Fighting over
resource land continues
posted 09/15/00
Heated debate over resource lands dominated the public's discussion during a San Juan Island comp plan hearing Wednesday and continued between county commissioners during their deliberations yesterday (Sept. 14).
Landowners in San Juan Valley, whose property is designated resource land, object to downzoning to fit the state's definitions. Commissioner Darcie Nielsen was adamant a solution had to be found for these landowners. "This is the number one issue on San Juan Island and I won't leave it alone," she said.
The county's comp plan is being revised to comply with orders from the Western Washington Hearings Board. Their July 1999 order states: Allowance of any densities below one dwelling unit per 10 acres in Agricultural resource land or one unit per 20 acres in Forest resource land violates RCW36.70A/060 and substantially interferes with goal 8 of the (growth management) Act.
Revisions to the comp plan allow for higher densities in resource areas if certain conditions are met. County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord has advised the BOCC the higher densities will not pass muster with the hearings board.
"I cannot put forward a plan that isn't compliant," said Commissioner Rhea Miller.
Nielsen said, "I think this can be defended."
"A compromise is to allow for the density that has been there for at least 20 years," said Commissioner John Evans. "I'd like to honor that density."
Nielsen questioned why Miller was reluctant to fight the state on this issue considering the county has gone to battle over jet skis, INTERTANKO and other issues.
Miller pointed out the county has already lost on this issue. "It's not for lack of courage," she said. "I know when to fight."
The commissioners will discuss the matter again Friday, Sept. 15, 2000 beginning at 9 a.m. They are expected to direct the planning department staff to research alternatives including redesignating some or all resource land.
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Five properties singled out
for redesignation
posted 09/29/00
A comprehensive review of all resource land in San Juan County is one item the BOCC placed on the planning department's to do list. Staff would reevaluate parcels in light of resource land criteria, after the revised comp plan was sent to the hearings board. Redesignations would be done when warranted. Staff members can take five parcels off their list.
On the basis of testimony, both verbal and written received during the comp plan hearings, county commissioners approved redesignation of property belonging to five people.
Properties owned by Sandwith, Bell, and Wrubleski et al were changed from Forest or Agricultural resource land to Rural Farm Forest.
Parcels owned by Bond and Lawrence were changed from Forest Resource land to Agricultural Resource land.
Resource land designation was one area included in the hearings board order. Forest resource land must be no more than 1 unit per 20 acres; agricultural land must be no more than 1 unit per 10 acres.
Planner Rick Rutz said on Monday, Sept. 25 "We may end up without any forest land under the state's definition." He noted the state is very protective of agricultural land and bases its designation on soil type and the ability to grow crops..
Under a plan Rutz presented Monday, county staff would consider new criteria and then evaluate how the criteria applies to a specific parcel. Lands that qualify would be placed in the proper designation. Decisions would need to be made on how to treat properties that did not meet the criteria.
The revised comp plan is slated to be signed by the commissioners at a special meeting 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, 2000.
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