HomeMy WebLinkAbout67-1118-24R 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. 67-1118-24R
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. Repealing and Replacing 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 197-11-800(19).
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 AtVe4y2024.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
CO COMMISSIONERS
4 0.. 00
SON,c e ean, Chair
�k, o..:gossia ,.('-t%
:'o o3• 4 s H '.• "ise o i , ember
rit
"AM►,L
s, 6` •••. �U -re':rotherton, Member
",•.,�WA s ' ,•°
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
y. 6(Z ,�/or�2/ ���l,gl
arol Gallaway, CM� Date Philip C. Hunsu ker, Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
2024 DRAFT
Countywide Planning Policies
for Jefferson County, Washington
. .,
i _
-
1
r
O.
b 1 e
•
i t41' h[� } T f gym" a� . � e
• _1 •,...
• ' fir R 1_r - _ • . r i '*i., • �r'"%l • jfi ' +
`. • s y � 'T•a,•w-la ' •i r w _ _.. + Y j
-�r�1i �r r
` - • Aim J-. p. . " • ♦ t • f• "•� t@y., • .- wJ
1\
�� PUD nr rnr�l_ Po rt
�� Jefferson County
'l,ti1/i\Il..0. Public Utility District Townsend
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 I 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 I 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 (ROW 36.70A.210). These written policy
4
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1, 2024 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I 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
7
DRAFT Countywide Planning Policies for Jefferson County I Initial Release May 1,2024 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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.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.
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 LLOS.) 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, eF 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 I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
adverse impacts on critical areas and shall be appropriately addressed fa 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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I 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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 i Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
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 I
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 I Revised based on GMSC comments I
Version 8/23/2024—Final/Clean
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
Casa.
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:
,/1 Mark McCaul County
,/
Administrator() Date