02/04/2008: "Citizen Alert!"

Approximately 12 miles of beach in San Juan County are identified as spawning sites for “forage fish.”
A development setback restriction of 150 feet to 250 landward of these beaches is under discussion by the County Council appointed Critical Areas Committee. Similar buffers, for wildlife riparian zones, are being discussed for upland properties.

If these setbacks are adopted, homes located within the new setback will become non-conforming which places restrictions on any future changes. For new homes, the current 50’ or 100’ shoreline setback regulations would no longer be in effect.

The process for the new critical areas ordinances and regulations is as follows:
The Citizen Committee will take public input and write a draft Critical Areas Ordinance that will be forwarded to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will take public input and forward their recommendations to the County Council. The County Council will hold hearings and adopt a Critical Areas Ordinance.

Citizens for Responsible Government will be sending a notice of this to property owners that may be affected by this action, so they you will be aware of this matter in time to provide input to the discussion.

( Citizens for Responsible Government is a non-partisan 501c6 organization that comments and takes positions on local governmental issues of general interest. Donations are welcome to defray mailing and newspaper ad costs.

Citizens for Responsible Government
PO Box 91
Olga, Wa. 98279)