HomeMy WebLinkAboutHearing re Countywide Planning Policy JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST—Afternoon Session
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Josh D. Peters,AICP, Director, Community Development
Joel M. Peterson,Associate Planner, Community Development
DATE: November 18, 2024
SUBJECT: Public Hearing: Regarding Updates to the Countywide Planning Policy(CPP) as
Recommended by the Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC);
Adoption by Resolution of the Updated CPP; Adoption by Resolution of 2025-
2045 Population Projection and Allocations as Recommended by the GMSC;
Adoption of Public Participation Plan by Resolution for 2025 Comprehensive
Plan Periodic Update
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Three work benchmarks of the ongoing 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review("Periodic Review")
have been reached. Two recommendations from Growth Management Steering Committee(GMSC)are
presented for review and adoption by resolution,and the project's Public Participation Plan is presented for
the Board's endorsement by resolution.
The GMSC was reconstituted for the Periodic Review through Resolution No. 09-24. This multi-
jurisdictional committee is responsible for the public process of reviewing and updating the Countywide
Planning Policy (CPP)and establishing population projections and allocations for planning purposes, as part
of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. The GMSC process and recommendations for CPP
updates and planning numbers are found in the attached CPP resolution and Population resolution. Note that
pursuant to the Growth Management Act(GMA), CPP adoption must be preceded by a public hearing,
RCW 36.70A.210. The hearing notice was published in the November 6 and November 13, 2024 editions of
the Leader.
The Growth Management Act(GMA)requires public participation early and often through a Periodic
Review, RCW 36.70A.035. Community Development has developed a Public Participation Plan(PPP),
with topic-specific Community Engagement Plans for Climate Resiliency and Middle Housing. As a
community outreach kickoff as well as an endorsement by the BoCC of the PPP, a resolution adopting the
plan is presented.
ANALYSIS:
The Countywide Planning Policy documents has not been updated since 1994. The GMSC has provided
recommendations that replaces dated information in the CPP as well as adding policy statements on newly
required topics such as Tribal Coordination and Climate policies.
The Population Resolution selects the midrange population projection, which has tracked as the most
accurate projection provided by the State Office of Financial Management. To respond to additional
planning requirements for housing at all income levels,the GMSC has proposed a population allocation of
80%to urban areas and 20%to rural areas for planning purposes. Urban areas are most capable of
providing affordable housing.
The Public Participation Plan reviews methods used by Community Development to reach as wide of
population and broad of representation of the community as possible given limitations on time and finances.
The PPP and the Community Engagement supplements prioritize reaching underserved communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2025 Periodic Review has been funded by grants from Department of Commerce and the County
General Fund. Adoption of the resolutions will not have a fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
After presentation by Community Development on the three resolutions,hold a public hearing on the CPP
and take action on the three resolutions.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCauAj County Administrator Date
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of a Resolution Repealing and
Replacing Resolution No. 107-91 (The
Establishment of a County-wide Planning
Policy) and Resolution No. 128-92 (In the RESOLUTION NO.
Matter of The Adoption of County-wide
Planning Policy),which adopts an Updated
County-wide Planning Policy
WHEREAS, Jefferson County(the County) plans under the Washington State Growth
Management Act(GMA), Chapter 36.70A RCW; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County is required to conduct scheduled periodic reviews to the
Comprehensive Plan as specified in RCW 36.70A.130; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has determined that it is in the public interest that citizens,
communities, local governments, and the private sector cooperate and coordinate with one
another in comprehensive land use planning(RCW 36.70A.010); and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.70A.210 directs counties, in cooperation with its cities, to develop
a countywide planning policy to be used as a policy framework from which county and city
comprehensive plans are to be developed and adopted; and
WHEREAS,by Resolution No. 09-24, Jefferson County re-established a multi-
jurisdiction Growth Management Steering Committee through Resolution 107-91 for the purpose
of advising the Board of County Commissioners on GMA planning activities including but not
limited to population projections and population and employment allocation; and updating
Countywide Planning Policies, which were initially adopted via Resolution 128-92 and amended
via Resolution 112-94; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that the provisions of House Bill
1717 specifying the involvement of Tribal governments have been met; and
WHEREAS,the Growth Management Steering Committee convened five meetings from
March 5, 2024 to August 13, 2024 to review and update the Countywide Planning Policy with
input from Tribal governments and the public; and
WHEREAS, the County and City of Port Townsend(the City)jointly have developed
this policy as a foundation from which to judge consistency between the County's and the City's
comprehensive plans and with the requirements of GMA; and
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Steering Committee did, on August 13, 2024,
conduct its final review of the Countywide Planning Policy, and by formal motion recommended
that the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners adopt the updated County-wide policy that is
attached to this Resolution as "Exhibited B"and consistent with the requirements of the GMA.
NOW,THEREFORE,THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY,WASHINGTON,HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners hereby adopts the above"Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to adopt updated Countywide
Planning Policy as a framework for County and City planning, as part of the 2025
Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review, as required by RCW 36.70A.210.
Section 3. Adoption of Updated Countywide Planning Policy. The Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners hereby adopts this updated Countywide Planning Policy as shown in
redline format in"Exhibit A,"and as final copy shown in"Exhibit B."
Section 4. Repealingplacing Resolutions. Resolution No. 107-91 (The
Establishment of a County-wide Planning Policy) and Resolution No. 128-92 (In the Matter of
The Adoption of County-wide Planning Policy) are hereby repealed and replaced by this
Resolution.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,phrase or section of
this Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of
the Resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall
not be affected.
Section 6. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This Resolution is categorically exempt for the
State Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-8000 9).
Section 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force
immediately upon passage by the Board of County Commissioners.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
APROVED and ADOPTED this day of 2024.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Kate Dean, Chair
Heidi Eisenhour, Member
Greg Brotherton, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of
RESOLUTION NO.
Adopting a Public Participation Plan for the
2025 Comprehensive Plan Update
WHEREAS,Jefferson County exercises comprehensive land use planning pursuant to
Washington's Growth Management Act(RCW 36. 70A), and is required to update the
Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations by June 2025; and,
WHEREAS, RCW 36.70A.035 requires reasonable public participation efforts be
conducted whenever comprehensive plans or development regulations are amended; and,
WHEREAS,Jefferson County finds that the proposed Public Participation Plan is
intended to broadly disseminate information about the procedures employed to amend the
Comprehensive Plan and provides for early and continuous opportunities for the public to
participate in the update process, consistent with RCW 36.70A.130(2)(a) and RCW 36.70A.140;
and,
WHEREAS, Department of Community Development(DCD) and the Jefferson County
Planning Commission began discussion and review of this Public Participation Plan at the joint
Planning Commission and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners retreat in January of 2024
and subsequent Planning Commission meetings throughout 2024; and,
WHEREAS, the combined DCD and Planning Commission's Public Participation Plan is
attached hereto as ATTACHMENT A, shall guide public participation efforts during
completion of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update; and,
WHEREAS,the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners find that this Public
Participation Plan is consistent with meeting the requirements of the Periodic Update Grant,
Middle Housing Grant, and Climate Planning Grant scopes of work; and,
WHEREAS,the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners desires to ensure that
effective resident participation, including timely opportunities for public involvement, are part of
the County's planning processes and endorses this Public Participation Plan; and,
NOW,THEREFORE,THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY,WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
hereby adopts the above "Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to provide for public participation consistent
with goals and objectives of the Growth Management Act and to approve public participation and
outreach efforts to update the Comprehensive Plan.
Section 3. Public Participation Plan. The combined DCD and Planning Commission's Public
Participation Plan attached hereto as ATTACHMENT A,which is hereby incorporated as part of
this resolution, shall guide public participation efforts during completion of the 2025
Comprehensive Plan update
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this
Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
Resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 5. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
Section 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
passage by the Board of County Commissioners.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
ADOPTED and APPROVED this day of November, 2024.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Kate Dean, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Heidi Eisenhour, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of a Resolution Repealing and
Replacing Resolution No. 38-15 (Adopting a
Countywide Growth Management Planning
Population Projection and Allocation for Periods
2016-3026 And 2018-2038), which Adopts a RESOLUTION NO.
Countywide Growth Management Planning
Population Projection for the Period 2025-2045,
Allocates Projected Urban Growth to
Urban Growth Areas, and Allocates Housing to
Income Bands Using Department of Commerce
Housing for All Planning Tool (HAFT).
WHEREAS, the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee(JGMSC)was
established in 1991 pursuant to the Growth Management Act("GMA"), chapter 36.70A.210
RCW, as the collaborative County and City process required by that statute to provide a
framework for adoption of a county-wide planning policy; and
WHEREAS, The JGMSC was reconvened through Resolution No. 09-24 for the
purposes of providing planning population forecasts and allocations to Urban and Rural areas of
the County, as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, as required by the GMA,
RCW 36.70A.130; and
WHEREAS,the name of this committee was updated through Resolution No. 09-24 to be
Growth Management Steering Committee("GMSC"); and
WHEREAS, in 1992 the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners ("BOCC") and the
City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County's only incorporated city,jointly adopted Countywide
Planning Policy("CPP")through Resolution No. 128-92, as required by RCW 36.70A.210 of the
GMA; and subsequently amended the Countywide Planning Policy(CPP) in 1994 through
Resolution 112-94 to adopt the state definition of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, the GMSC is recommending to the BoCC updates to the CPP for the 2025
periodic update in another action; and
WHEREAS, CPP requires that Jefferson County(county)work with the City of Port
Townsend(city)to establish updated population forecasts and allocations; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130(5)(b) and RCW 36.70A.130(6)(b), Jefferson
County and the City of Port Townsend must update their Comprehensive Plans to address the
planning period 2025-2045; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, city and county planning staff worked cooperatively to develop a
recommended update to the CPP, countywide population forecast, population allocations, and
housing allocations for each jurisdiction's new Comprehensive Plan period; and
WHEREAS, on five dates from March through August, 2024, the Growth Management
Committee met as a body and received city and county staffs'joint recommendation on
population projections and allocations for the new Comprehensive Plan periods, and the
underlying methodology; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024,the Growth Management Steering Committee endorsed
the Washington Office of Financial Management(OFM)medium series population projection to
use in comprehensive planning; and
WHEREAS, the proposed allocations are reasonable and within the range of choices
afforded to jurisdictions under the GMA and will allow for ongoing and extensive planning
efforts to proceed with respect to the 20-year planning periods listed above; and
WHEREAS, at its June 11, 2024 meeting, the GMSC unanimously voted to recommend
to the BoCC that the county adopt the medium series population forecast and allocation for the
Comprehensive Plan periods; and
WHEREAS, at its August 13, 2024 meeting,the GMSC unanimously voted to
recommend approval of a population allocation of 80%of projected growth to urban areas
(Urban Growth Areas ("UGAs"), divided as 40%to the Port Townsend UGA and 40%to county
urban areas; and
WHEREAS, legislative amendments to GMA at RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a) now require
jurisdictions to further develop a comprehensive plan's housing element to include an inventory
and analysis of existing and projected housing needs that identifies the number of housing units
necessary to manage projected growth, including units for moderate, low,very low, and
extremely low-income households; and emergency housing, emergency shelters, and permanent
supportive housing; and
WHEREAS,the Washington Department of Commerce has developed a planning model
named Housing for All Planning Tool(HAFT) for jurisdictions to use to meet new GMA
housing data requirements of RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a), to provide customized housing need
projections and determining allocations of housing to various income bands, modeled on local
data, and which offers jurisdictions a choice of three housing projection models, each option
optimized for jurisdictions having various characteristics; and
WHEREAS, at its August 13, 2024 meeting, the GMSC unanimously voted to
recommend planning staff use"Methodology C"of the Housing for All Planning Tool (RAPT)
which is optimized for rural jurisdictions, along with the recommended population allocations,
for determining housing allocations within income bands, as required by GMA, RCW
36.70A.070(2)(a), and recommend that planning staff continue to work with"Methodology C"
during comprehensive planning to find optimal results in housing allocations and sub-allocations,
as this option best represents the characteristics of Jefferson County; and
NOW,THEREFORE,THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY,WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
hereby adopts the above"Whereas"clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to establish planning populations and
allocations to be used by the city and county, as recommended by the GMSC, in the furtherance
of updating the city and county's respective comprehensive plans.
Section 3. Adoption of Countywide Growth Management Population Projection. Based on the
concurrence of the City of Port Townsend and the recommendation the GMSC, the medium
countywide population forecast by the Washington State Office of Financial Management
(OFM) as displayed in bold in TABLE 1 below is hereby adopted for the respective
comprehensive planning periods 2025-2045:
TABLE 1: OFM Population Projection
Year Population Population (Medium) Population(High)
(Low)
2025 31,819 34,586 37,353
045 35,287 40,486 50,365
Increase: ,468 5,900 13,012
Section 4. Adoption of Countywide Population Growth Allocation. Based on the concurrence of
the City of Port Townsend and the recommendation the GMSC, the population growth
Urban/Rural allocations of 40%-40%-20%yields the following numbers as displayed in TABLE
2 below, and are hereby adopted for the comprehensive planning period 2025-2045:
TABLE 2. Jefferson County and City of Port Townsend Allocations (2025-2045)
Allocation%of Allocation of Projected Growth
Projected Growth 2025-2045)
Port Townsend Urban 0% 2,360
Allocation
County Urban Allocation 0% 2,360
Subtotal of Urban 80% 4,720
Allocations
Rural &Resource 0% 1,180
Allocation
ounty-wide Total 100% 5,900
Section 5. Planning Model to Meet Requirements of RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a). When determining
housing allocations in the City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County, the Washington
Department of Commerce's Housing for All Planning Tool (HAPT), "Methodology C",will be
used to meet the planning requirements of RCW36.70A.070(2)(a).
Section 6. Repeal and Replace Resolution No. 38-15. This Resolution repeals and replaces
Resolution No. 38-15, which is now null and void.
Section 7. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,phrase of section of this
resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 8. SERA Categorical Exemption. This Resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800(19).
Section 9. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
passage by the Board of Commissioners.
(SINATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
ADOPTED and APPROVED this day of , 2024.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Kate Dean, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Heidi Eisenhour, Member
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
f
{
r _
a
� jol
V� f r
WAN
lk
x `
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
#1 Policy to Implement RCW 36.70A.110 — Urban Growth Areas 7
#2 Policy on the Promotion of Contiguous and Orderly Development and the Provision of
Urban Services to Such Development 9
#3 Policy on Joint County and City Planning within Urban Growth Areas 10
#4 Policy on the Siting of Public Capital and Transportation Facilities of a Countywide or
Statewide Significance 11
#5 Policy on Countywide Transportation Facilities and Strategies 13
#6 Policy on the Provision of Affordable Housing 15
#7 Policy on Countywide Economic Development and Employment 17
#8 Policy on Rural Areas 18
#9 Policy on Fiscal Impact Analysis 19
#10 Policy on Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources and Coordination 20
#11 Policy on Use, Monitoring, Review, and Amendment 21
2
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICIES FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY
A POLICY FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
OF COUNTY AND CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
INTRODUCTION
The opening section of the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) sets forth the following
legislative finding:
"Uncoordinated and unplanned growth together with a lack of common goals
expressing the public's interest in the conservation and the wise use of our
lands, pose a threat to the environment, sustainable economic development,
and the health, safety, and high quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the
state."
The legislature went on to develop a statewide growth management strategy encompassing
the following goals:
1) Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities
and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
2) Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low-density development.
3) Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based
on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans.
4) Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of
the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing
types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.
5) Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state that
is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all
citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and
encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the
capacities of the state's natural resources, public services, and public facilities.
6) Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be
protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
7) Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be
processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.
3
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
8) Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries,
including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the
conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands and
discourage incompatible uses.
9) Open space and recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and development
of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to
natural resource lands and water, and develop parks.
10) Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life,
including air and water quality, and the availability of water.
11) Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the
planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to
reconcile conflicts.
12) Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the
time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current
service levels below locally established minimum standards.
13) Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and struc-
tures, that have historical or archaeological significance.
14) Climate change and resiliency. Ensure that comprehensive plans; development
regulations; and regional policies, plans, and strategies under RCW 36.70A.210 and
chapter 47.80 RCW adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate; support
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled; prepare
for climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to climate impacts and natural hazards,
protect and enhance environmental, economic, and human health and safety; and
advance environmental justice.
15) Shorelines of the state. For shorelines of the state, the goals and policies of the shoreline
management act as set forth in RCW 90.58.020 shall be considered an element of the
county's or city's comprehensive plan.
The passage of the Growth Management Act (GMA) fundamentally changed the way com-
prehensive land use planning is carried out in the state. The GMA requires that cities and counties
update their comprehensive land use plans consistent with state-wide goals and minimum
requirements as established by the statute and coordinate their planning efforts with each other.
The central theme behind the Growth Management Act is that spontaneous and unstructured
growth and development is wasteful of our natural resource base and costly in the provision of
public services and facilities; and by managing growth and development, the negative effects can
be minimized and the benefits can be maximized.
The Act is built on the principle that Cities and Counties, special purpose districts and
those agencies or jurisdictions involved in the delivery of public services will coordinate their
efforts consistent with each other and the provisions of the act. In an effort to assure these
principles are carried out, the legislature passed companion legislation requiring Counties and
Cities to coordinate the independent development of local comprehensive plans through a set of
mutually developed Countywide Planning Policies (RCW 36.70A.210). These written policy
4
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
statements are to address nine subject areas and are intended to be used as a guiding framework
for subsequent development and adoption of comprehensive plans. The required Countywide
Planning Policy summarized subject areas include:
1) Designation of Urban Growth Areas
2) Promotion of contiguous and orderly development and the provision of urban services
to such development
3) Joint county and city planning within urban growth areas, where applicable
4) Siting of capital public and transportation facilities of a county or statewide significance
5) Countywide transportation facilities and strategies
6) Affordable housing for all economic and income segments of the population, and
parameters for distribution
7) Countywide economic development and employment, including consideration of future
development of commercial and industrial facilities
8) Analysis of fiscal impact
9) Protection of tribal cultural resources accomplished through collaboration with Federally
recognized tribes that are invited and chooses to participate
In addition to the nine required policy areas, policies pertaining to rural areas and the
context within which the Countywide Planning Policies are to be used are also included.
THE COUNTYWIDE PLANNING PROCESS:
The Countywide Planning Policies were developed initially in the 1990s as prescribed by
RCW 36.70A.210 through a collaborative process between Jefferson County and the City of Port
Townsend. With subsequent population allocation exercises associated with GMA-mandated
periodic updates, a Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) was expanded over time in
order to achieve greater countywide representation.
The 2024 update of these policies has been overseen by the GMSC, comprising officials
from Jefferson County, City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, and Public Utility District
No. 1 (PUD) of Jefferson County, as well as one representative from the Port Hadlock/Irondale
Urban Growth Area (UGA) and Brinnon Rural Village Center (RVC) communities. Additionally,
federally recognized Indian Tribes were invited to participate in review of the countywide planning
policies.
The Countywide Planning Policies represent a composite framework, not a series of
individual, stand-alone concepts. The ideas represented here balance each other to create an
overall direction for development of individual comprehensive plans. These policies establish the
foundation for determining consistency of individual plans with each other and with the tenets of
the Growth Management Act, as well as a mechanism to coordinate the provision of public
facilities and services throughout the community. These policies encompass broad concepts
encouraging flexibility and innovation in meeting the goals and intent of the Growth Management
Act and will, like the planning documents they are intended to guide, evolve over time.
KEY OBJECTIVES:
The following Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County are based on these objectives:
1) Livable urban communities that are centers for and provide equitable access to
employment; dense housing; multimodal travel options promoting active lifestyle; range of
5
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
services; and civic, social and cultural activities.
2) Rural character, that respects culture and historic appearance, supports resource-based
economy, and preserves ecological functions.
3) Vital, diversified, and evolving economy with living-wage jobs for residents, supported by
range of business and employment opportunities.
4) Natural systems protection, including natural resource lands, forests, wetlands, wildlife
habitat, streams, and Salish Sea. Maintain a system of open space, trails, parks,
greenbelts that provide opportunities to be outside and active.
5) An efficient and active multimodal transportation system, with roads and highways, transit,
ferries, airports, and active (bicycle and pedestrian) travel, providing accessible and
convenient mobility.
6) An efficient, collaborative, transparent, proactive, and responsive local government that
partners with citizens and other entities.
6
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #1
POLICY TO IMPLEMENT RCW 36.70A.110 — URBAN GROWTH AREAS
1. The County and City will jointly prepare a regional population forecast for growth management
planning purposes, using the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM)
population projection. This forecast will delineate a twenty-year population projection and be
used in the preparation of land use, housing, water, utility, and transportation for the capital
improvement plans. To ensure consistent and coordinated planning horizons, the population
forecast will be designated as the official source reference by the County and City and utilized
when determining consistency of special purpose district service plans. The forecast shall be
reviewed and updated periodically, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130. In general, the distribution
of the OFM population projection shall be allocated as 70% to urban growth areas and 30% to
rural and natural resource land use designations.
2. For planning purposes, the capacity of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) will be sized to
accommodate at least the anticipated population according to the allocation determined jointly
through adoption of the population projection under 1 above. (Note: The GMA does not direct
where people may choose to live, however, it does require that urban development be
accommodated within urban growth areas. This policy is forwarded to ensure that UGAs and
their attendant facilities are properly sized to accommodate future populations.)
3. The size and delineation of boundaries of new UGAs will be determined by the following
criteria:
• Received population allocation for urban growth areas as part of the population forecast
process described in #1 above.
• adequate amount of developable land to accommodate forecasted growth for the next 20
years based on the joint population forecast.
• sufficient developable land for residential, commercial and industrial uses to sustain a
healthy local and regional economy.
• lands already characterized by urban development which are currently served or are
planned to be served by roads, water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage, schools and
other urban services within the next twenty years; provided that such urban services which
are not yet in place are included in a capital facilities plan.
• the type and degree of existing urban services necessary to support urban development at
the adopted level of service standards.
• sufficient area for the designation of greenbelts and open space corridors.
• topographical features or environmentally sensitive areas which may form natural
boundaries such as bays, watersheds, rivers or ridge lines.
4. Port Townsend is the only incorporated UGA in Jefferson County. The Port Hadlock and
Irondale area and Port Ludlow are considered being "characterized by urban growth." The
Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA was designated in 2002, with goals, policies, land use districts and
development regulations adopted in 2004.
5. Land use plans, regulations and capital facility plans within each UGA will be designed to
accommodate the projected population. Urban growth should be located first in areas already
characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing public facility and service
capacities to serve such development, second in areas already characterized by urban growth
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County � Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
that will be served adequately by a combination of both existing public facilities and services,
and any additional needed public facilities and services that are provided by either public or
private sources, and third in the remaining portions of the urban growth areas. Urban growth
may also be located in designated new fully contained communities as defined by RCW
36.70A.350. UGAs should encourage growth in these areas through incentive programs.
6. UGA boundaries may be changed whenever it can be shown that the criteria set forth above
for size and boundary delineation may no longer be met or meet the criteria identified in RCW
36.70A.1 30(3)(c); provided, said expansion or land exchange shall only occur after the zoning
and land use that ensues urban patterns and densities is identified, and capital facilities plan is
updated and adopted assuring adequate urban service to support the additional area.
7. Before adopting or modifying boundaries of UGAs, interim level of service standards for public
services and facilities located inside and outside of UGAs will be adopted by the County and
its UGAs. New urban public facilities will only be provided within and not be extended beyond
UGAs, except in limited circumstances shown to be necessary to protect basic public health
and safety and the environment.
8. UGAs will be separated from each other by designated rural or resource lands, open space
corridors, or unique topographic features such as a stream or ravine.
9. Major Industrial Developments (MIDs) designated under RCW 36.70A.365 and master
planned locations included in an Industrial Land Bank (ILB) designated under RCW
36.70A.367 may be established through procedures identified and when meeting the criteria of
RCW 36.70A.365 and .367, respectively.
8
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #2
POLICY ON THE PROMOTION OF CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT
AND THE PROVISION OF URBAN SERVICES TO SUCH DEVELOPMENT
1. The full range of governmental urban services at the adopted level of service tLOS) standards
will be planned for and provided within UGAs, as defined in the capital facilities plan, including
community water, sanitary sewer, piped fire flow, and storm water systems.
2. The County is the designated planning agency for unincorporated UGAs. A citizens advisory
committee may be appointed for each unincorporated UGA to guide development of a
community plan for these areas. UGA planning will include the following elements: capital
facilities, utilities, open space, recreation, housing, land use and transportation.
3. New development will meet the adopted LOS standards established for UGAs as a condition
of project approval. For unincorporated UGAs, said standards will include transitional
provisions for those urban facilities identified in the capital facilities plan but not yet developed.
New development will contribute its proportionate share towards provision of urban facilities
identified in the capital facilities plan once adopted in compliance with the Growth
Management Act.
4. Urban services and facilities will not be extended beyond UGA boundaries unless needed to
mitigate a threat to the public health or welfare, or to protect an area of environmental
sensitivity. To avoid encouraging the spreading of urban development outside of UGAs, this
policy shall apply only to threats caused by existing development, and only those existing uses
requiring the service or facility to mitigate the threat will be allowed to hook up to any extended
services.
5. Priority for the funding of new or expanded public services and facilities will first be given to
those which are responding to capacity deficiencies within UGAs, or to those which provide an
inducement for development within UGAs, or to those responding to a public health threat.
6. The minimum design capacity for all planned capital facilities will be based upon the total
population projected for the service area at the end of the twenty-year period identified in the
adopted population forecast.
7. The County will, in consultation with City of Port Townsend, PUD, and other public and private
water purveyors, update the Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP) based on the joint
population forecast and new data pertaining to future water supply and demand. The water
supply and service provisions of an updated CWSP may require revisions to land use
elements and community plans. Comprehensive plans shall include water quality and water
conservation policies and standards. Completion of watershed planning efforts under Chapter
90.82 RCW may prompt revisions to the CWSP and/or land use elements.
9
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 i Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #3
POLICY ON JOINT COUNTY AND CITY PLANNING WITHIN URBAN GROWTH AREAS
(Note: Currently there is only one incorporated UGA within Jefferson County: the City of Port
Townsend. As these planning policies are intended to guide the development of comprehensive
plans now and in the future, this section's policies anticipate that additional areas may incorporate
in Jefferson County, or there may be future unincorporated areas associated with the City of Port
Townsend UGA.)
1. Incorporated UGAs within the County and each provider of urban services within UGAs will
assist the County in the planning, coordination, and establishment of urban services and
facilities to serve the projected twenty-year population.
2. The County and incorporated municipalities will coordinate the development and
implementation of plans for the provision of countywide services including public safety,
transportation, solid waste, storm drainage facilities, water and wastewater utilities when
unincorporated lands are associated with an UGA that includes an incorporated city.
3. Incorporated UGAs will work cooperatively with the County to identify and protect open space
corridors. This process will include:
• identification of open space corridors and urban separators.
• identification of open space lands and corridors within UGAs.
• identification of implementation strategies and regulatory and non-regulatory techniques to
protect the corridors.
4. By interlocal agreement, incorporated urban areas (i.e. municipalities/cities) and the County
will establish a framework for joint planning, SEPA environmental review and decision making
for unincorporated lands located within the UGA that includes incorporated urban areas.
5. Incorporated UGAs will coordinate with the County to assure joint review for addressing those
development activities of a regional nature, such as a regional shopping center or large
industrial complex. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure impacts of a regional nature
are addressed and the goals of the GMA are realized.
6. Due to the large-scale nature and the impacts associated with new fully contained
communities, thorough study of these types of development should be undertaken before
implementation of RCW 36.70A.350. The County Comprehensive Plan needs to be amended
to include provisions for fully contained communities prior to pursuit of this option.
7. The County and each incorporated UGA which has a pending development proposal shall
ensure timely circulation of development applications for review and comment by other
agencies with jurisdiction.
10
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY#4
POLICY ON THE SITING OF PUBLIC CAPITAL AND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES OF A
COUNTYWIDE OR STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
The Growth Management Act requires that Countywide Planning Policies address siting of public
capital facilities and transportation facilities of a countywide or statewide nature (RCW
36.70A.210(3)(c)). Public capital facilities are defined in RCW 36.70A.030(32), and essential
public facilities, are defined in RCW 36.70A.200.
Policies on Essential Public Facilities
1. Essential public facilities are defined as (RCW 36.70A.200(1)(a)) to include: "...those facilities
that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities and state or regional
transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, regional transit authority facilities as
defined in RCW 81.112.020, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling
facilities, opioid treatment programs including both mobile and fixed-site medication units,
recovery residences, harm reduction programs excluding safe injection sites, and inpatient
facilities including substance use disorder treatment facilities, mental health facilities, group
homes, community facilities as defined in RCW 72.05.020, and secure community transition
facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020."
2. The Comprehensive Plan of the County and incorporated cities shall include a process for
identifying and siting essential public facilities. Elements of siting criteria should include, but
not be limited to the following:
• proximity to major transportation routes and essential infrastructure
• land use compatibility with surrounding area
• potential environmental impacts
• effects on resource and critical areas
• proximity to UGA
• public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance
• current capacity and location of equivalent facilities
• the existence, within the community, of reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity
3. Comprehensive plans and development regulations will not preclude the siting of essential
public facilities; however, standards may be generated to ensure that reasonable compatibility
with other land uses can be achieved.
4. Essential public facilities sited outside of urban growth areas should be self-supporting and not
require the extension, construction, or maintenance of urban services and facilities unless no
practicable alternative exists. Adopted criteria will address the provision of services when
siting an essential public facility. Essential public facilities shall not be located in resource
lands or critical areas if incompatible.
Policies on Capital and Transportation Facilities of a county or statewide significance:
5. Public county or statewide capital facilities should be located along or near major
transportation corridors
6. Public county or stateside capital facilities shall be located in such a manner as to discourage
11
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
adverse impacts on critical areas and shall be appropriately addressed iR through the
jurisdiction's critical areas ordinance.
7. Some county or statewide public capital facilities may be located outside of urban growth
areas, if they are self-contained or be serviced by services in a manner that will not promote
urban development.
8. Support efforts to increase resilience of public county or statewide capital or transportation
facilities by preparing for disasters and other impacts, by having a coordinated system
recovery plan.
9. Cooperate with Washington State Department of Transportation regarding transportation
facilities or services of statewide significance as defined in RCW 47.06.140.
12
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #5
POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND STRATEGIES
1. The Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO) has developed a
Peninsula Regional Transportation Plan for the North Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula areas.
The City and County comprehensive plans shall each contain a transportation element that
emphasizes local transportation needs and provides linkage to the Regional Plan in order to
ensure consistency.
2. Service standards for highways and arterial roads will be coordinated and adopted at a
countywide level. These standards may vary depending on the type of development
pattern anticipated (i.e., urban vs. rural) or by the specific growth management objectives
being considered. When a variance to level of service standards is established, it will be
clearly delineated in the transportation and land use element of the comprehensive plan.
The City and County will collaborate with Jefferson Transit on transit routes that will meet
the needs of anticipated growth.
3. In developing the County's six-year transportation improvement program, priorities should
include:
• maintain or consider need for expanded capacity within the UGAs
• maintain or consider need for expanded capacity for transportation to and from UGAs
and regional centers
• identified safety and maintenance improvements
• and enhance multimodal facilities
identified infrastructure improvements
4. The land use and transportation elements of the comprehensive plan will be used-when
coordinating with Jefferson Transit in the development of its service delivery strategy.
Jefferson Transit's mission is to increase ridership and expand transportation options
within and between UGAs, and between the county and the region at large.
5. Jefferson County_International Airport will remain the public link to the larger air transportation
system. The Port of Port Townsend will have the lead responsibility to develop a service
delivery strategy for this mode of transportation consistent with the transportation and land use
elements of the County comprehensive plan.
6. The development or expansion of any air-based or water-based transportation system will
require specific linkage with the ground transportation system and compatibility with the land
use element of the comprehensive plans.
7. In establishing the land use element of comprehensive plans and the level of service
standards for transportation systems within UGAs, the City and County will ensure that land
use and development policies are supportive and make accommodation for public transit and
active transportation.
8. The transportation element of the comprehensive plans shall be designed around the following
principles:
• seek to increase efficiency of the existing transportation system
• emphasize the movement of people and goods first, and vehicles second
• integrate non-motorized modes and high occupancy vehicles in transportation system
13
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
design as practical
• encourage employers to implement Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
techniques, which is particularly true in the review of new employment generators at a
fixed location.
• as appropriate, consider ways that the proportionate share of costs of new or upgraded
transportation facilities are borne by those who create the need for the facility.
9. The transportation elements of the comprehensive plans shall provide a summary and
analysis of planning information including:
• land use assumptions upon which the transportation element is based including
population, employment by type, recreation, comprehensive land use designations, and
the density of current and projected development including the ratio of single and multi-
family units to total housing units within UGAs
• level of service standards for arterials and collectors
• an analysis and forecast of future transportation needs
• evaluate the operation and maintenance of transportation facilities in a manner which
considers present and future operation and maintenance costs
• incorporate active travel (pedestrian and bicycle) as part of the transportation element
within a coordinated and regional basis. The active transportation component shall be a
part of the funding component of the capital improvement program for transportation
improvements
10. The adopted level of service standards will be used in evaluating concurrency for long-range
transportation planning, development review and programming of transportation
improvements.
11.Transportation facilities and services should minimize and mitigate their impacts on the natural
environment. Design standards and construction practices should include methods to reduce
stormwater pollution, improve fish passage, and minimize other impacts on shorelines, water
resources, drainage patterns and soils, to the extent possible.
14
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY#6
POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
1. As defined by GMA, "affordable housing" means is, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise, residential housing whose monthly costs, including utilities other than telephone, do
not exceed thirty percent of the monthly income of a household whose income is:
(a) For rental housing, 60% of the median household income adjusted for household size,
for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States
department of housing and urban development; or
(b) For owner-occupied housing, 80% of the median household income adjusted for
household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United
States department of housing and urban development.
2. The provision of affordable housing is acknowledged as a general public need and will be
addressed in Jefferson County primarily through private sector programs and projects, as well
as by non-profit and quasi-public entities, such as Peninsula Housing Authority. Local
governments should seek partnerships and opportunities with such agencies to increase
affordable housing unit inventory by identifying incentives, infrastructure provisions, direct
housing provision or other methods deemed appropriate by the municipality.
3. The provision of affordable housing for households below 120% countywide median income
shall be consistent with RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a) and the methodology provided by Department
of Commerce. Affordable housing should be primarily focused within urban growth areas with
easy access to transportation and transit, available or planned infrastructure, access to
employment and services, and/or provides affordable housing in areas where none exist.
Affordable housing units may be allocated into rural areas as appropriate and agreed upon
through the Growth Management Steering Committee housing by income distribution process.
4. The housing and/or land use elements of comprehensive plans will include an assessment of
land available and the process of siting special purpose housing (such as emergency housing
and shelters, permanent supportive housing, group homes, etc.), to ensure that such housing
can be accommodated.
5. A sufficient quantity of land will be appropriately zoned or designated to accommodate a wide
range of housing types, densities, incomes, and mixtures, in accordance with RCW
36.70A.070. Multi-family housing should only be located within UGAs, MPRs, or rural centers.
Attention to middle housing types and densities supporting middle housing types should be
expanded to bridge the gap between detached single-family units and large multifamily
housing.
6. An affordable housing strategy and policies will be developed as part of the housing element
of the comprehensive plans, consistent with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.070(2). This
affordable housing strategy will examine existing regulations and policies to identify
opportunities to encourage the provision of affordable housing mechanisms such as accessory
dwelling units ("mother-in-law") or efficiency apartments, density bonuses, mitigation fees
waivers, priority permit processing and the like. Policies shall include consideration of
historically underserved, vulnerable or marginalized populations, and emergency, transitional
and permanent supportive housing with appropriate on-site services for persons with special
needs.
15
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
7. Each UGA shall accommodate its fair share of housing affordable to low- and moderate-
income households according to housing units by income allocation and by promoting a
balanced mix of diverse housing types.
8. Undeveloped land owned by the public entities will be inventoried and those that are
appropriately located should be considered for development of low-income housing.
Consideration of assembling these parcels for development by non-profit housing
organizations or private developers should be encouraged.
9. The housing element will include criteria for locating higher density residential areas near
public facilities and services, commercial services, arterial or within walking distance of jobs or
transit.
10. Displacement of lower-income households, historically marginalized or vulnerable populations
may result from conversion of housing, public investments, private redevelopment, and market
pressures. Displacement risk of these household types should be considered, and a range of
strategies to mitigate identified impacts.
16
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #7
POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
1. The private sector is primarily responsible for the creation of economic opportunity in Jefferson
County. The responsibility of the public sector is to assure that these activities are carried out
consistent with defined community and environmental values. To this end, comprehensive
plans should clearly identify these values in order that economic opportunity is not lost due to
confusion or unreliability of process. Particular attention will be given to the needs of non-
service sector businesses and industries as a strategy to increase wage earning potential
within the community.
2. An economic development element shall be included in the County's and incorporated cities
comprehensive plans. This element should identify and designate adequate areas for
commercial, retail, and industrial growth necessary to sustain and meet future population and
employment forecasts. The economic development element shall be coordinated with the
capital facility, land use and utilities elements of the comprehensive plan.
3. Each UGA and rural center is considered the commercial and business "hub" in their
respective area of the County. UGAs should be viewed as regional service and retail centers,
while the rural center focus is on local community retail and service needs, and transient
accommodations.
4. The GMA contains provisions for the designation of Major Industrial Developments (MIDs)
under RCW 36.70A.365 and up to two master planned locations as part of a Jefferson County
Industrial Land Bank (ILB) under RCW 36.70A.367. These provisions acknowledge that
certain industries, due to their size or type of operation, or due to their dependence on the
local resource base, should not be located within the boundaries of UGAs. When locating
these types of activities outside of UGAs, special attention must be given to assure that the
activity will not promote "urban development" of the surrounding area. These activities will
need to be self-supporting and not require the extension of urban services.
5. Jefferson County may maintain policies and development regulations associated with the
siting of MIDs, as authorized in RCW 36.70A.365, in consultation with cities within the County.
6. Jefferson County may pursue the designation of up to two master planned locations as part of
an ILB, as authorized in RCW 36.70A.367, in consultation with cities within the county and
other partner entities through a process involving the Growth Management Steering
Committee, the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County, and the Port of Port
Townsend. Establishment of the ILB will be conducted through a public participation program
within the framework of the Growth Management Act.
7. The Port of Port Townsend's statutory authority should be utilized as a tool to implement
industry and trade strategies, including the promotion of employment opportunities, the
consolidation and parceling of property, and the development of infrastructure to meet the
needs of industry consistent with comprehensive plans and development regulations.
17
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY#8
POLICY ON RURAL AREAS
1. Rural areas are those lands located outside of UGAs and resource lands. These areas are
characterized by low density development, open spaces, minimal public services, resource
dependent activities and industries, and outdoor recreational facilities. Activities such as
regional retail-commercial facilities, business office parks and similar high intensity land uses
are considered urban in nature and are inconsistent with rural area designations. The rural
element of the comprehensive plan will be designed to recognize and maintain the unique
character of individual rural areas without degrading the environment or creating the need for
urban level of services.
2. The concept of clustering or density transfer is considered a positive tool in maintaining the
character of rural areas. This concept assists in more efficient delivery of public services,
minimizes the need for additional infrastructure, and at the same time maximizes land
available for rural uses. Clustering of new development is preferred in rural areas.
3. Level of service standards will be adopted which identifies the type and scale of public facility
and infrastructure improvements anticipated for rural areas and rural centers. Typically, these
will include:
• emergency services
• transportation and roads
• individual septic systems
• individual or community water systems
• storm water and water quality
4. Parcel sizes established for rural areas of the county should be commensurate with the
character of existing rural communities. This policy anticipates that rural areas will maintain a
variety of acreage parcels.
5. Rural centers (LAMIRDs as authorized by RCW 36.70A.070.5(d)), are those existing
unincorporated places which serve the retail commercial and service needs of the local area.
These areas will be delineated and recognized in the comprehensive plan consistent with level
of service standards. Land uses within these centers include:
• shopping, employment, and services for residents, supplies for resource industries,
including commercial, industrial, and tourism development at a scale that preserves the
surrounding rural characteristics
• residential development, including small-lot single-family and multi-family; and mixed-
use developments
• community facilities and services necessary to support the rural center and promote
pedestrian mobility.
6. The rural element of the comprehensive plan will recognize existing industry located outside
UGAs, as well as establish a framework for the siting of industries which, due to their size,
resource dependence, or incompatibility with UGAs, would be better suited to locate in rural
areas. Provisions will be made to ensure that adjacent land uses are not converted to urban
uses due to the proximity of these developments or to infrastructure necessary to support
them.
18
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY#9
POLICY ON FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
1. Include a fiscal impact assessment on the provision of public capital facilities that are intended
to serve the community as an ongoing part of the comprehensive planning process. This
assessment will include project revenues and expenditures and an analysis of the cumulative
fiscal impacts of providing governmental services to accommodate the targeted population.
The purpose of the fiscal assessment is to assure that projected capital costs can be
reasonably supported within the capabilities of the community.
2. Within the elements of the comprehensive plan, incentives and non-regulatory options will be
identified and developed as alternatives to regulatory programs in the implementation of
comprehensive plan policy.
3. The City, any future incorporated UGA, and the County will address issues of tax revenue
sharing, the provision of regional services, annexations, and similar fiscal components through
the development of interlocal agreements.
19
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY #10
POLICY ON PROTECTION OF TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES AND COORDINATION
Jefferson County honors and preserves the treaty rights of all Indian Tribes that have hunting,
fishing, and gathering rights within Jefferson County.
Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources
Although state and federal laws protect cultural and archaeological resources, local
comprehensive plans should direct coordination with Tribes to proactively protect and manage
these resources. Examples of archaeological and cultural resources important to Tribes include,
but are not limited to, shell middens, campsites, pictographs, kettles, geologic formations
associated with cultural resources, traditionally used native plans, and burial sites.
1. Protect significant regional historic and cultural resources, such as landmarks,
archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, and areas of special tribal character.
2. Proactively seek tribal coordination when land use activity may have potential impacts to
culturally significant sites and tribal treaty fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds.
3. Preserve, protect, and enhance cultural amenities by protecting tribal cultural artifacts,
historic structures, farms and other historical settlements throughout the rural landscape,
through cultural and historical preservation planning efforts. Local tribes will be consulted
and included early in the planning process to ensure that tribal recommendations are
thoughtfully considered and addressed.
Coordination
Like all governments, Tribes engage in land use planning and economic development to provide
jobs, housing, and services, as well as the development and maintenance of supportive
infrastructure. As sovereign nations, Tribes are not required to plan under the Growth
Management Act but can and do recognize the importance of coordination with governments. The
following policies are intended to facilitate collaboration between Tribes and Jefferson County
governments in land use and comprehensive planning:
1. Strengthen County, City and Tribal relationships with engagement of meaningful
government-to-government (G2G) consultations. The G2G relationship will be
supplemented and enhanced with regular informal engagement and coordination between
the County, the City, and the Tribes. G2G consultation occurs independent of the public
involvement process.
2. Coordinate with tribes in regional and local planning, recognizing the mutual benefits and
potential for land use impacts to tribal boundaries and interests.
3. Meaningful and substantial opportunities for early and continuous tribal government
participation shall be incorporated into regional and local planning activities.
4. Local jurisdictions shall provide meaningful opportunities for discussion for tribal
government on issues of interest.
5. Local jurisdictions, tribal governments, and federal agencies are encouraged to coordinate
plans between governments and agencies to address substantive areas of mutual interest,
especially when geographic areas overlay, and promote complementary and cooperative
efforts.
6. County, City, and Tribes are encouraged to inform each other about matters of local and
regional interest by mutually agreeable means and schedule.
20
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 i Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
POLICY#11
POLICY ON USE, MONITORING, REVIEW, AND AMENDMENT
1. The Countywide Planning Policies will be utilized to:
• establish a framework for the development, adoption, and amendment of
comprehensive plans and supporting regulations.
• provide a foundation for establishing locally defined terms, and to determine
consistency with the criteria of the Growth Management Act.
• coordinate and assure consistency among plans of the County, UGAs, special purpose
districts and service providers.
2. The Growth Management Steering Committee will serve as a regional advisory body during
periodic review of County and City comprehensive plans. Representation of the
unincorporated UGA will be included on the steering committee. The committee will review
population projections and allocations for consistency with these policies in an advisory
capacity and report its findings to the appropriate jurisdiction.
3. These countywide policies shall be periodically reviewed or as a result of legislative changes,
and may be amended in the following manner:
a) the amendment is placed in writing and includes a brief explanation of why the
amendment is warranted, and
b) the amendment is reviewed and commented on by the Growth Management Steering
Committee or its successor entity, and
c) a public hearing is conducted by the County prior to amending these policies, and the
amendment is agreed to by both the County Board of Commissioners and City Council
of incorporated UGAs, and
d) the amendment is adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
21
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 1 Revised based on GMSC comments
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
i +
7Pyr s
dk c y* -
T .` _
po
NOW
� � a
s
r • t
,I s
�-
76 M-�,4 777��7� ♦ t }
- '�' s _ i k :J.i� w }, " Yr �� ems, �'+ _,�4 4 a!• •f„r
1s Y )
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
#1 POLICY TO IMPLEMENT RCW 36.70A.110 - URBAN GROWTH AREAS 8
#2 POLICY ON THE PROMOTION OF CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT 10
#3 POLICY ON JOINT COUNTY AND CITY PLANNING WITHIN UGAs 11
#4 POLICY ON THE SITING OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC CAPITAL AND TRANSPORTATION
FACILITIES OF A COUNTYWIDE OR STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE 12
#5 POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND STRATEGIES 14
#6 POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING 16
#7 POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT 18
#8 POLICY ON RURAL AREAS 19
#9 POLICY ON FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS 20
#10 POLICY ON PROTECTION OF TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES AND COORDINATION 21
#11 POLICY ON USE, MONITORING, REVIEW, AND AMENDMENT 22
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/l/2024 2
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in as needed.Red revisions made at 8/13/24 meeting. GMSC
recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICIESY-FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY
A POLICY FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
OF COUNTY AND CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
INTRODUCTION
The opening section of the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) sets forth the
following legislative finding:
"Uncoordinated and unplanned growth together with a lack of common
goals expressing the public's interest in the conservation and the wise use
of our lands, pose a threat to the environment, sustainable economic
development, and the health, safety, and high quality of life enjoyed by the
residents of the state."
The legislature went on to develop a statewide growth management strategy encom-
passing the following goals:
1) Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public
facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
2) Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low-density development.
3) Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are
based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive
plans.
4) Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic
segments of the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities
and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.
5) Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state
that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic oppor-
tunity for all citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged
persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic
growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, public services,
and public facilities.
6) Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be
protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 3
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting. GMSC
recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
7) Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be
processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.
8) Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based
industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries.
Encourage the conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural
lands and discourage incompatible uses.
9) Open space and recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and
development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat,
increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks.
10) Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life,
including air and water quality, and the availability of water.
11) Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in
the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdic-
tions to reconcile conflicts.
12) Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at
the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing
current service levels below locally established minimum standards.
13) Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and
structures, that have historical or archaeological significance.
14) Climate change and resiliency. Ensure that a comprehensive plans development
regulations, and regional policies, plans and strategies under RCW 36.70A.210 and
chapter 47.80 RCW adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate; support
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled;
prepare for climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to climate impacts and natural
hazards, protect and enhance environmental, economic, and human health and
safety; and advance environmental justice.
15) Shorelines of the state. For shorelines of the state, the goals and policies of the
shoreline management act as set forth in RCW 90.58.020 shall be considered an
element of the county's or city's comprehensive plan.
The passage of the Growth Management Act (GMA) fundamentally changed the way
comprehensive land use planning is carried out in the state. The GMA requires that cities and
counties update their comprehensive land use plans consistent with state-wide goals and
minimum requirements as established by the statute and coordinate their planning efforts
with each other. The central theme behind the Growth Management Act is that spontaneous
and unstructured growth and development is wasteful of our natural resource base and costly
in the provision of public services and facilities; and by managing growth and development,
the negative effects can be minimized and the benefits can be maximized.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 4
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble 5'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
The Act is built on the principle that Cities and Counties, special purpose districts and
those agencies or jurisdictions involved in the delivery of public services will coordinate their
efforts consistent with each other and the provisions of the act. In an effort to assure these
principles are carried out, the legislature passed companion legislation requiring Counties
and Cities to coordinate the independent development of local comprehensive plans through
a set of mutually developed Countywide Planning Policies (RCW 36.70A.210). These written
policy statements are to address nine e+gh-t subject areas and are intended to be used as a
guiding framework for subsequent development and adoption of comprehensive plans. The
required Countywide Planning Policy summarized subject areas include:
1) the Designation of Urban Growth Areas
2) Promotion of contiguous and orderly development and the provision of urban
services to such development
3) Joint county and city planning within urban growth areas, where applicable
4) t4e Siting of esseeRtTial capital public and transportation facilities of a county or
statewide significance
5) Countywide transportation facilities and strategies
6) the need for Affordable housing for all economic and income segments of the
population, and parameters for distribution
7) Countywide economic development and employment, including consideration of
future development of commercial and industrial facilities
8) Analysis of fiscal impact
9) Protection of tribal cultural resources accomplished through collaboration with
Federally recognized tribes that are invited and chooses to participate
In addition to the efg#t nine required policy areas,
jeffersen County agreed to add policies pertaining to rural areas and the context within which
the Countywide Planning Policies are to be used are also included.
THE COUNTYWIDE PLANNING PROCESS:
The Countywide Planning Policies were developed initially in the 1990s as prescribed
by RCW 36.70A.210 through a collaborative process between Jefferson County and the City
of Port Townsend, , hi prew+ders, utilities, speEial PUFPOSe di8tr+6t6 aed
With subsequent population allocation exercises associated with
GMA-mandated periodic updates, a Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) was
expanded over time in order to achieve greater countywide representation. [Revisions based on
comments from 6/11/24 meeting].
The 2024 update of these policies has been overseen by the
GMSC _ comprising elected officials from
Jefferson County, City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, and Public Utility District
No. 1 (PUD) of Jefferson County, as well as one representative from the Port
Hadlock/Irondale gg9Hngfl y Urban Growth Area (UGA) and Brinnon Rural Village Center
(RVC) communities Limited Area of More intensive Rural Deyeln ment ( AAA P
Additionally, federally recognized Indian Tribes were invited to participate in review of the
countywide planning policies if924:
the three Veffercen GG) inty Gemmiccionerc (B G Brown, air
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 5
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
"whiteBaGkgFeund informatierl 1eadiRg up to the develepment of these policies is found i
discussion paper"
"white paper titled County Wide Planning PeliGies: A StrategiG ARalysis.
This paper"
"white „
aFe available from the OffiGe of the GOU4*
Gemmossmoners, County Courthouse. The "white paper" is Rot adopted as part of the GeuRty
wide Planning PgliG!eC
The Countywide Planning Policies represent a composite framework, not a series of
individual, stand-alone concepts. The ideas represented here balance each other to create an
overall direction for development of individual comprehensive plans. These policies establish
the foundation for determining consistency of individual plans with each other and with the
tenets of the Growth Management Act, as well as a mechanism to coordinate the provision of
public facilities and services throughout the community. €inall , These policies encompass
broad concepts encouraging flexibility and innovation in meeting the goals and intent of the
Growth Management Act and will, like the planning documents they are intended to guide,
evolve over time.
RELATIONSHIP OF COUNTY WIDE PLANNING POLICIES Tel 1 LTERI A RESOURCE
f ' 7 -'O'TO COUNTY �TO��Z)•T�' fVTVL1'
LAND AND CRITICAL AREA ORDINANCE
The GMA env'S'GRS a process whereby lands and GF't'Gal areas aFe
plans will be updated to meet the geals and If the aGt. it is inteRded that thesee
interim proteGtive measures will b e-evaluaied dLJF'Rg the GempireheRS've Plan amendment
precess and revised te Gemply with the plan _as required by the GMA. The prinGOL-s
encempassed by the planning poliGies will serve as a pol'Gy guide in the proGess of adjusrtiRg
the interim nreteGtiye measures.
KEY OBJECTIVES:
The following Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County are based on these
objectives:
1) Livable urban communities that are centers for and provide equitable access to
employment; dense housing; multimodal travel options promoting active lifestyle;
range of services; and civic, social and cultural activities. [Added to address comments on
equity.]
2) Rural character, that respects culture and historic appearance, supports resource-
based economy, and preserves ecological functions.
3) Vital, diversified, and evolving economy with living-wage jobs for residents, supported
by range of business and employment opportunities.
4) Natural systems protection, including natural resource lands, forests, wetlands, wildlife
habitat, streams, and Salish Sea. Maintain a system of open space, trails, parks,
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 6
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
greenbelts that provide opportunities to be outside and active.
5) An efficient and active multimodal transportation system with roads and highways
transit, ferries, airports, and active (bicycle and pedestrian) travel providing accessible
and convenient mobility.
6) An efficient, collaborative, transparent, proactive, and responsive local government
that partners with citizens and other entities.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/l/2024
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble 5'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in p,ww as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #1
POLICY TO IMPLEMENT RCW 36.70A.110 — URBAN GROWTH AREAS
1. The County and City will jointly prepare a regional population forecast for growth
management planning purposes, The fereGaSt Will use using the Washington State Office
of Financial Management (OFM) population projection as the low or base projeGtion, apd
establish a medium and high range projection. This forecast will delineate a tee twenty
and fifty year estimate population projection and be used in the preparation of land use,
housing, water, utility, and transportation plans and for the capital improvement plans to
„idement the same To assure ensure consistent and coordinated planning horizons, the
population forecast will be designated as the official source reference by the County and
City and utilized when determining consistency of special purpose district service plans.
The forecast shall be reviewed and updated every five years periodically, pursuant to
RCW 36.70A.130. In general, the distribution of the OFM population projection shall be
allocated as at least 70% to urban growth areas and no more than 30% for the remainder
rural and natural resource land use designations.
2. For planning purposes, the capacity of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) will be sized to
accommodate at least °
supported by aR adopted Gapital fali plan, may be sized to aGGOrnmedate the 1013ally
adopted medium and high FaRge the anticipated population according to the allocation
determined jointly through adoption of the population projection under 1 above. (Note: The
GMA does not direct where people may choose to live, however, it does require that
urban development be accommodated within urban growth areas. This policy is forwarded
to ensure that UGAs and their attendant facilities are properly sized to accommodate
future populations.)
3. The size and delineation of boundaries of new UGAs will be determined by the following
criteria:
• Received population allocation for urban growth areas as part of the population
forecast process described in #1 above. [Added to address comments to clarify how this policy
applies.]
• adequate amount of developable land to accommodate forecasted growth for the next
20 years based on the joint population forecast.
• sufficient developable land for residential, commercial and industrial uses to sustain a
healthy local and regional economy.
• lands already characterized by urban development which are currently served or are
planned to be served by roads, water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage, schools and
other urban services within the next twenty years; provided that such urban services
which are not yet in place are included in a capital facilities plan.
• the type and degree of existing urban services necessary to support urban develop-
ment at the adopted interimlevel of service standards.
• sufficient area for the designation of greenbelts and open space corridors.
• topographical features or environmentally sensitive areas which may form natural
boundaries such as bays, watersheds, rivers or ridge lines.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 8
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallom
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
4. Port Townsend is the only incorporated UGA in Jefferson County. The Port Hadlock and
Irondale area and Port Ludlow are considered being "characterized by urban growth." €GF
the purpose of designatiRg UGA in the uninGorporated COURty the Tri Area Gernmunit
Plan and the ReFt Ludlow Master Plan will be utilized as a guide in the delineatieR ef UGA
boundaFies based OR the Griteria above. Port Ludlow was desiqnated a Master Planned
Revert (MPR) threugh RGVV 36.70A.362 at the firne of arieptien of the �`OURt�r
Resort c 1ivrr
The Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA was designated in 2002
with goals, policies, land use districts and development regulations adopted in 2004.
peieted reference to all master planned resorts ;
5. Land use plans, regulations and capital facility plans within each UGA will be designed to
accommodate the projected population. Urban growth should be located first in areas
already characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing public facility and
service capacities to serve such development, second in areas already characterized by
urban growth that will be served adequately by a combination of both existing public
facilities and services, and any additional needed public facilities and services that are
Provided by either public or private sources, and third in the remaining portions of the
urban growth areas. Urban growth may also be located in designated new fully contained
communities as defined by RCW 36.70A.350. UGAs should encourage growth in these
areas through incentive programs. Growth should be direGted into tiers: first tier existing
prepared to provide urban RfraStFUGtUre; seGend tieF areas included within the Gapital
6. UGA boundaries may be changed whenever it can be shown that the criteria set forth
above for size and boundary delineation may no longer be met or meet the criteria
identified in RCW 36.70A.130(3)(c); provided, said expansion or land exchange shall only
occur after the zoning and land use that ensues urban patterns and densities is identified,
and capital facilities plan is updated and adopted assuring adequate urban service to
support the additional area.
7. Before adopting or modifying boundaries of UGAs, interim level of service standards for
public services and facilities located inside and outside of UGAs will be adopted by the
County and its UGAs. New urban public facilities will only be provided within and not be
extended beyond UGAs, except in limited circumstances shown to be necessary to
protect basic public health and safety and the environment. unless deemed ^man
essential public seFViGe to mitigate a threat to the public health, safety er general welfare.
8. UGAs will be separated from each other by designated rural or resource lands, open
space corridors, or unique topographic features such as a stream or ravine.
9. Major Industrial Developments (MIDs) designated under RCW 36.70A.365 and master
planned locations included in an Industrial Land Bank (ILB) designated under RCW
36.70A.367 may be established through procedures identified and when meeting the
criteria of RCW 36.70A.365 and .367, respectively.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 9
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange:as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #2
POLICY ON THE PROMOTION OF CONTIGUOUS AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT
AND THE PROVISION OF URBAN SERVICES TO SUCH DEVELOPMENT
1. The full range of governmental urban services at the adopted level of service L( OS)
standards will be planned for and provided within UGAs, as defined in the capital facilities
plan, including community water, sanitary sewer, piped fire flow, and storm water
systems.
2. The County is the designated planning agency for unincorporated UGAs. A citizens
advisory committee wilt may be appointed for each unincorporated UGA to guide
development of a community plan for these areas. Sa+d UGA planning will include the
following elements: capital facilities, utilities, open space, recreation, housing, land use
and transportation.
3. New development will meet the adopted level of se LOS standards established for
UGAs as a condition of project approval. For unincorporated UGAs, said standards will
include interimtransitional provisions for those urban facilities identified in the capital
facilities plan but not yet developed. New development will contribute its proportionate
share towards provision of urban facilities identified in the capital facilities plan once
adopted in compliance with the Growth Management Act.
4. Urban services and facilities will not be extended beyond UGA boundaries unless needed
to mitigate a threat to the public health or welfare, or to protect an area of environmental
sensitivity. To avoid encouraging the spreading of urban development outside of UGAs,
this policy shall apply only to threats caused by existing development, and only those
existing uses requiring the service or facility to mitigate the threat will be allowed to hook
up to any extended services.
5. Priority for the funding of new or expanded public services and facilities will first be given
to those which are responding to capacity deficiencies within UGAs, er to those which
provide an inducement for development within UGAs, or to those responding to a public
health threat.
6. The minimum design capacity for all planned capital facilities will be based upon the total
population projected for the service area at the end of the twenty-year period identified in
the adopted population forecast.
7. The County will, in consultation with City of Port Townsend, and the jefferson Geunty
PUD, and other public and private water purveyors, update the Coordinated Water
System Plan (CWSP) based on the joint population forecast and new data pertaining to
future water supply and demand. The water supply and service provisions of an updated
CWSP may require revisions to land use elements and community plans. Comprehensive
plans shall include water quality and water conservation policies and standards. As the
PFOGeed, any agreements from these disGussions will be incorporated inte loGal plans and
n^I'^io . Completion of watershed planning efforts under Chapter 90.82 RCW may prompt
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 1 Q
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange..as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
revisions to the CWSP and/or land use elements.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #3
POLICY ON JOINT COUNTY AND CITY PLANNING WITHIN URBAN GROWTH AREAS
(Note: Currently there is only one incorporated UGA within Jefferson County_ - the City of
Port Townsend. As these planning policies are intended to guide the development of
comprehensive plans now and in the future, t#ey this section's policies anticipate that
additional areas may incorporate in Jefferson County, or there may be future unincorporated
areas associated with the City of Port Townsend UGA.) [Undelete note and added to clarify when
applicable.]
1. Incorporated UGAs within the County and each provider of urban services within UGAs
will assist the County in the planning, coordination, and establishment of urban services
and facilities to serve the projected twenty-year population.
2. The County and incorporated municipalities UG-As will coordinate the development and
implementation of plans for the provision of countywide services including public safety,
transportation, solid waste, storm drainage facilities, water and wastewater utilities when
unincorporated lands are associated with an UGA that includes an incorporated city.
JAdded to clarify applicable circumstances.]
3. Incorporated UGAs will work cooperatively with the County to identify and protect open
space corridors. This process will include:
• identification of open space corridors and urban separators.
• identification of open space lands and corridors within UGAs.
• identification of implementation strategies and regulatory and non-regulatory
techniques to protect the corridors.
4. By interlocal agreement, incorporated urban areas (i.e. municipalities/citiesj and the
County will establish a framework for joint planning, SEPA environmental review and
decision making for unincorporated lands located within the UGA that includes
incorporated urban areas W-GA.
5. Incorporated UGAs will coordinate with the County to assure joint review for addressing
those development activities of a regional nature, such as a regional shopping center or
large industrial complex. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure insure impacts of a
regional nature are addressed and the goals of the GMA are realized.
6. Due to the large-scale nature and the impacts associated with new fully contained
communities, SUGh developments should not be Gensidered in the impending updated o
the County Comprehensive Plan After the plan has been adeptec a thorough study of
these types of development should be undertaken before implementation of RCW
36.70A.350. if found to be a viable eptien, The County Comprehensive Plan needs to be
will be-modefied amended to include provisions for fully contained communities prior to
pursuit of this option.
7. The County and each incorporated UGA which has a pending development proposal shall
ensure timely circulation of development applications for review and comment by other
agencies with jurisdiction.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/l/2024 12
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/1 4/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
POLICY #4
POLICY ON THE SITING OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC CAPITAL AND TRANSPORTATION
FACILITIES OF A COUNTYWIDE OR STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE
The Growth Management Act requires that Countywide Planning Policies address siting of
public capital facilities and transportation facilities of a countywide or statewide nature (RCW
36.70A.210(3)(c)). Public capital facilities are defined in RCW 36.70A.030(32) The—i
+nature and in^1, s essential public facilities,
mare defined in GMA{RCW 36.70A.2004. [Responds to comment from Jefferson County Public
Works seeking definition of public capital facilities.j
Policies on Essential Public Facilities
1. Essential public facilities are defined as (RCW 36.70A.200(1)(a)) to include: "...those
facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities and
state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, regional transit
authority facilities as defined in RCW 81 .112.020, state and local correctional facilities,
solid waste handling facilities, opioid treatment programs including both mobile and fixed-
site medication units, recovery residences, harm reduction programs excluding safe
infection sites, and inpatient facilities including substance use disorder treatment facilities,
mental health facilities, group homes, community facilities as defined in RCW 72.05.020,
and secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020."
„
and treatment faGilities suGh as landfills, drop box sites and sewage treatment i RGludiRg these faGilities that are typiGally diffiGult te site, iPlGluding leGal waste handling
and StOFFnwateF drainage, utility facilities, state and 1013al GerFeGtienal faGilities, and in-
patient faGilities ('PlGludiRg substaRGe abuse faGilities, FneRtal health faGilities and group
,r
2. The COURty and incorpoFated UGAs will jointly develop The Comprehensive Plan of the
County and incorporated cities shall include a process for identifying and siting essential
public facilities. The proposed criteria will he considered in the drafting of comnrohoncivo
plan neliGy addressing this issue Elements of siting criteria should include, but not be
limited to the following:
• proximity to major transportation routes and essential infrastructure
• land use compatibility with surrounding area
• potential environmental impacts
• effects on resource and critical areas
• proximity to UGA
• public costs and benefits including operation and maintenance
• current capacity and location of equivalent facilities
• the existence, within the community, of reasonable alternatives to the proposed activity
3. Comprehensive plans and development regulations will not preclude the siting of essential
public facilities; however, standards may be generated to ensure insure that reasonable
compatibility with other land uses can be achieved.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 13
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble 5'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
4. Essential public facilities sited outside of urban growth areas should be self-supporting
and not require the extension, construction, or maintenance of urban services and
facilities unless no practicable alternative exists. Criteria will be established tha Adopted
criteria will address the provision of services when siting an essential public facility.
Essential public facilities shall not be located in resource lands or critical areas if
incompatible.
Policies on Capital and Transportation Facilities of a county or statewide significance:
the primary pep ilafion served by the rng infi nr statewide p iblir� Gap'tal or transportation
c�-vccr by-crr�cvurrry-m�ci�-ccvvra�puprr�ca yr ccrcrvl
nnilit is urban, the fanilit should be IOGated in an nit er urban rnseif
[Deletion recommended by Jefferson County Public Works.]
6. Public county or statewide capital facilities that generate s,ibstantial travel deH4a-R should
be located along or near major transportation corridors [Deleted to remove quantification clause.]
7. Public county or stateside capital facilities shall rat be located in such a manner as to
discourage adverse impacts on critical areas and shall be + lief
appropriately addressed in through the
iurisdiction's critical areas ordinance. [Edited to clarify policy is addressing critical areas and through
application of the critical areas ordinance as appropriate.]
8. Some county or statewide public capital facilities may be located outside of urban growth
areas, if they are self-contained or be serviced by services in a manner that will not
promote urban development.
9. Support efforts to increase resilience of public county or statewide capital or transportation
facilities by preparing for disasters and other impacts, by having a coordinated system
recovery plan.
10. Cooperate with Washington State Department of Transportation regarding transportation
facilities or services of statewide significance as defined in RCW 47.06.140.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 14
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in(orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
POLICY #5
POLICY ON COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND STRATEGIES
1. The Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO) has w+44
developed a regional transportation plan Peninsula Regional Transportation Plan for the
North Eastern Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula areas. The City and County will
Gh-r
develop a transportation elemePA comprehensive plans shall each contain a transportation
element that emphasizes local transportation needs and provides linkage to the Regional
Plan in order to ensure consistency. in these transFe ati^T e4emeRts, peGifi^
linkages with the regional plaR Will be undertaken to assuFe Gonsistency betweeR the t
deou ts.
2. Service standards for highways and arterial roads and transit routes will be
coordinated and adopted at a countywide level. These standards may vary depending
on the type of development pattern anticipated (i.e., urban vs. rural) or by the specific
growth management objectives being considered. When a variance to level of service
standards is established, it will be clearly delineated in the transportation and land use
element of the comprehensive plan. The City and County will collaborate with
Jefferson Transit on transit routes that will meet the needs of anticipated growth.
[Revisions based on comments received from Jefferson Transit.]
3. In developing the County's six-year fead transportation improvement program, priorities
should include the priority of focus should be:
• first,to maintain or consider need for expanded capacity within the UGAs
• Saga- to maintain or consider need for expanded capacity for transportation to
and from UGAs and regional centers
• identified safety and maintenance improvements
• and enhance multimodal facilities
identified infrastructure improvements
[Revisions based on comments received from Jefferson County Public Works. Deleted hierarchy language
and added other types of transportation improvements found on the County's TIP.]
4. The land use and transportation elements of the comprehensive plan will be used
when coordinating with Jefferson Transit in the development of its service deliver
strategy. by Jefferson Transits mission is to increase ridership and expand
transportation options within and between UGAs, and between the county and the
region at large. as a guide On the development of its servilse delivery strategy. The
thrust of this strategy is to InGrease ridership and expand transpertatien options within
UGAs, between I GAc and between the ner rnty and the reg'GR at Inrne lefined and
clarified based on comments received from Jefferson Transit.]
5. Jefferson County International Airport will remain the public link to the larger air
transportation system. The Port of Port Townsend will have the lead responsibility to
develop a service delivery strategy for this mode of transportation consistent with the
transportation and land use elements of the County comprehensive plan.
6. The development or expansion of any air-based or water-based transportation system will
require specific linkage with the ground transportation system and compatibility with the
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 15
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
land use element of the comprehensive plans.
7. In establishing the land use element of comprehensive plans and the level of service
standards for transportation systems within UGAs, the City and County will ensure that
land use densities design elements and development policies are supportive and make
accommodation for public transit and Ren meterized ferms ef active transportation.
8. The transportation element of the comprehensive plans will shall be designed around the
following principles:
• seek to increase efficiency of the existing transportation system
• emphasize the movement of people and goods first, and vehicles second
• enGeurage integrate non-motorized modes and high occupancy vehicles in
transportation system design as practical
• encourage employers to implement Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
techniques, which. This is particularly true in the review of new employment
generators at a fixed location.
• as appropriate, consider ways cook to acci,ro that the proportionate share of costs
of new or upgraded transportation facilities are borne by those who create the need
for the facility. .
[Revisions based on comments received from Jefferson County Public UVorks.j
9. The transportation elements of the comprehensive plans shall provide a summary and
analysis of planning information including.-
0 land use assumptions upon which the transportation element is based including
population, employment by type, recreation, comprehensive land use designations,
and the density of current and projected development including the ratio of single
and multi-family units to total housing units within UGAs
• level of service standards for arterials and collectors
• an analysis and forecast of future transportation needs
• evaluate the operation and maintenance of transportation facilities in a manner
which considers present and future operation and maintenance costs
• incorporate active travel (pedestrian and bicycle) travel as part of the transportation
element within a coordinated and regional basis. The active transportation bicycle
and pedes component shall be a part of the funding component of the capital
improvement program for transportation improvements
10.The adopted level of service standards will be used in evaluating concurrency for long-
range transportation planning, development review and programming of transportation
improvements.
11.Transportation facilities and services should be minimize and mitigate their impacts on the
natural environment or resource lands. Design standards and construction practices
should include methods to reduce stormwater pollution, improve fish passage, and
minimize other impacts on shorelines, water resources, drainage patterns and soils, to the
extent possible. (Clarified that policy address environmental impacts.]
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 16
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orangej as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #6
POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
1. As defined by GMA, "affordable housing" means is-L
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, residential housing whose monthly costs,
including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed thirty percent of the monthly income
of a household whose income is:
(a) For rental housing, 60% of the median household income adjusted for household
size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States
department of housing and urban development; or
(b) For owner-occupied housing, 80% of the median household income adjusted for
household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the
United States department of housing and urban development.
fam'I'les in jeffersen County; and whe'S GGStS, including utilities, would not exiceed These housing units available for purGhase or rent to individuals or families with a gress
g Fess in e.
2. The provision of affordable housing is acknowledged as a general public need and will be
addressed in Jefferson County primarily through private sector programs and projects, as
well as by non-profit and quasi-public entities, such as Peninsula Housing Authority.
Local governments should seek partnerships and opportunities with such agencies to
increase affordable housing unit inventory y identifying incentives, infrastructure
provisions, direct housing provision or other methods deemed appropriate by the
municipality. l n^mil nnsiornmont should not ass ime a rliront role in the ewneFshin nr
entities.administration of publiG assisted heUSiRg tO meet low iRGE)rne Reeds, FatheF this should bee
left to private, non profit E)F quasi-publiG [Added examples of how municipalities can
participate in addressing affordable housing.]
3. The provision of affordable housing for households below 120% countywide median
income shall be consistent with RCW 36.70A.070(2)(a) and the methodology provided by
Department of Commerce. Affordable housing should be primarily focused within urban
growth areas with easy access to transportation and transit, available or planned
infrastructure, access to employment and services, and/or provides affordable housing in
areas where none exist. Affordable housing units may be allocated into rural areas as
appropriate and agreed upon through the Growth Management Steering Committee
housing by income distribution process.
4. The housing and/or land use elements of comprehensive plans will include an
assessment of land available and the process of siting special purpose housing (such as
homeless emergency housing and shelters, permanent supportive housing, group homes,
etc.), to ensure that such housing can be accommodated.
5. A sufficient quantity of land will be appropriately zoned or designated to accommodate a
wide range of housing types, densities, incomes, and mixtures, in accordance with RCW
36.70A.070. Multi-family housing should only be located within UGAs, MPRs, or rural
centers. Attention to middle housing types and densities supporting middle housing types
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/l/2024 17
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallom
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in iorange;as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
should be expanded to bridge the gap between detached single-family units and large
multifamily housing.
6. An affordable housing strategy and policies will be developed as part of the housing
element of the comprehensive plans, consistent with the requirements of RCW
36.7OA.O7O(2). This affordable housing strategy will examine existing regulations and
policies to identify opportunities to encourage the provision of affordable housing
mechanisms such as accessory dwelling units ("mother-in-law") or efficiency apartments,
density bonuses, mitigation fees waivers, priority permit processing and the like. Policies
shall include consideration of historically underserved, vulnerable or marginalized
populations, and emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with
appropriate on-site services for persons with special needs. [Added clause to include new
required equity considerations for housing elements.]
7. Each UGA shall accommodate its fair share of housing affordable to low- and moderate-
income households according to 4s-housing units by income allocation peFiGentage shaFe
of the GOURty pepula and by promoting a balanced mix of diverse housing types.
8. Undeveloped land owned by the public entities will be inventoried and those that are
appropriately located should be considered for development of low-income housing.
Consideration of assembling these parcels for development by non-profit housing
organizations or private developers should be encouraged.
9. The housing element will include criteria for locating higher density residential areas near
public facilities and services, commercial services, arterial or within walking distance of
jobs or transit.
10.Displacement of lower-income households, historically marginalized or vulnerable
populations may result from conversion of housing, public investments, private
redevelopment, and market pressures. Displacement risk of these household types
should be considered, and a range of strategies +deetif+ed to mitigate identified impacts.
[Added clause to include equity considerations for housing.]
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 18
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallom
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in o range as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to 8OCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #7
POLICY ON COUNTY-WIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
1. The private sector is primarily responsible for the creation of economic opportunity in
Jefferson County. The responsibility of the public sector is to assure that these activities
are carried out consistent with defined community and environmental values. To this end,
comprehensive plans should clearly identify these values in order that economic
opportunity is not lost due to confusion or unreliability of process. Particular attention will
be given to the needs of non-service sector businesses and industries as a strategy to
increase wage earning potential within the community.
2. An economic development element shall should be prepared a included in the County's
and incorporated cities areas comprehensive plans. This element should identify and
designate adequate areas for commercial, retail, and industrial growth necessary to
sustain and meet future population and employment forecasts. The economic
development element shall be coordinated with the capital facility, land use and utilities
elements of the comprehensive plan.
3. Each UGA and rural center is considered the commercial and business "hub" in their
respective area of the County. UGAs should be viewed as regional service and retail
centers, while the rural center focus is on local community retail and service needs, and
transient accommodations.
4. The GMA contains provisions for the designation of Major Industrial Developments (MIDs)
under RCW 36.70A.365 and up to two master planned locations as part of a Jefferson
County Industrial Land Bank (ILB) under RCW 36.70A.367. These provisions
acknowledge that certain industries, due to their size or type of operation, or due to their
dependence on the local resource base, should not be located within the boundaries of
UGAs. When locating these types of activities outside of UGAs, special attention must be
given to assure that the activity will not promote "urban development" of the surrounding
area. These activities will need to be self-supporting and not require the extension of
urban services.
5. Jefferson County may maintain policies and development regulations associated with the
siting of MIDs, as authorized in RCW 36.70A.365, in consultation with cities within the
County.
6. Jefferson County may pursue the designation of up to two master planned locations as
part of an ILB, as authorized in RCW 36.70A.367, in consultation with cities within the
county and other partner entities through a process involving the Growth Management
Steering Committee, the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County, and the
Port of Port Townsend. Establishment of the ILB will be conducted through a public
participation program within the framework of the Growth Management Act.
7. The Port of Port Townsend's statutory authority should be utilized as a tool to implement
industry and trade strategies, including the promotion of employment opportunities, the
consolidation and parceling of property, and the development of infrastructure to meet the
needs of industry consistent with comprehensive plans and development regulations.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 19
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13/24 meeting.
POLICY #8
POLICY ON RURAL AREAS
1. Rural areas are those lands located outside of UGAs and resource lands. These areas
are characterized by low density development, open spaces, minimal public services,
resource dependent activities and industries, and outdoor recreational facilities. Activities
such as regional retail-commercial facilities, business office parks and similar high
intensity land uses are considered urban in nature and are inconsistent with rural area
designations. The rural element of the comprehensive plan will be designed to recognize
and maintain the unique character of individual rural areas without degrading the
environment or creating the need for urban level of services.
2. The concept of clustering or density transfer is considered a positive tool in maintaining
the character of rural areas. This concept assists in more efficient delivery of public
services, minimizes the need for additional infrastructure, and at the same time maximizes
land available for rural uses. Clustering of new development is preferred in rural areas.
3. Level of service standards will be adopted which identifies the type and scale of public
facility and infrastructure improvements anticipated for rural areas and rural centers.
Typically, these will include:
• emergency services
• transportation and roads
• individual septic systems
• individual or community water systems
• storm water and water quality
4. Parcel sizes established for rural areas of the county should be commensurate with the
character of existing rural communities. This policy anticipates that rural areas will
maintain a variety of acreage parcels.
5. Rural centers (LAMIRDs as authorized by RCW 36.70A.070.5(d)), are those existing
unincorporated places which serve the retail commercial and service needs of the local
area. These areas will be delineated and recognized in the comprehensive plan consistent
with level of service standards. Land uses within these centers include:
• shopping, employment, and services for residents, supplies for resource industries,
including commercial, industrial, and tourism development at a scale that preserves
the surrounding rural characteristics
• residential development, including small-lot single-family and multi-family; and
mixed-use developments
• community facilities and services necessary to support the rural center and
promote pedestrian mobility.
6. The rural element of the comprehensive plan will recognize existing industry located
outside UGAs, as well as establish a framework for the siting of industries which, due to
their size, resource dependence, or incompatibility with UGAs, would be better suited to
locate in rural areas. Provisions will be made to ensure that adjacent land uses are not
converted to urban uses due to the proximity of these developments or to infrastructure
necessary to support them.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 20
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/11/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klollam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in`orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #9
POLICY ON FISCAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
1. Include a fiscal impact assessment on the provision of public capital facilities that are
intended to serve the community as an ongoing part of the comprehensive planning
process. This assessment will include project revenues and expenditures and an analysis
of the cumulative fiscal impacts of providing governmental services to accommodate the
targeted population. The purpose of the fiscal assessment is to assure that projected
capital costs can be reasonably supported within the capabilities of the community.
2. Within the elements of the comprehensive plan, incentives and non-regulatory options will
be identified and developed as alternatives to regulatory programs in the implementation
of comprehensive plan policy.
3. The City, any future incorporated UGA, and the County will address issues of tax revenue
sharing, the provision of regional services, annexations, and similar fiscal components
through the development of interlocal agreements.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 21
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at B/1 3/24 meeting.
POLICY #10
POLICY ON PROTECTION OF TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES AND COORDINATION
Jefferson County honors and preserves the treaty rights of all Indian Tribes that have hunting,
fishing, and gathering rights within Jefferson County.
Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources
Although state and federal laws protect cultural and archaeological resources, local
comprehensive plans should direct coordination with Tribes to proactively protect and
manage these resources. Examples of archaeological and cultural resources important to
Tribes include, but are not limited to, shell middens, campsites, pictographs, kettles, geologic
formations associated with cultural resources, traditionally used native plants alonq
reads, and burial sites.
1. Protect significant regional historic and cultural resources, such as landmarks,
archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, and areas of special tribal
character.
2. Proactively seek tribal coordination when land use activity may have potential impacts
to culturally significant sites and tribal treaty fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds.
3. Preserve, protect, and enhance cultural amenities by protecting tribal cultural artifacts,
historic structures, farms and other historical settlements throughout the rural
landscape, through cultural and historical preservation planning efforts. Local tribes
&ho-uW will be consulted and included early in the planning process to ensure that tribal
recommendations are thoughtfully considered and addressed.
Coordination
Like all governments, Tribes engage in land use planning and economic development to
provide jobs, housing, and services, as well as the development and maintenance of
supportive infrastructure. As sovereign nations, Tribes are not required to plan under the
Growth Management Act but can and do recognize the importance of coordination with
governments. The following policies are intended to facilitate collaboration between Tribes
and Jefferson County governments in land use and comprehensive planning:
1. Strengthen County, City and Tribal relationships with engagement of meaningful
government-to-government (G2G) consultations. The G2G relationship will be
supplemented and enhanced with regular informal engagement and coordination
between the County, the City, and the Tribes. G2G consultation occurs independent of
the public involvement process.
2. Coordinate with tribes in regional and local planning, recognizing the mutual benefits
and potential for land use impacts to tribal boundaries and interests.
3. Meaningful and substantial opportunities for early and continuous tribal government
participation shall be incorporated into regional and local planning activities.
4. Local jurisdictions shall provide meaningful opportunities for discussion for tribal
government on issues of interest.
5. Local jurisdictions, tribal governments, and federal agencies are encouraged to
coordinate plans between governments and agencies to address substantive areas of
mutual interest, especially when geographic areas overlay, and promote
complementary and cooperative efforts.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 22
Includes revisions from comments made at 5/14/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/13,24 meeting.
6. County, City, and Tribes are encouraged to inform each other about matters of local
and regional interest by mutually agreeable means and schedule.
{Revisions made 8/1/2024 are based on comments received from Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.]
POLICY #11A
POLICY ON USE, MONITORING, REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
1. The Countywide Planning Policies will be utilized to:
• establish a framework for the development, adoption, and amendment of
comprehensive plans and supporting regulations.
• provide a foundation for establishing locally defined terms, and to determine
consistency with the criteria of the Growth Management Act.
• coordinate and assure consistency among plans of the County, UGAs, special
purpose districts and service providers.
2. The Growth Management Steering Committee will serve as a regional advisorV
body during the development of the periodic review of County and City comprehensive
plans. OnGe uninGeOrPGFated JGAs are identified, r Representation of the unincorporated
UGA will be included on the steering committee. The committee will review draft lans
population projections and allocations for consistency with these policies in an advisory
capacity and report its findings to the appropriate jurisdiction.
3. These countywide policies shall be periodically reviewed or as a result of legislative
changes, and may be amended in the following manner:
a) the amendment is placed in writing and includes a brief explanation of why the
amendment is warranted, and
b) the amendment is reviewed and commented on by the Growth Management
Steering Committee or its successor entity, and
c) a public hearing is conducted by the County prior to amending these policies, and
the amendment is agreed to by both the County Board of Commissioners and City
Council of incorporated UGAs, and
d) the amendment is adopted by the County Board of County Commissioners.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024;Version 8/1/2024 23
Includes revisions from comments made at 5114/24 and 6/1 1/24 GMSC Meetings,Jefferson Co Public Works,Jefferson Transit and Port Gamble S'Klallam
Tribe input.Revisions from the initial draft are identified in purple and explanatory comments in[orange]as needed.Red revisions made at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
GMSC recommended this version to BOCC at 8/1 3/24 meeting.
Jefferson CountyComprehensive
Plan Update
October9, 2024 j public Participation Plan
Purpose
RCW 36.70A.140
Comprehensive plans—Ensure public participation.
Each county and city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish and
broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures providing for
early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive land
use plans and development regulations implementing such plans. The procedures shall provide for
broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public meetings
after effective notice, provision for open discussion, communication programs, information services,
and consideration of and response to public comments. In enacting legislation in response to the
board's decision pursuant to RCW 36.70A.300 declaring part or all of a comprehensive plan or
development regulation invalid, the county or city shall provide for public participation that is
appropriate and effective under the circumstances presented by the board's order. Errors in exact
compliance with the established program and procedures shall not render the comprehensive land use
plan or development regulations invalid if the spirit of the program and procedures is observed.
(1995 c 347§ 107, 19901st ex.s. c 17§ 14.]
This Public Participation Plan is designed to describe the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
outreach principles, strategies, and public comment opportunities for the Jefferson County
Community. This plan is implemented through community input as to the content of draft material,
and as the proposed draft Comprehensive Plan updates & Unified Development Code amendments are
circulated for public input, and finally, as the legislative review process through the Planning
Commission and Board of County Commissioners occurs.
This plan not only ensures that Growth Management Act (GMA)-required outreach and public
participation is accomplished as described in RCW 36.70A.140 above, but also identifies opportunities
to work with existing community groups and agencies that can be avenues for public outreach and
participation. For example, agencies that provide community services may reach populations not
readily contacted through Community Development outreach channels. Also, the Department of
Commerce's Community Based Organization (CBO) grants have provided topic-specific outreach
through local organizations such as the Climate Action Committee, and Bayside Housing and Services
as a local housing provider representative.
This Public Participation Plan incorporates two interrelated public engagement plans: the Public
Engagement Plan developed under the Climate Resiliency Grant to meet specific outreach goals while
developing the new Climate Element, and the Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan meeting specific
housing-related public outreach goals in the Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area. Another
primary outreach mechanism for the 2025 Periodic Review is the Jefferson County Planning
Commission as the primary comprehensive planning and periodic review public venue. Last, a web-
based information hub will be developed to provide readily-available education and information
services, as well as a two-way communication tool with community surveys. BERK Consulting is
Jefferson County's technical consultant for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.
Public Outreach & Engagement Guiding Principles
The Comprehensive Plan outreach and engagement efforts will be steered by guiding principles:
■ Ensure early and continuous outreach to Tribal governments and meet requirements of the
Growth Management Act.
■ Broadly disseminate information to the public by providing easy and convenient access to project
information on the County website and distribution of information flyers.
■ Educate the public in the purpose of comprehensive planning & why it's important,
comprehensive planning topics, how the process goes, and how to participate.
■ Provide opportunities for public participation in Port Hadlock-specific outreach, including the
incorporation of The Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan (Attachment 2).
■ Be Inclusive.
Create opportunities for inclusive engagement to reach a broad group of participants,
including outreach strategies articulated in the Climate Engagement Plan (Attachment 1).
Identify potential barriers to involvement by those who typically do not participate and
employ outreach strategies that facilitate their involvement, realizing that there are those
who choose not to participate.
El Use assistance of public service agencies for distributing flyers to those who may be difficult
to reach.
■ Make public engagement accessible.
• Choose meeting times and locations with consideration of accessibility to as many participants
as possible.
• Facilitate public participation by holding meetings in various locations in the County.
Provide web-site information and feedback alternatives and virtual meeting alternatives to
public meetings to overcome barriers of travel limitations and scheduling issues.
• Document and Learn from Outreach efforts to develop adaptive strategies.
Reflect on the outcome of each activity—what went well, what could be improved.
Cl Respect the feedback received and integrate it in project outcomes where possible.
• Seek opportunities to coordinate outreach with other agencies and organizations, including
Community Based Organization grantees.
Integrate outreach efforts when possible.
Investigate public support service agencies as an avenue to reach new audiences.
Structure and Process
■ Planning Commission is initially the central venue for public interface with the County.
Subsequently, the Board of County Commissioners with be the public venue. The project is
managed and facilitated by the Department of Community Development.
■ The Jefferson County 2025 Periodic Review project website will be the primary repository for
outreach materials, and will be linked to the Planning Commission web page.
Stakeholders
Our outreach is inclusive of all residents of Jefferson County, service providers, businesses,
organizations, and boards. Besides the public at large, identifying stakeholder groups provides
targeted opportunities to involve specific sectors in the project. These may include:
■ Large employers: Port Townsend Paper Mill, Jefferson County Hospital, maritime industry, school
and special purpose districts
• Economic development agencies and businesses: Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development
Council, For-profit housing developers, North Olympic Development Council, Jefferson County
Builders' Associations
■ Public agencies: Port of Port Townsend, WSU Extension
■ Tribal governments
■ Service agencies & community groups: Housing Groups, Citizen Advisory Boards, Food Banks, Area
Agency on Aging, DASH
• Transportation services: Jefferson Transit, Peninsula Trails Coalition
■ Subject Matter Experts
■ Adjacent jurisdictions
Public Engagement Strategies & Activities
Activities are anticipated to include:
• Preparation of outreach materials and supporting documents (fact sheets, website material, etc.),
using the website as an informational and educational hub(epicenter) Materials would be
designed to reflect consistent outreach logos and colors as appropriate. Outreach efforts focuses
3I
on telling people to go to our educational hub for information and the opportunity to participate
through surveys and public comment.
• Surveys focused on understanding (what the community values/prioritizes)
• Provide information about why participation is important, with the goal of increasing the scope of
community involvement.
• A public open house in each Planning Commission district to maximize participation. These are
proposed to be in advance of the Planning Commission public hearing.
• Additional virtual meetings may be employed as a strategy for additional outreach beyond physical
in-person meetings.
• County staff in attendance at meetings with stakeholder groups as available.
• Study sessions and public hearings before the County Planning Commission and Board of County
Commissioners as needed.
• KPTZ Radio Program: One county commissioner goes every Friday from 12:30-1:00 PM and use of
the Community Calendar for announcements.
Exhibit 1. Outreach Plan General Phases
Phase 1 Spread the word hase 2 Identify priorities Phas Refine bas
- �Rn:fe_ bg,ck
Build early awareness of plan Gather and integrate community Solicit feedback on draft
process value and vision materials
Build or strengthen key partner Community-driven prioritization Gather input for
Purpose relationships of potential strategies implementation
Understand current community
context
Webpage (main county page Webpage (main county page and Webpage (main county
and DCD page) DCD page) page and DCD page)
County Facebook Social media Social media
Coordinate meetings with local Community Conversations Community
Activities Climate Action Committee Meetings with the CAC and other Conversations
(CAC) stakeholders Meetings with the CAC
Coordinate meetings with and other stakeholders
other stakeholders
4 '
Activities and Roles
Community engagement and outreach is a joint effort between the County staff who have long-term
relationships with residents and businesses and the consultant team who provide additional resources
for the Comprehensive Plan. This section summarizes the key outreach strategy and activities and roles
and responsibilities between County staff, the consultants, and others.
BERK will assist in preparing briefing materials for County staff and officials for Planning Commission or
Board meeting.
Exhibit 2. Outreach Strategies, Actions, Roles, and Responsibilities
Outreach Strategies Key Actions Roles &
Phases/Activity Responsibilities
Advertising Events
Project Website ■ Develop content ■ Content: County staff,
■ Post Materials with support from BERK
■ Post: County
Postcards, Fliers, ■ Develop materials ■ Develop: County staff
FAQs ■ Print & Distribute with assistance from
materials BERK
■ Print: County print shop
■ Distribute: County
Outreach and Engagement
Online Information ■ Develop content ■ Content: County staff
and Public Comment . Post Materials and BERK
Opportunities
■ Post: County
Community ■ Work on logistics and ■ Locations: County Staff,
Workshops space with BERK assistance.
■ Develop agendas and ■ Activities: BERK
activities attendance at two
workshops (PC + BoCC)
Legislative Meetings ■ Schedule ■ Schedule: County
■ Presentations ■ Presentations/Materials:
BERK supports
depending on role
5 1 P a g e
Collaboration with Tribal Governments
■ Include tribal governments in the update of Countywide Planning Policies (RCW 36.70A.210).
■ Ensure provisions of RCW 36.70A.040(8) regarding participation of federally recognized Indian
tribes are met, as applicable.
■ Assistance may be available from PSRC VISION 2050 Planning Resources, Coordination with Tribes
in Comprehensive Planning
■ Be aware of Tribal planning activities and how comprehensive plans can be coordinated.
■ Communication and coordination with Tribes individually instead of collectively
■ Engage via Memoranda of Understanding or Resolution, if requested by a tribal government.
Climate Resiliency Element
Cascadia Consulting Group will lead the Element with support from BERK appropriate to topics. Refer
to Attachment 1 for the Jefferson County Climate Engagement Plan.
The Climate Action Committee (CAC) serves in an advisory capacity to The Jefferson County
Department of Community Development (DCD) for the new Climate Element to the Comprehensive
Plan. Other stakeholders, such as Engage Jefferson County and the Water Utility Coordinating
Committee through the update to the Coordinated Water System Plan, also provide input.The Public
Engagement Plan specific to the Climate Resiliency Grant is in Attachment 1.
Integration of Public Participation in Decision-Making Process
■ Match public participation to Objectives throughout the process.
■ Be clear on what we're asking from the public and what level of consulting, involvement, or
collaboration the public has in the decision-making process.
■ Map out decision process for public's participation and understanding
Schedule
A conceptual sequence of activities is shown below, along with expected dates.
Exhibit 3. Proposed Sequence of Outreach Events
A 0
000 F11- iiJ�F_ --I
January—March March—May May—June
Develop and Compile Issue Draft Plan Board of County
Comprehensive Plan InformationOnline Commissioners
Updates Commentand Public
Develop Unified Opportunities Deliberation and
Development Code Planning Commission Adoption
Edits Public Open House
and Public Hearing
Exhibit 4. Schedule —Target Weeks
Activity Target Weeks (Subject to Change)
Develop Postcards, Fliers, FAQs, and Web Content Fall 2024 and throughout project
Issue Draft Plan First week of April
Planning Commission Meetings and Public Open Houses October 2024 through March 2025
Planning Commission Public Hearing& Deliberation April 2025
Board of County Commissioner Public Hearing May 2025
Board of County Commissioner Deliberation and Action June 2025
7 1 Fay e
Exhibit 5: Diagram of Outreach Components
Planning Public Participation Community
Commission Plan/Public j Development
Outreach Engagement Plan Outreach
Information
Road Show to &Outreach
PC Districts Printed 2025CP Update Website
----- Materials at PC Web Page Public Engagement Hub
CP Review General
Drafts Meetin s
Educational Menu of Interactive
Materials Schedules Surveys Graphic Displays Story Map
-CP Elements
-Project Intro.Project
Summaries Brochure for
duration of Community-Based Organizations
project:Who, (CBOs)
What,Where,
When
References
1. Guide On Consultation and Collaboration Within Tribal Governments and the Public Participation of Indigenous
Groups and Tribal Members in Environmental Decision Making, November 22,2000. Prepared by the National
Environmental Justice Advisory Council Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee,A Federal Advisory Committee to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
2. Using dialogue to bring people together,by Lee Nellis, FAICP, Cody, Wyoming
3. EPA Public Participation Guide, Public Participation Toolkit. No date.96 pp.
4. Messaging This Moment:A Handbook for Progressive Communicators.Anat Shenker-Osorio. No date. 21 pp.
5. Godschalkand Rouse,2015. "Principles for Sustaining Places" in Sustaining Places: Best Practices for Comprehensive
Plans, PAS Report 578,American Planning Association.
Attachment 1: Climate Resiliency Grant Public Engagement Plan
Attachment 2: Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan
81 .. � P
Jefferson County Climate Element
ENGAGEMENT PLAN
SEPTEMBER 2024
��SCADIOUP
Engagement Plan
fUNO[BBYWASHINGTON'S This Engagement Plan is funded through a state grant. The WA Department of
CLIMATE 10 Commerce climate planning rant is supported p g g pported with funding from
COMMITMENT
ACT Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington's
climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing
climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available
at www.climate.wa.gov
� RDIA Jefferson County Climate Element ii
v CONSOtiiMG GNOUV
Engagement Plan
Contents
EngagementPlan Overview....................................................................................................................................1
EngagementObjectives......................................................................................................................................1
EngagementMetrics...........................................................................................................................................1
EngagementStrategy.............................................................................................................................................2
CommunityContext................................................................................................................................................3
EngagementConsiderations...............................................................................................................................6
Audience.................................................................................................................................................................6
TribalEngagement..................................................................................................................................................7
KeyMessages.........................................................................................................................................................7
CACMeeting Schedule...........................................................................................................................................8
EngagementTactics................................................................................................................................................8
Materials.................................................................................................................................................................9
Roles.......................................................................................................................................................................9
Appendix 1. Environmental Health Disparities................................................................................................... 10
Appendix 2. Social Vulnerability Index................................................................................................................ 13
Jefferson Count Climate Element ni
�ASCADIA Y
QNMEMEMEMPP"Owiefferson County Climate Element
Engagement Plan Overview
Jefferson County(County) is developing a Climate Element(CE)as a part of the 2025 Comprehensive
Plan Update.The CE will be prepared to meet new Washington House Bill 1181 requirements for cities
and counties to integrate climate mitigation and/or resilience policies into their periodic comprehensive
plan updates.Jefferson County is required to satisfy a climate resilience sub-element for its 2025
Comprehensive Plan. Per WA State Department of Commerce guidance, one of the pathways to
integrating climate resilience into a comprehensive plan is updating and adopting a hazard mitigation
plan and then integrating climate resilience goals and policy into the comprehensive plan.See
Commerce Climate Element Planning Guidance at pg. 15 (Updated 1/11/24).
This public-facing Engagement Plan (Plan) provides a strategic framework for engaging Jefferson County
communities and key project partners for development of the Climate Element.This Plan is intended to
be consistent with and supportive of the Public Participation Plan to be prepared as part of the
Comprehensive Plan update.
Engagement is a fluid process that requires adaptive strategies to make sure we are reaching
communities and gathering meaningful input.This plan outlines our guiding objectives, audiences, and
strategies for how we plan to approach engaging Jefferson community members to meaningfully
participate in these planning processes.
Engagement Objectives
Through engagement,the county intends to meet the following objectives:
• Raise awareness of climate resilience and provide several different venue opportunities for the
public to learn about and provide input during our planning process.
• Provide the opportunity for all who live and work in the County to participate in the update planning
process.
• Ensure a process that is open and transparent, culturally sensitive, and accessible.
• Ask for input where public feedback can contribute to the process of developing goals and policies
pertaining to climate change and resilience.
Engagement Metrics
This engagement process will be summarized in a final Engagement Summary at the end of the project,
produced by County Staff.The final summary will include key themes from engagement and a
quantitative summary of key engagement metrics tracked during the engagement process:
• Documentation of engagement efforts in the engagement tracker
�ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 1
-1-_ v.jo 11
Jefferson County Climate Element
• Total number of people attending
• Total number of responses per engagement activity
Engagement Strategy
Three main phases of engagement are planned. These phases will build upon each other and coincide
with broader key decision points in the development of the Climate Element.
ENGAGEMENT PHASES
Phase 1: Spread the . Identifyon - . . .
Build early awareness of plan Gather and integrate community Solicit feedback on draft
process value and vision CE
Purpose Build or strengthen key partner Community-driven prioritization Gather input for
relationships of potential strategies implementation
Understand current community
context
Webpage (main county page Webpage (main county page and Webpage (main county
and DCD page) DCD page) page and DCD page)
County Facebook Social media Social media
Coordinate meetings with local Community Conversations Community
Activities Climate Action Committee Meetings with the CAC and other Conversations
(CAC) stakeholders Meetings with the CAC
Coordinate meetings with and other stakeholders
other stakeholders
PROJECT TIMELINE WITH ENGAGEMENT PHASES OVERLAY
The following timeline includes key engagement activities identified in this plan overlayed with
engagement phases (see Exhibit 1).
�1\ CA-SCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 2
V CO-l"......I
Jefferson County Climate Element
Exhibit 1 Engagement timeline with project deliverables
Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Q2 2025
Project kicks off Climate impacts& Draft VA Finalize Climate VA CE review&
Climate data gathering policy audit Submit Gap Continue refining revisions
Begin drafting Analysis &prioritizing Climate Finalize CE&
Climate Element Element policies integrate into
policies Submit Community Comprehensive
Assessment Public Comment Draft Plan
Begin Drafting VA CAC Meeting of Comprehensive
Finalize Plan Engagement
Engagement Plan CAC Meeting Summary Report
CAC Meeting
a - x
Phase 1: Spread the word Phase 2: Identify priorities
yt i y,
Community Context
The following sections provide a snapshot of Jefferson County communities, including demographic data
and audience groups.
Demographics
Based on the April 1, 2024 Population of Cities,Towns and Counties Used for Allocation of Selected
State Revenues,State of Washington Office of Financial Management, the total population of Jefferson
County is 32,977 people.The tables below provide age, gender, race, language,education, and income
levels for those who reside in Jefferson County(see Exhibit 2-7).
Exhibit 2 Jefferson County residents by age. Data from the Washington State Office of Financial Management.
Under 5 years 3.0
5-19 years 10.3
20-44 years 20.3
45-64 years 27.5
65 and over 38.9
�CLISCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element '', 3
%,i CONSUI.,NG oaouc
Jefferson County Climate Element
Exhibit 3 Jefferson County residents by gender. Data from the Washington State Office of Financial
Management.
Gender %
Total population 32,977
Male 49.2
Female 50.8
Exhibit 4 Jefferson County residents by race and ethnicity. Note, Hispanic/Latino is ethnicity so percentages do
not add to 100%. Data from the Washington State Office of Financial Management.
White alone 88.3
Black or African American 07
American Indian and Alaska Native 2.1
Asian 1.5
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 0.2
Two or More Races 7.2
Hispanic or Latino(any race) 4.2
Exhibit 5 Jefferson County residents by language spoken at home. Data from the ACS 5-year Survey 2022
SpokenLanguage population
over 5 years . d
Speak English only at home 89.2
Speak a language other than English at home 5.0
Speak English less than"very well" 0.8
Speak Spanish at home 1 8
Speak other Indo-European languages at 1.8
home
Speak Asian and Pacific languages at home 1.2
Speak other languages at home 0.2
Exhibit 6 Jefferson County residents by education level. Data from the ACS 5-year Survey 2022
Education Level,Population 25 years . .
Less than high school
0.5
Some high school, no diploma 2.4
High school graduate,including equivalency 20.6
Some college, no degree 24.6
Associate's degree 8.4
Bachelor's degree 23.8
Graduate or professional degree 19.7
C ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 4
` *CONSULTING G•OUV
Jefferson County Climate Element
Exhibit 7 Jefferson County Residents by income level. Data from the ACS 5-year Survey 2022
Income Levels %
Less than$10,000 6.3
$10,000 to$24,999 10.6
$25,000 to$49,999 20.3
$50,000 to$74,999 17.6
$75,000 to$99,999 14.1
$100,000 to$149,999 14.0
$150,000 to$199,999 8.4
$200,000 or more 8.7
Median income(dollars) $64,796
WA HEALTH DISPARITIES DATA
The Climate Element, including the Resilience Sub-element, must address disadvantaged communities in
Jefferson County. This Element will address economic, environmental, and social conditions as they
intersect with climate resilience, and minimize the potential for environmental health disparities to get
worse.
The Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map is an interactive mapping tool comparing
communities across the state for environmental health disparities.The map provides decision makers
with key insights into where public investments can be prioritized to best target their jurisdiction's
highest environmental health concerns.
The tool ranks key data categories from 1-10,with 1 being the lowest occurrence of environmental
health disparities and 10 being the highest.There are 19 indicators, divided into four themes:
Environmental Exposures, Environmental Effects, Socioeconomic Factors, and Sensitive Populations.The
key findings for environmental health disparities in Jefferson County are presented as maps in Appendix
1.Jefferson County has moderate to relatively high disparity ratings for Socioeconomic Factors,with the
west end of the county ranking highest.
The tool also has rankings for Social Vulnerability Indices, which considers sociodemographic data by
region.There are 16 indicators, divided into four themes: Household Composition and Disability;
Housing Type and Transportation; Race, Ethnicity, and Language; and Socioeconomic Determinants.The
findings for Social Vulnerability Index ratings in Jefferson County are presented as maps in Appendix 2.
These maps show the distribution across the county of demographic groups that are likely to be more
vulnerable to climate impacts. These factors include, but are not limited to, a high percentage of the
population that: is over the age of 65 years; have disabilities; represent a single-parent household;
reside in mobile homes,overcrowded housing, or in group quarters; and have low income or are living in
poverty.
\CAN
SCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 5
Jefferson County Climate Element
Engagement Considerations
Drawing from the community context,the following engagement considerations will be considered as
we develop materials, conduct engagement and analyze feedback.
• There are previously identified equity issues in Jefferson County that should be addressed in the
engagement process. The County should prioritize engaging with West Jefferson County,
Quilcene, Brinnon, and parts of Ludlow County.
• Socioeconomic factors ranked the highest for environmental health disparities in Jefferson
County, with some areas scoring 7. Climate impacts are likely to exacerbate existing health
conditions and key phases of this project including the vulnerability assessment and policy
development will need to address existing health disparities.
• 16.9% of Jefferson County residents make less than $25,000. The 2022 poverty threshold is
$14,880 for one person, $18,900 for two people, and $29,950 for four people.
Audience
Our intended audience includes all Jefferson County residents and community members with an
emphasis on engaging historically underserved and vulnerable populations.
PotentialAudience Group Description
Those who live and work in Frontline communities
Jefferson County Seniors
General Public Interest in supporting community Community-based Organizations
cohesion, maintaining the rural Outdoor/recreation
lifestyle, and protecting natural Active neighborhood groups
resources. Community development
Maintaining and expanding
Utilities
infrastructure to support
sustainable growth while Contracted service providers
maintaining natural resources. County and City employees
Implementation Partners Environmental NGOs
Program and project development Higher education institutions (e.g.,
and support for policy Washington State University
implementation. Extension)
Climate Action Committee Jefferson County and City of Port Climate Action Committee (CAC) I
(CAC) Townsend employees Jefferson County, WA
C ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 6
�� o• „���»ono
Jefferson County Climate Element
Audience Group Description Potential Segments
Engage Jefferson County
Organizations and entities involved The Port
Community Stakeholders in climate action and/or represent Emergency responders
special interest groups. Jefferson County school districts
Transportation
Tribal Engagement
Tribal engagement will be conducted and will be coordinated as part of the overall Comprehensive Plan
update in compliance with HB 1717 requirements.
Key Messages
• Jefferson County is developing a Climate Element as part of the Comprehensive Plan update.
• Be a part of building resilience to climate impacts and preparing for hazards in Jefferson County!
• To reduce risk and plan for future climate impacts,we need your feedback!
• Share with us your priorities for planning for climate change impacts.
CLIMATE ELEMENT
• The Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW)was amended in 2023 under Washington
House Bill 1181, requiring cities and counties to integrate climate mitigation and/or resilience
policies into their periodic comprehensive plan updates.
• Jefferson County is developing a Climate Element that will build resilience to climate and
environmental impacts as a part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update.
• The Climate Element includes policies that:
1. Address natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change, including sea level rise,
landslides,flooding, drought, heat, smoke, wildfire, and other effects of changes to temperature
and precipitation patterns;
2. Identify, protect, and enhance natural areas to foster climate resilience,as well as areas of vital
habitat for safe species migration; and
3. Identify, protect, and enhance community resilience to climate impacts, including social,
economic, and built-environment factors, which support adaptation to climate impacts
consistent with environmental justice.
ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 7
�_.1-1-1N110
11111MENEEMPPOW
Jefferson County Climate Element
CAC Meeting Schedule
Cascadia will engage the CAC throughout the Resilience Sub-Element development process,
seeking feedback at key decision points in the planning process.
Meeting 1 Meeting 3
December 10, January or
Month and Year October 22, 2024 2024 February 2025
Review Climate
Review and seek
Impacts feedback from the Review and seek
Summary, CAC on the feedback on Draft
Engagement Plan,
Goal Vulnerability Goals and Polices
Policy Audit/Gap
Assessment and Assessment and of Climate
seek feedback to Draft Goals and Element.
Policies.
incorporate.
Climate Impacts
Vulnerability
Relevant Summary, Assessment Plan Assessment and Draft Goals and
deliverables Draft Goals and Policies.
Policy Audit/Gap
Policies.
Assessment.
Engagement Tactics
The following engagement activities will be used by Jefferson County and the CAC to engage the public
in the planning process for the Climate Element.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
There are a few activities that we will do throughout engagement, outlined below.
Website
The project webpage provides a central location to direct all interested individuals to more information.
The webpage would provide a project overview, relevant updates, upcoming engagement opportunities,
and project team contact information.The website will also house all project materials and host the
surveys. The project webpage should be updated regularly.
Notices
The County will announce important engagement opportunities through Jefferson County
communications in the local newspaper.
CASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 8
o__'.....uo
Jefferson County Climate Element
Email list
A project listserv,or regular email updates,will help share status updates and promote engagement
opportunities to emails collected throughout engagement.The County send out updates to the email list
to share out opportunities for feedback.
Promotion
The County will use internal Jefferson County communication channels to promote engagement
opportunities, as well as posting about opportunities using Facebook groups, other county websites,
local newspapers and local radio.
Planning Commission Meetings
The project team will present to the Planning Commission at key project phases and to get input and
review on draft Climate Element Policy language.
Community Conversations
DCD will conduct community conversations to gain feedback and input on the Climate Element.Those
meetings will be held both in person and virtually.
Materials
Cascadia is responsible for creating the following materials to support engagement activities.
• Public-facing Engagement Plan
• CAC meeting materials, including:
• Meeting agenda
• Pre-meeting materials
• PowerPoint Slides
• Meeting summary
Roles
Cascadia is responsible for preparing the Climate Element Engagement Plan and leading up to four
meetings with the CAC.Jefferson County Staff is responsible for public engagement activities in addition
to supporting CAC engagement.
These roles are outlined below:
ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 9
Jefferson County Climate Element
IF
Activity Jefferson County Cascadia Consulting Group
Preparing materials
CAC Meeting support Meeting facilitation
Meeting summary
Meeting facilitation
Community Conversations
Support one community
conversation
Develop engagement materials
Attend and lead engagement
General Public opportunities N/A
Appendix 1. Environmental Health Disparities
Figure 1 Environmental Health Disparities V 2.0. Provides an overview of environmental health concerns in the selected
area.Jefferson County's score is low.
All
High
10 =
9 i !
8
7
5
4
3 i
EL
Low
Mi
Figure 2. Environmental Exposures.Demonstrates exposure to various pollutants,such as PM2.5.Jefferson County's
score is low.
C ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 10
Jefferson County Climate Element
Rank
High
10
'
v
Low --- -,
LW
Figure 3. Environmental Effects. Demonstrates proximity to hazardous sites.Jefferson County's score is low,however
some areas(north-east area of County)are slightly higher.
- I. -
� � P
Rank
High
10
E 1�
4
2 _
Low
a J
i
Figure 4.Socioeconomic Factors. Demonstrates the concentration of vulnerable populations in the area,such as those
living below or at the poverty line,those without high school diplomas,and historically disadvantaged communities. This
CADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 11
Jefferson County Climate Element
is the County's highest-ranking sector with average scores around 6.
Rank
High
d �
2
1
Low
Figure 5. Sensitive Populations. Demonstrates populations at risk to cardiovascular disease and populations with low
birthrates. Jefferson County's score is low.
1 ,
fi
Rank - ".,,� �..--' 4
High
10 -- -
9
8
a
2
Low
CASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 12
Jefferson County Climate Element
Appendix 2. Social Vulnerability Index
Figure 6.Social Vulnerability Index.Provides an overview of social vulnerability scores for Jefferson County.Demonstrates that
West Jefferson County faces higher rates of social vulnerability compared to other areas.
1
Rank
High
8 �7
6
5
4 ,
3
Low -
J
Figure 7.Household Composition&Disability.Demonstrates household risk,including population over 65,population under 18,
population with a disability,and single parent households.Jefferson County's score is moderately high.
Rank T j
High
i
�1
7 � I
6
4
t
Low
-
SCADIA
Jefferson County Climate Element 1 13
Jefferson County Climate Element
Figure 8.Housing Type&Transportation.Demonstrates various housing types and conditions and access to private vehicles.
Jefferson County's score is moderate;however the western area is higher at 8.
L 1
Rank
High /
s L
7
6
5
4
3 a
2
Low
akCi
Figure 9.Race,Ethnicity,&Language.Demonstrates people of color and primary language other than English.Jefferson
County's score is low.
Rank r
High �—
c.r
8 ,
, i
6
5 1!-
4
3 1
Low
Vi
Figure 10.Socioeconomic Determinants. Demonstrates median household income, those without a high school diploma,
population without health insurance,population living in poverty,and population unemployed. This is Jefferson County's
highest-ranking sector, with an average score of 8.
'ASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 14
Jefferson County Climate Element
k CASCADIA Jefferson County Climate Element 1 15
1.i co s-,. ....-
¢SON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street,Port Townsend,VGA 98369
Tel:360.379.4450 j Fax:360.379.4451
Web:www.co.jefferson.wa.us/communinydevelopment
9SN G"O E-mail:dcdr co.jefferson.wa.us
Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan
I. Situation Statement
Jefferson County, Washington, a municipal corporation is seeking to build community awareness
and support for changes to zoning regulations and the comprehensive plan with specific reference
to those sections that govern housing types permitted "as of right" in the Port Hadlock Irondale
Urban Growth Area (UGA), one of Washington State's newest UGAs. More specifically, Jefferson
County like many other governments largely permits single family housing, a fact that arises in
large part out of the state's adoption of the Growth Management Act (GMA) which establishes a
series of 15 goals that should act as the basis of all comprehensive plans. Below you will find a
list of those goals along with an abbreviated description (for the full descriptions, see RCW
36.70A.020).
This middle housing project specifically builds community awareness and support for GMA goals
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 1 1 and 13. Specifically, GMA goal 1 would be implemented through its
encouragement of growth in a new urban growth area. Goal 2 is advanced by consideration of
priority development sites near destinations such as grocery stores, libraries, and other clusters of
business. Frequently referred to as walk sheds, county staff is identifying specific sites where
housing should be prioritized because of the site's proximity to destinations. Goal 3 is prioritized
by identification of new trails that connect potential housing sites with these destinations. This
project promotes GMA goal 4 by the County's partnership with low-income housing providers,
engaging them in the identification of sites, and in some cases assisting their purchase of these
priority development sites, which occurred in one notable example known as the Habitat for
Humanity's Mason Street development. GMA goal 6 is furthered through the preservation of
existing property rights with use of innovative techniques to generate more housing. For example,
staff, supported by the community, proposes allowing greater densities in consideration of
community benefits such as affordable housing in the new UGA. GMA goal 1 1 is advanced by
early and continuous community engagement, as set forth in this plan. And, finally, GMA goal 13
is one of the linchpins of this process, as the county has engaged the Jefferson County Historic
Society to identify historic assets including buildings and commercial structures so that they may be
incorporated in development scenarios enabling their rehabilitation.
In rural areas outside of master planned resorts, the GMA generally leads to housing
development that is primarily single family. For this reason, many county residents outside of the
county's only city, Port Townsend, are unfamiliar with benefits and drawbacks of various other
types of housing. In fact, county staff has noted comments regarding multifamily housing units that
seek to portray these units in a negative light. However, the type of multifamily housing which is
specifically referred to as middle housing may meet an urgent need and sidestep these concerns
as Jefferson County confronts the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 's designation as
the second least affordable county in Washington State after San Juan Island County.
Additionally, the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area is The GMA specifically notes in the statute
Jefferson County I Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan I June 2024 1 1 P a g e
SON C
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street,Port Townsend,1,X'A 98368
Tel:360.379.4450 1 Fax:360.379.4451
tL Web:ww\x-.co.jefferson.,A-a.us/coniMLinitN-de\,eloi2men
9Sy t 010 E-mail:dcd@coJefferson.wa.us
that the goals "are not listed in order of priority and shall be used exclusively for the purpose of
guiding the development of comprehensive plans and development regulations."
GoalsTABLE 1: Growth Management Act's
1. Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas.
2. Reduce Sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land.
3. Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems.
4. Housing. Plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments.
5. Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state.
6. Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation
having been made.
7. Permits. Applications should be processed in a timely and fair manner.
8. Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries.
9. Open space and recreation. Retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities.
10. Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air
and water quality, and the availability of water.
11. Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens.
12. Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support
development shall be adequate.
13. Historic preservation. Identify and encourage preservation.
14. Climate change and resiliency. Ensure that comprehensive plans, development regulations, and
regional policies, plans, and strategies adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.
15. Shoreline management (RCW 36.70A.480)
III Define Your Goals
The County's goals in engaging the community are multifold. First, we hope to better understand
the types of housing most suitable for the new urban growth area and why. Second, we are
engaging partners to identify the best locations for these sites. Thirdly, we are raising awareness
of the historic resources, some of which appear threatened and near a state of disinvestment that
suggest these historic assets may soon be lost. Fourth, we are engaging the community to
understand where informal trails have developed and why.
III. Identify Target Audiences)/Stakeholders
A: Decision-makers & People of Influence:
County staff has identified the residents of the community as the primary decision-makers, as they
are those who will be housed. Another primary decision-maker are the landowners, specifically
those who own land. Thirdly, the affordable housing developers within out community are a third
valuable decision maker in the process, as a primary deliverable of this process is to incentivize
housing production for those income where market externalities means that the housing would not
be built without government intervention.
Jefferson County I Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan I June 2024 2 1 P a g e
�g O N
°U� DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a� 621 Sheridan Street,Port Townsend,WA 98368
Tel:360.379.4450 j Fax:360.379.4451
!p Web:w-ww.co.jefferson.u•a.us/communitlde,,elopmcnt
pSJ7 j NG E-mail:dcdLako.jefferson.wa.us
IV. Craft a Clear Message
Jefferson County needs housing for all income groups, and we need your support to ensure that
it's completed - designed and constructed - consistent with your expectations. Would you move
into one of these housing units? Why? What would encourage you to consider moving into one of
these housing units?
V. Identify Incentives for Engaging Targeted People and Organizations:
• Affordable Housing Stakeholders --) "You should get involved as
this is one of the only areas within Jefferson County where multifamily
housing is permissible. Given that this is your mission, and there's a
concern about how to advance rural housing especially for income
groups who cannot afford to purchase or construct their own housing,
you are a valuable partner, and your resources are essential."
• Local Community Stakeholders 4 "You should get involved to
ensure that the community grows in ways that meet your expectations."
• Property Owner Stakeholders 4 "You have a unique chance to
influence what's permissible where you have property."
VI. Identify Outreach Methods
The method the County will use to achieve its goals is an eight point plan whose outreach methods
are informed by Planning Commission guidance. In 2022, the Jefferson County Planning Commission
formed an outreach subcommittee, which identified a range of ideas including the need to leverage
existing events and conduct outreach to existing groups. Leading up to major events, the county used
this guidance, and supplemented it by the following:
1) Survey— survey was conducted with the support of Housing Resources Group to identify housing designs
that meet community expectations.
2) Committee—a Stock Plan committee consisting of city and county resident planning commissions reviewed
ideas, and submissions, selecting some plans for funding
3) Lunch and Learn —these were conducted to offer those interested an opportunity to share their ideas
about designs received from community members
4) Media — an extensive media campaign including postings on social medial, press releases, and other
venues are to be used throughout the outreach campaign
5) Workshops — a series of three workshops on the last Thursday of April, May ands June are the focus of
the preliminary outreach. A final workshop will include a bicycle tour of historic assets, and priority sites.
6) Public Hearings —the planning commission will host a public hearing on ideas, and use this as a critical
vetting of the ideas submitted.
7) Direct e-mail — interested parties will be contacted throughout the process
8) Point of Contact—determining who the community would reach out to ensure that all know how to
contribute, and where.
Jefferson County I Middle Housing Public Engagement Plan I June 2024 3 1 P a g e
From: Carle,Ashlev
To: Joel Peterson
Cc: Mazur,George;Idlebura.Garv;OR Planview
Subject: RE:60-Day Review of Jefferson County"s Countywide Planning Policy Document
Date: Thursday,September 19,2024 11:01:19 AM
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open
attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Hi Joel,
Please consider this email as an official comment on Jefferson County's Countywide
Planning Policy Document from WSDOT.
We have two comments on the Policy's Key Objective #5:
• In addition to an 'efficient and active transportation system', WSDOT would like to
see the inclusion of a 'safe' system approach as well, in alignment with WSDOT's
Safe System Approach and Target Zero.
• In addition to mobility as an objective, WSDOT would like to see a focus on
'preservation' consistent with the intent stated in RCW 47.04.208(4).
Thank you,
,^1 7
t�11(s,i"U.E'/y Ca t�'lPi SHE/HER Pt NT OGER
1 RS $RJVULTIIMSDOT MULTIMQQAL ODALLL4NNG FFICE
From:Joel Peterson <J Peterson Oco,jefferson.wa.us>
Sent:Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:25 PM
To: COM GMU Review Team <reviewteam(@commerce.wa.gov>
Cc:Vanegas,Ted (COM) <ted.vanegas(@commerce.wa.gov>
Subject: 60-Day Review of Jefferson County's Countywide Planning Policy Document
E: External Email
Commerce Review Team:
Attached are three files regarding proposed amendments to the Jefferson County Countywide
Planning Policies (CPP) pursuant to RCW2 36.70A.210 for your review.
1. JeffCo CPP amendment proposal with final mark-up
2. JeffCo CPP amendment proposal final clean copy
3. State Agency Notice Cover Sheet with project description.
We could not find a specific mention of a 60-day notice requirement to Commerce for amendment
of CPPs either in statute or in WAC. These say 'comprehensive plan and development regulations'.
Thus, we were caught unaware and did not plan for a 60-day review of this document.
With assistance from Commerce's Tribal Coordination Manager, we've solicited input from area
tribes, as required by statute. With the benefit of tribal and public comment through a series of
meetings, the GMSC reached a recommendation for amending our CPP, and that is what county staff
is bringing to our BoCC for potential adoption by resolution.
Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend are relying on imminent adoption of the CPP
framework needed to complete our respective 2025 Periodic Updates on time. While we would
certainly welcome and appreciate input from Commerce, we plan to stick with an adoption schedule
that coincides with our 2025 Periodic Update work programs. To that end, we request that you
provide input promptly. Thank you for your consideration.
Joel
Joel M. Peterson (he/him/his)
Associate Planner
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend,WA 98368
(360) 379-4457
DCD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. M-Th 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:30
All e-mail sent to this address has been received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and is
therefore subject to the Public Records Act,a state law found at RCW 42.56. Under the Public
Records law the County must release this e-mail and its contents to any person who asks to
obtain a copy (or for inspection) of this e-mail unless it is also exempt from production to the
requester according to state law,including RCW 42.56 and other state laws.
From: Joel Peterson
To: Sears.Tricia(DNR)
Cc: Josh Peters;George Terry;Donna Frostholm
Subject: RE:Jefferson County's Countywide Planning Policies update(Commerce ID#2024-S-7405):WGS comments
Date: Wednesday,September 4,2024 9:29:00 AM
Hi Tricia:
Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful review of the 2024 Draft Countywide Planning Policies
(CPP) on behalf of Washington Geological Survey. I will be looking at this more closely toward the
end of this week and will contact you if I have further questions.
I appreciate your comments about describing connections between critical areas, hazard mitigation
planning, and climate change/resilience, and cross referencing it to the climate change and
resiliency, and shorelines elements of the CPPs. One way I think we can achieve this in greater detail
is by linking narrative and policies within our interconnected comprehensive plan elements, and
ground them to the more general CPP document.
Also, your encouragement to include these things in our future work is well taken. In our
comprehensive plan periodic review and Critical Areas Ordinance updates, we will include updated
references and data sources. Thanks for those you provided.
Joel
Joel M. Peterson (he/him/his)
Associate Planner
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend,WA 98368
(360) 379-4457
DCD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. M-Th 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:30
All e-mail sent to this address has been received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and is
therefore subject to the Public Records Act,a state law found at RCW 42.56. Under the Public
Records law the County must release this e-mail and its contents to any person who asks to
obtain a copy (or for inspection) of this e-mail unless it is also exempt from production to the
requester according to state law, including RCW 42.56 and other state laws.
From: Sears, Tricia (DNR) <Tricia.Sears@dnr.wa.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, September 3, 2024 2:18 PM
To:Joel Peterson <J Peterson @co.jefferson.wa.us>
Cc: Sears,Tricia (DNR) <Tricia.Sears@dnr.wa.gov>; Vanegas,Ted (COM)
<ted.vanegas@commerce.wa.gov>
Subject:Jefferson County's Countywide Planning Policies update (Commerce ID# 2024-S-7405):
WGS comments
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open
attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
9/3/24
Hello Joel,
In keeping with the interagency correspondence principles, I am providing you with comments on
Jefferson County's Countywide Planning Policies update (Commerce ID#2024-S-7405).
For this proposal submitted via Planview, I looked at the proposal and focused on areas related to
WGS work. Of note, but not limited to, I look for language around the geologically hazardous areas,
mineral resource lands, mining, climate change, and natural hazards mitigation plans.
Specifically in this proposal, I reviewed the document 2024 Draft Countywide Planning Policies for
Jefferson County, Washington. This copy has the mark up of changes in it. I have included a couple
comments below.
On page 4,two new elements are added, 14) climate change and resiliency, and 15) shorelines of
the state.
There is no mention of minerals or geologically hazardous areas.There is mention of critical areas,
primarily related to the essential facilities provisions. From reading through the document, perhaps
consider adding a policy in the environment element that describes connections between critical
areas, hazard mitigation planning, and climate change/resilience, and then cross reference it in the
climate change and resiliency, and shorelines of the state elements.
Recognizing the limitations of the current proposals, I want to mention that it would be great for you
to consider these in future work, be it in your comprehensive plan, development code, and SMP
updates, and in your work in general:
• Consider adding a reference to WAC 365-190-120 geologically hazardous areas for definitions
in other areas besides the CAO. In addition, consider adding a reference to WAC 365-196-480
for natural resource lands.
• Consider adding a reference to the WGS Geologic Information Portal in other areas besides
the CAO. If you have not checked our interactive database,the WGS Geologic Information
Portal, lately, you may wish to do so. Geologic Information Portal I WA- DNR
• If you have not checked out our Geologic Planning page, you may wish to do so. Geologic
Plannina I WA- DNR
Thank you for considering our comments. If you have any questions or need additional information,
please contact me. For your convenience, if there are no concerns or follow-up discussion, you may
consider these comments to be final as of the 60-day comment deadline of 10/26/24.
Cheerio,
Tricia
Tricia R. Sears(she/her/hers)
Geologic Planning Liaison
Washington Geological Survey(WGS)
Washington Department of Natural Resources(DNR)
Cell: 360-628-2867 1 Email: tricia.searsC-dnr.wa.gov
POLICY #10
POLICY ON PROTECTION OF TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES AND COORDINATION
Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources
Although state and federal laws protect cultural and archaeological resources, local
comprehensive plans should direct coordination with Tribes to proactively protect and
manage these resources. Examples of archaeological and cultural resources important to
Tribes include but are not limited to, shell middens, campsites, pictographs, kettles,
geologic formations associated with cultural resources, traditionally used native plants, and
burial sites.
1. Protect significant regional historic and cultural resources, such as landmarks,
archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, and areas of special tribal
character.
2. Proactively seek tribal coordination when land use activity may have potential impacts
to culturally significant sites and tribal treaty fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds.
3. Preserve, protect, and enhance cultural amenities by protecting tribal cultural artifacts,
historic structures, farms and other historical settlements throughout the rural
landscape, through cultural and historical preservation planning efforts. Local tribes
will be consulted and included early in the planning process to ensure that tribal
recommendations are thoughtfully considered and addressed.
Coordination
Like all governments, Tribes engage in land use planning and economic development to
provide jobs, housing, and services, as well as the development and maintenance of
supportive infrastructure. As sovereign nations, Tribes are not required to plan under the
Growth Management Act, but can and do recognize the importance of coordination with
governments. The following policies are intended to facilitate collaboration between Tribes
and Jefferson County governments in land use and comprehensive planning:
1. Strengthen County, City, and Tribal relationships with engagement of meaningful
government-to-government (G2G) consultations. The G2G relationship will be
supplemented and enhanced with regular informal engagement and coordination
between the County, the City, and the Tribes. G2G consultation occurs early,
congruent, and independent of the public involvement process.
2. Coordinate with tribes in regional and local planning, recognizing the mutual benefits
and potential for land use impacts to tribal boundaries and interests.
3. Meaningful and substantial opportunities for early and continuous tribal government
participation shall be incorporated into regional and local planning activities.
4. Local jurisdictions shall provide meaningful opportunities for discussion for tribal
government on issues of interest.
5. Local jurisdictions, tribal governments, and federal agencies are encouraged to
coordinate plans between governments and agencies to address substantive areas of
mutual interest, especially when geographic areas overlay, and promote
complementary and cooperative efforts.
6. County, City, and Tribes are encouraged to inform each other about matters of local
and regional interest by mutually agreeable means and schedule.
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I May 1,2024 1
Revised 6/4/24; includes revisions from 5/14/24 GMSC Meeting and comments from Jefferson Transit and Jefferson County Public
Works. Revisions are identified in pi r,,ie and explanatory comments in as needed
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I May 1,2024 2
Revised 6/4/24, includes revisions from 5/14/24 GMSC Meeting and comments from Jefferson Transit and Jefferson County Public
Works. Revisions are identified in purple and explanatory comments in as needed
From: Marla Powers
To: Joel Peterson
Cc: Roma Call;Amber Caldera
Subject: Re:Countywide Planning Policy Comments
Date: Tuesday,August 6,2024 10:45:40 AM
Attachments: 2024-07-01 JeffCo CPP amends MP v2.docx
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open
attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Hi Joel,
Thank you for providing your response to our amendments. We have made some modifications to
our proposal based on that response. Please see attached.
I hope this version can make it into the packet for the Growth Management Steering Committee
meeting next week.
Thank you,
Marla
Marla Powers
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Environmental Planner, Natural Resources Department
(360) 689-7551
mpowers@pgst.nsn.us
From:Joel Peterson <J Peterson @co.jefferson.wa.us>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:20 AM
To: Marla Powers<mpowers@pgst.nsn.us>
Subject: Countywide Planning Policy Comments
Marla:
Thanks again for providing comments to the Growth Management Steering Committee regarding
Countywide Planning Policy. Following-up from my phone message, I've attached recommendations
from Community Development (p.2 DCD Staff Note) regarding Policy#10 to give you an opportunity
to review the recommendations before the meeting. I hope our recommendations are workable for
you.
Joel
Joel M. Peterson (he/him/his)
Associate Planner
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend,WA 98368
(360) 379-4457
DCD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. M-Th 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:30
All e-mail sent to this address has been received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and is
therefore subject to the Public Records Act,a state law found at RCW 42.56. Under the Public
Records law the County must release this e-mail and its contents to any person who asks to
obtain a copy (or for inspection) of this e-mail unless it is also exempt from production to the
requester according to state law,including RCW 42.56 and other state laws.
From: Marla Powers
To: Joel Peterson
Subject: Re:Countywide Planning Policy Comments
Date: Tuesday,August 6,2024 11:05:57 AM
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open
attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Joel,
I understood why you made the edits. My director agreed with many of them. Although the
comment regarding receiving multiple comments from tribes that are in conflict with each other
should not be listed as an issue, in my opinion. Tribes are independent of each other, have different
priorities, and should not be held to agreeing with each other before submitting comments.
Understanding of these issues would become clear through the G2G process and staff level
correspondence. There are many times public comments are received that are in conflict with other
comments. It's just part of the process.
Let me know if that makes sense to you. Thank you for asking.
Marla
Marla Powers
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Environmental Planner, Natural Resources Department
(360) 689-7551
mpowers@pgst.nsn.us
From:Joel Peterson <J Peterson @co.jefferson.wa.us>
Sent:Tuesday, August 6, 2024 10:55 AM
To: Marla Powers<mpowers@pgst.nsn.us>
Subject: RE: Countywide Planning Policy Comments
Marla:
What are your impressions on the draft I provided with our minor amendments? Thanks.
Joel
Joel M. Peterson (he/him/his)
Associate Planner
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend,WA 98368
(360) 379-4457
DCD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. M-Th 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:30
All e-mail sent to this address has been received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and is
therefore subject to the Public Records Act,a state law found at RCW 42.56. Under the Public
Records law the County must release this e-mail and its contents to any person who asks to
obtain a copy(or for inspection) of this e-mail unless it is also exempt from production to the
requester according to state law, including RCW 42.56 and other state laws.
From: Marla Powers<mpowers@pgst.nsn.us>
Sent:Tuesday, August 6, 2024 10:45 AM
To:Joel Peterson <J Peterson @co.jefferson.wa.us>
Cc: Roma Call <romac@pgst.nsn.us>; Amber Caldera <ambers@pgst.nsn.us>
Subject: Re: Countywide Planning Policy Comments
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open
attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Hi Joel,
Thank you for providing your response to our amendments. We have made some modifications to
our proposal based on that response. Please see attached.
I hope this version can make it into the packet for the Growth Management Steering Committee
meeting next week.
Thank you,
Marla
Marla Powers
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Environmental Planner, Natural Resources Department
(360) 689-7551
m owersL�pgst.nsn.us
From:Joel Peterson <J Peterson(@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 9:20 AM
To: Marla Powers<mpowers(@pgst.nsn.us>
Subject: Countywide Planning Policy Comments
Marla:
Thanks again for providing comments to the Growth Management Steering Committee regarding
Countywide Planning Policy. Following-up from my phone message, I've attached recommendations
from Community Development (p.2 DCD Staff Note) regarding Policy#10 to give you an opportunity
to review the recommendations before the meeting. I hope our recommendations are workable for
you.
Joel
Joel M. Peterson (he/him/his)
Associate Planner
Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend,WA 98368
(360) 379-4457
DCD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. M-Th 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:30
All e-mail sent to this address has been received by the Jefferson County e-mail system and is
therefore subject to the Public Records Act,a state law found at RCW 42.56.Under the Public
Records law the County must release this e-mail and its contents to any person who asks to
obtain a copy (or for inspection) of this e-mail unless it is also exempt from production to the
requester according to state law,including RCW 42.56 and other state laws.