use Consistency with Naval Base Kitsap 1–37
Industrial Development 1–39
Housing 1–39
Public Purpose Lands 1–40
Transportation 1–40
Environment 1–41
Drainage, Flooding, Stormwater Management, & Polluted
Discharges 1–43
Flood Hazards 1–44
Groundwater 1–44
Legal Nonconforming Uses 1–46
Permit Processing 1–47
1.2 Rural 1–48
Rural Character 1–48
Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development 1–50
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs 1–50
Rural Commercial Areas: Centers & Crossroads 1–52
Master Planned Resorts 1–69
Evaluation of Rural Commercial Boundaries 1–73
Periodic Review of LAMIRDs & GMA Implementation Challenges
in Rural Counties 1–77
Rural Industrial Lands 1–82
Forest Resource-Based Industrial Zones 1–92
Economic Activities Outside of Rural Commercial Areas 1–94
West Jefferson County 1–95
Rural Goals & Policies 1–96
Rural Character 1–96
Rural Centers, Crossroads, & MPRs 1–99
Rural Industrial Lands 1–104
Economic Activities Outside of Rural Commercial Areas 1–105
Capital Facilities in Rural Areas 1–107
1.3 Resource 1–109
Resource Lands of Long-Term Commercial Significance under the
GMA 1–109
Forest 1–109
Mineral 1–109
Agriculture 1–110
Resource Conservation 1–110
Resource Lands Goals & Policies 1–111
1.4 Urban 1–112
Urban Growth Areas 1–112
Municipal & Unincorporated 1–112
Port Hadlock / Irondale Urban Growth Area 1–113
History of Planning 1–113
Phased Implementation 1–119
Alternative Phasing Sewer Policy 1–120
Land Use Map & Zoning Designations 1–121
Dwelling Unit & Population Holding Capacity Analysis 1–124
Housing Variety & Affordability 1–124
Urban Growth Area Goals & Policies 1–125
Urban Level Capital Facilities 1–129
Stormwater Management 1–130
Transportation 1–132
Green Space Planning in Urban Growth Area 1–133
1.5 Action Plan 1–134
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
2 NATURAL RESOURCES 2–1
2.1 Purpose 2–2
2.2 Trends & Opportunities 2–3
Conditions & Trends 2–3
Forest Lands 2–3
Mineral Lands 2–4
Agricultural Lands 2–6
Aquaculture Resources 2–7
Challenges & Opportunities 2–7
Forest Lands 2–7
Mineral Resources 2–8
Agriculture 2–9
2.3 Natural Resources Plan 2–11
Forest Lands 2–11
Mineral Lands 2–12
Agricultural Lands 2–14
Aquaculture Resources 2–18
2.4 Goals & Policies 2–23
2.5 Action Plan 2–29
3 HOUSING 3–1
3.1 Purpose 3–2
3.2 Trends & Opportunities 3–2
Housing Affordability & Attainability 3–10
Assisted Housing Programs & Resources in Jefferson County 3–11
Homelessness 3–12
3.3 Housing Plan 3–13
3.4 Goals & Policies 3–15
3.5 Action Plan 3–19
4 OPEN SPACE, PARKS & RECREATION, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL
PRESERVATION 4–1
4.1 Purpose 4–2
4.2 Trends & Opportunities 4–2
Conditions & Trends 4–2
Challenges & Opportunities 4–4
4.3 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Preservation Plan 4–5
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Jefferson County Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan 4–5
Open Space 4–6
Historical & Cultural Resource Preservation 4–7
4.4 Goals & Policies 4–8
4.5 Action Plan 4–12
5 ENVIRONMENT 5–1
5.1 Purpose 5–1
5.2 Trends & Opportunities 5–2
Environmental Considerations 5–2
Watershed Planning & Fish Habitat Recovery 5–2
Designating & Protecting Critical Areas 5–4
Regulating Shorelines 5–4
Addressing Environmental Impacts in Conditional Use & the
State Environmental Policy Act 5–4
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Addressing Climate
Change 5–5
Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques 5–6
Environmental Nuisance Factors 5–6
Balancing Environmental Protection With Community Needs 5–7
5.3 Environment Plan 5–8
Critical Areas Maps 5–8
5.4 Goals & Policies 5–14
Water Resources 5–14
Shorelines 5–16
Environmental Nuisance Factors (Excessive Light, Glare, Odor, &
Noise) 5–17
Critical Areas Regulated Under the Critical Areas Ordinance 5–17
5.5 Action Plan 5–19
6 TRANSPORTATION 6–1
6.1 Purpose 6–1
6.2 Trends & Opportunities 6–3
Conditions & Trends 6–3
County-wide Conditions 6–3
Challenges & Opportunities 6–8
County Roads & State System 6–8
6.3 Transportation Plan 6–9
Roadway Level of Service 6–9
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Concurrency 6–10
Transit Level of Service 6–11
Non-motorized Trail & Standards 6–11
Transportation Demand Management Strategies 6–15
Safety, Maintenance, & Preservation 6–15
Active Living 6–15
County-wide Transportation Improvement Program 6–16
Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area 6–16
6.4 Goals & Policies 6–19
6.5 Action Plan 6–28
7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7–1
7.1 Purpose 7–3
7.2 Trends & Opportunities 7–4
Conditions & Trends 7–4
Unemployment Rate 7–4
Age 7–5
Wages 7–6
Taxable Sales Trends 7–9
Educational Attainment 7–10
Economic Sectors 7–12
Challenges & Opportunities 7–13
Strengths & Challenges 7–14
Jefferson County Economic Development Organizations 7–15
EDC Team Jefferson 7–15
Port of Port Townsend 7–16
Washington State University 7–17
The Chamber of Jefferson County 7–17
North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce 7–17
North Olympic Development Council (NODC) 7–17
County-wide Planning Policies 7–19
7.3 Economic Development Plan 7–20
Workforce Development 7–20
Industrial & Manufacturing Businesses 7–20
Place-making for Visitors & Residents 7–21
Sustainable, Innovative Agricultural & Food Businesses 7–21
Infrastructure Improvements as Economic Development Strategy 7–21
7.4 Goals & Policies 7–24
7.5 Action Plan 7–29
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
8 CAPITAL FACILITIES & UTILITIES 8–1
8.1 Purpose 8–1
8.2 Capital Facilities 8–2
Overview 8–2
County-wide Planning Policies 8–5
Summary of Trends & Opportunities 8–6
8.3 Essential Public Facilities 8–6
Overview 8–6
Essential Public Facilities & Public Purpose Lands 8–7
Essential Public Facility Designations in Jefferson County 8–8
County-wide Planning Policies 8–9
Summary of Trends & Opportunities 8–10
8.4 Utilities 8–11
Electric Utilities 8–11
Providers 8–11
Duty to Serve 8–11
JPUD Inventory 8–12
Electricity: Future Capacity Needs & Requirements 8–14
Telecommunication Utilities 8–15
Telecommunications Systems Types & Regulations 8–15
Conventional Telephone 8–16
Cellular Service 8–16
Broadband 8–16
Telephone: Future Capacity Needs & Requirements 8–17
County-wide Planning Policies 8–18
Summary of Trends & Opportunities 8–19
8.5 Capital Facilities & Utilities Plan 8–20
Capital Facilities 8–20
Essential Public Facilities 8–20
Utilities 8–20
8.6 Goals & Policies 8–21
Capital Facilities 8–21
General 8–21
Potable Water 8–27
Sewer & Wastewater 8–28
Solid Waste 8–29
Surface Water Management 8–31
Essential Public Facilities 8–31
Utilities 8–37
General Capacity & Conservation 8–37
Telecommunication & Internet Utilities 8–39
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Electrical Utilities 8–40
8.7 Action Plan 8–41
REFERENCES, PHOTOS, ACRONYMS, & GLOSSARY
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Community Engagement Summary Vision 2038
Appendix B: Resolution #38-15, Population Forecast & Allocations
Appendix C: Transportation Technical Document
Appendix D: Capital Facilities Plan Technical Document
Appendix E: Port Hadlock/Irondale Land Capacity Analysis
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
LIST OF EXHIBITS
PLAN FOUNDATION i
Exhibit A Jefferson County Planning Area iii
Exhibit B Relationship: County-wide Planning Policies & Elements viii
Exhibit C Comprehensive Plan Update Process Diagram xii
1 LAND USE 1–1
Exhibit 1-1 General Land Use Categories 1–3
Exhibit 1-2 Jefferson County & City of Port Townsend 20-year
Population Projection & Distribution (2018-2038) 1–4
Exhibit 1-3 Population Shares 2010 & 2038 1–5
Exhibit 1-4 Employment: Quimper Peninsula Travel Demand Model
Updated 2018 1–7
Exhibit 1-5 Current Land Use Map, 2018 Assessor Information 1–9
Exhibit 1-6 Current Land Use, 2018 Assessor Information 1–10
Exhibit 1-7 Recreation Trail Connections to Schools and Parks of the Irondale-Port Hadlock UGA and Chimacum 1–13
Exhibit 1-8 Land Use / Zoning Map 1–16
Exhibit 1-9 Land Use Designations / Zoning Districts & Acreage 1–17
Exhibit 1-10 Planned Residential Densities 1–18
Exhibit 1-11 Summary of Rural Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–19
Exhibit 1-12 Summary of Overlay Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–21
Exhibit 1-13 Summary of Resource Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–23
Exhibit 1-14 Summary of Master Planned Resort Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–25
Exhibit 1-15 Port Hadlock/Irondale Urban Growth Area Land Use & Zoning Designations 1–26
Exhibit 1-16 Public Land Use Designations & Zoning 1–27
Exhibit 1-17 Community Planning Areas 1–33
Exhibit 1-18 Location of Rural Commercial Areas & Master Planned
Resorts 1–51
Exhibit 1-19 Rural Commercial Area Total Acreage & Infill Acreage 1–75
Exhibit 1-20 Location of Rural Industrial Lands 1–83
Exhibit 1-21 Transitional Rural Zoning 1–122
Exhibit 1-22 Irondale & Port Hadlock Urban Zoning 1–123
Exhibit 1-23 Estimated Total Dwelling Unit & Population Holding
Capacity 1–124
Exhibit 1-24 Land Use Action Plan 1–134
2 NATURAL RESOURCES 2–1
Exhibit 2-1 NRCS Potential Mineral Source Soils 2–5
Exhibit 2-2 Jefferson County Farmland Classifications 2–6
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Exhibit 2-3 Forest Lands Zoning 2–12
Exhibit 2-4 Map of Forest Resource Lands 2–20
Exhibit 2-5 Map of Mineral Resource Lands 2–21
Exhibit 2-6 Map of Agricultural Resource Lands 2–22
Exhibit 2-7 Natural Resources Action Plan 2–29
3 HOUSING 3–1
Exhibit 3-1 Housing Units by Type, 2017 3–6
Exhibit 3-2 Household Type, County-wide 3–7
Exhibit 3-3 Age, 2016 & 2040 3–8
Exhibit 3-4 Median Household Income 3–9
Exhibit 3-5 Unemployment Rate, Jan 2014-Dec 2016 3–9
Exhibit 3-6 Poverty, 2011-15 3–9
Exhibit 3-7 Housing Action Plan 3–19
4 OPEN SPACE, PARKS & RECREATION, HISTORIC & CULTURAL
PRESERVATION 4–1
Exhibit 4-1 Jefferson County Parks 4–3
Exhibit 4-2 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural
Resources Action Plan 4–12
5 ENVIRONMENT 5–1
Exhibit 5-1 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 5–9
Exhibit 5-2 Hydrography: Streams, Wetlands, & 1998 FEMA Flood Zones 5–10
Exhibit 5-3 Geologic Hazards 5–11
Exhibit 5-4 Critical Areas: Fish-Bearing Inventory & Primary Association Habitats 5–12
Exhibit 5-5 Seawater Intrusion Protection Zones 5–13
Exhibit 5-6 Environment Action Plan 5–19
6 TRANSPORTATION 6–1
Exhibit 6-1 Functional Classification Map 6–4
Exhibit 6-2 Transit Passenger Trips & Service Hours 6–6
Exhibit 6-3 On-Road Bicycle Routes 6–13
Exhibit 6-4 Multi-Purpose Paths 6–14
Exhibit 6-5 2018-2023 Six-year Transportation Improvement
Program 6–16
Exhibit 6-6 Port Hadlock/Irondale Area Improvement Projects 6–18
Exhibit 6-7 Transportation Action Plan 6–28
7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7–1
Exhibit 7-1 Unemployment Rate 7–4
CONTENTS
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
Exhibit 7-2 Population by Age 7–5
Exhibit 7-3 Comparison of Population by Age, 2016, 2040 7–6
Exhibit 7-4 Average Annual Wage by Sector, 2016 7–7
Exhibit 7-5 Employment Share by Sector & Inflation Adjusted
Average Wage 7–8
Exhibit 7-6 Inflation Adjusted Annual Taxable Retail Sales 7–9
Exhibit 7-7 Inflation Adjusted Quarterly Taxable Retail Sales 7–10
Exhibit 7-8 Adult Educational Levels 7–11
Exhibit 7-9 Adult Educational Levels by Age Group 7–11
Exhibit 7-10 Economic Development Action Plan 7–29
8 CAPITAL FACILITIES & UTILITIES 8–1
Exhibit 8-1 Capital Facilities & Public Services Provided 8–2
Exhibit 8-2 Relationship of Capital Facilities Plan to County-wide
Planning Policies 8–5
Exhibit 8-3 Distinguishing Public Purpose Lands from Essential
Public Facilities 8–8
Exhibit 8-4 JPUD Electrical Income by Customer Class 8–13
Exhibit 8-5 Residential Population Electricity Demand 8–14
Exhibit 8-6 Overhead & Underground Fiber Optic System Location 8–17
Exhibit 8-7 Capital Facilities, Essential Public Facilities, & Utilities
Action Plan 8–41
VISION
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
History and Vision
OUR HOME
Jefferson County, Washington encompasses approximately 1,814 square miles of land,
bound on the north and east by the shores of the vast Salish Sea, with the Pacific Ocean
to the west and the Hood Canal to the southeast. The terrestrial borders of Jefferson
County join with Clallam County to the north and west, and Mason and Grays Harbor
Counties to the south.
Approximately 80% of the land within the total County acreage is in non-county public
ownership. Jefferson County stretches across Olympic National Park and Olympic
National Forest, and encompasses spectacular rainforests and mighty rivers including
the Queets, Quinault, Hoh, Bogachiel, Quilcene, Dosewallips, Duckabush, and hundreds
of miles of shoreline.
The first inhabitants of this vast region were indigenous people belonging to a
number of different groups who lived here for millennia, including who we now
refer to as the Chemakum, S’Klallam, Klallam, Twana, Kilcid (“Quilcene”),
Skokomish, Suquamish, Makah, Quinault, Queets, Quileute, and Hoh. Collectively,
many of the early indigenous people are referred to as the Twana society, a name
given to the Coast Salish peoples who were identified by their use of Salish
languages.
These people and tribal nations reside in Jefferson County and/or have affirmed
treaty rights under the provisions of their “usual and accustomed grounds and
stations” within Jefferson County and include the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Port
Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe,
Suquamish Tribe, Makah Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Quileute Tribe, and Hoh
Tribe.
Early European settlements began in the mid-1800s. Today’s towns and villages,
rural crossroads, and tribal nations in Jefferson County grew from early-
established imprints of urban, commercial, and cultural centers. Snapshots of our
history include the establishment of the city of Irondale in 1879, leading the way
for development of the iron smelter of Puget Sound Iron Co., later to become
Western Steel Company. The 1870s to 1890s represents the time in our nation’s
history of extensive railroad construction and the anticipation that Port
Townsend, a well-known seaport, would be the railroad terminus and prosper—
coining the term “City of Dreams”. During that time in 1884, the large sawmill of
Western Mill and Lumber Company was built in Hadlock. An oil boom in western
Washington was underway in 1885 and the plat of Oil City in western Jefferson
County was registered in 1911, and the same year the alcohol distillery plant
Collectively, many of the early indigenous people are referred to as
the Twana society, a name given to
the Coast Salish peoples who were identified by their use of Salish languages. However, the Chemakum were not a part of the Salish
language ethno-linguistic group.
Although geographically isolated from each other, the Chemakum were linguistically related to the
Quileute rather than the local Salish
speaking people. The Chemakum are now considered to be extinct as an ethnological group and tribe, and the
Coast Salish peoples in the northern-
mid Puget Sound region are now subsumed into surviving groups and organized tribes. Federal treaties, formal tribal recognition, and
movements to established
reservation areas have also played a role in how the region’s indigenous groups have become the organized
tribes of today.
The Twana Society
VISION
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
making methanol from sawdust, was constructed in Port Hadlock. Irondale was a
bustling boom town. World War I was on the heels of this time, starting in 1914.
Jefferson County’s geographical setting contributed to strategic military installations on
our shorelines and corresponding economic development from World Wars I and II. The
post-war decommissioning of coastal defense systems at Forts Woarden, Townsend,
and Flagler began a turn away from the military’s contribution to the economy; and the
industrial facilities that constructed them were largely gone. The short-lived steel plant
had already closed in 1891, and Western Mill and Lumber Co. had closed in 1907 when
the bottom fell out of the lumber market. 1913 marked the closure of the short-lived
Alcohol Plant. While many people chose to leave for a more stable economic future,
those who stayed found opening doors to other economic opportunities. The Paper Mill
was constructed in 1920 and today is the largest private employer in the County.
Remnants of our industrial past have become parks and points of interest. Over thirty-
thousand people now live in small communities skirting the Olympic Mountains to the
west and east.
As both a refuge from metropolis surroundings, and a destination for economic
opportunity, Jefferson County has stood out as a place where fishers, farmers, hunters,
mariners, artists and artisans, foresters and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as independent
and innovative entrepreneurs of every kind have subsisted and thrived in this working
landscape. Jefferson county residents, throughout history rise to the occasion working
to mark a new stories for them, their families, and the County. While County residents
may be developing a new entrepreneurial idea, just trying to get by and survive, or
working to build a new future together on the edge of this rural wilderness, they form a
diverse community with a distinctive and collective Jefferson County identity forging a
future together.
VISION
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
OUR VISION FOR 2045
The communities of Jefferson County embrace a balance of tradition and
innovation while preserving the rural character of our land and lifestyles. Land use
priorities protect and restore ecological function to open spaces, forests, and
farmland for long-term management and conservation, while also embracing
innovations that foster opportunities for increased synergy between natural and
built environments. Jefferson County’s rural character is defined by and
manifested through welcoming, vibrant communities, healthy and abundant
natural spaces, and thriving place-based economies.
Jefferson County believes that investing in our local economy, culture, and
ecosystem yields benefits for current residents and future generations. Low-
impact techniques, localized environmental remediation, and other innovations in
housing and industry benefit overall ecosystem vitality and biodiversity while
aiding ecological restoration and adapting to climate disruption. Jefferson County
further believes the pace and scale of climate disruption warrant bold, innovative,
and commensurately scaled investments, ideas, and policy frameworks.
Jefferson County embraces diversity of all types. Our vibrant community fabric
offers opportunity for all residents, including working-class individuals and families
as well as those who struggle to live, thrive, and age with dignity. We value
creativity and life-long learning and revere constitutional rights, personal
independence and privacy; as well as working cooperatively as a community on
issues that affect all.
Jefferson County respects and honors tribal treaty rights and tribal sovereignty.
Policies are in place to ensure that collaboration and consultation with tribal
entities is regular and ongoing.
The County values high-quality education, public services, and facilities. Emphasis
on community spaces and networks of non-motorized trails, bike lanes, and paths
encourages interactive communities of healthy individuals. Community members of all
ages have access to safe and active environments, healthcare—including preventative,
mental health, and long-term care—as well as fresh and abundant local food.
Jefferson County citizens value the strengths and resiliencies found in volunteerism,
taking an active role in local government and participation in organizations and
institutions supporting our communities. Volunteer initiatives and private services
provide additional opportunities and forward momentum in communities when there
are limited public funds and capacity, or when identified needs are outside of the
purview of county government.
Jefferson County enjoys a healthy and diverse local economy with wisely-considered
economic development and balanced growth. Though people inevitably leave their
mark on the natural landscape, through responsible planning, we are intentional with
the type of mark we create, maintaining our character while allowing communities to
Public Health
An additional value could be included regarding public health
matching GMA’s encouragement for
planning for active living per staff
suggestions:
“Jefferson County values:
Environments that foster health for
the entire population. We place
emphasis on creating places that make it easy to lead physically active lifestyles and where there is access
to nutritious foods.”
Balancing Competing Interests
Jefferson County’s setting, character, and economy attracts visitors and
new residents alike. However, the
County’s limited affordable housing supply presents challenges attracting and retaining families. This
Comprehensive Plan establishes
goals and policies balancing competing interests, such as affordable housing, economic
development, and protection of
environmentally sensitive areas.
Together, Jefferson County can be a place of opportunity for all, while maintaining its character and
environment.
Additional Ideas
VISION
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
develop and thrive. Sectors including food system development, marine trades and
craftsmanship, healthcare and education, resource management, high-tech and science-
based trades; and sectors relating to tourism, art and cultural events, among others,
support our robust economy. We believe that investing in human potential and the
resilience of our local economy, including improved infrastructure networks, yields
benefits for current residents and future generations.
Jefferson County honors and respects the natural world as integral to our health and
lifestyles. The County protects open spaces, shorelines, forests, clean air and clean
water, wildlife and wildlife habitat so that future generations may also practice
stewardship of the land, the seas, and the communities of Jefferson County.
VISION
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan February 2024
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Agenda Item #8
Jefferson County Planning Commission
March 6, 2024
Prompting questions for Public Environmental Health and Planning Commission
discussion about septic and water, regarding rural housing proposals:
1. PC is exploring different rural residential development methods (e.g. congregate housing,
boarding houses, multiple satellite bedrooms, tiny house cluster development) and how to
identify and address potential challenges with on-site septic systems and/or alternative
systems.
2. Residential septic standards: What is an “alternative system” and how does PEH implement
them? Do I need a redundant septic system? “Can I go cheap and just set up my own
blackwater/greywater systems to treat my residential wastewater?”
3. “Why does the County have onerous septic requirements?” Where do these regulations come
from and how can they be changed? Local or State Department of Health?
4. What is the minimum land area required for a septic system and related components?
5. Why does PEH require a minimum of two-bedroom wastewater capacity for a single-bedroom
primary residence or ADU? Example: 120 gallons/person/day, assuming double-occupancy =
240 gallons/person/day. Can this be changed? Are there provisions to reduce this amount for
congregate living?
6. How is septic capacity determined for Short-Term Rental (transient) residences? What capacity
analysis applies to a residence that is occupied for only part of the year, and vacant for part of
the year (example: farmworker housing)?
7. What septic & water requirements would there be for a cluster of tiny houses? Is there any
difference in septic permitting for rentals vs. ownership?
8. Capacity of septic systems. “How many tiny houses can I cluster before capacity requirements
turns into a Large Onsite Septic System (LOSS)?”
9. Wells. “How many connections can I have on a single well?”
10. Water systems. “What’s the difference between a Group B and Group A? What Cottage
Industry or Home Business activities require a public water system?
11. When do I need a commercial kitchen? With congregate housing? Boarding house?
12. When a residential structure is considered a “commercial” structure by IBC standards because of
the number of rooms or residents, does that IBC rating effect septic standards in and of itself?
Or, are the septic standards following other regulations irrespective of IBC category?