The CSA is a grassroots effort organized by citizens to alert you to San Juan County's proposed regulations of our critical areas: wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and ultimately shorelines.
The CSA is a grassroots effort organized by citizens to alert you to San Juan County's proposed regulations of our critical areas: wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and ultimately shorelines.
State and Federal law requires a review of the current CAO for compliance purposes. The law does NOT require the majority of the restrictions that have been added. The "science" used to support the increased restrictions comes from areas dissimilar to San Juan County. No one has shown us local problems to support this science. San Juan County's environment is healthy.
At their January 5 meeting, the County Council agreed not to move forward at this time with the current June 3, 2009 CAO update and to take steps to review and possibly amend best available science (BAS); consider a tailored approach component to buffers; and concurrently to address three "hot-button" issues through Council Workshops: (1) reasonable use, (2) non-conforming, and (3) setbacks and buffers.
They further agreed that outside support, such as Dr. Paul Adamus, who worked with Island County, or another consultant, would be invaluable in evaluating existing BAS and/or creating additional local BAS, however, funding is a major obstacle.
It is the stated goal of Richard Fralick, the new Council Chair, to complete the Upland Critical Areas Ordinances by the end of 2010.
The new ordinances will:
1) Expand the size of "buffer zones" (no-use areas) around wetlands to as wide as 230 feet; 2) designate existing homes and development as "non-conforming;" 3) reduce the square footage allowed for buildings and driveways; 4) place restrictions on gardens, paths, clearing mowing and more; 5) designate streams as "wetlands;" 6) further restrict your property usage if a wetland buffer encroaches onto your property; 7) force many to hire consultants to prove eligibility for permits; 8) result in your paying taxes on property you are restricted from using; and much more.
Link to the map for your island shown in the right side bar of this Homepage. The pink shading shows those parcels that may be affected by SJ County's Draft Critical Areas Ordinance.
