Public hearing, Oct. 18, on changes to the county CAO’s geologically hazardous, frequently flooded areas

Beginning at 10:15 a.m., the council will hear public testimony and consider written statements regarding proposed changes to the those two portions of the county critical areas ordinance.

October 5, 2011 8:43 pm

The San Juan County Council on Oct. 18 will take public testimony on proposed changes to the county critical areas ordinance involving geologically hazardous and frequently flooded areas.

The public hearing begins at 10:15 a.m. in the County Council Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor. At that time, the council will take public testimony or written statements regarding the proposed changes to the those two portions of the county CAO.

Following the hearing, the proposed ordinance may be adopted either with or without modification. The proposal will amend sections 18.10.040, 18.30.120 and 18.30.130 of the county code.

This ordinance is intended to complete a review and update of the county’s development regulations regarding geologically hazardous and frequently flooded areas, as required by state law, RCW 36.70A.130.

For geologically hazardous areas regulations in San Juan County Code 18.30.120, the proposed ordinance would: clarify the purpose and applicability of the regulations; amend the classification criteria and protection standards for geologically hazardous areas; add requirements for the construction of bulkheads and seawalls; amend the project area for, and content of, geotechnical reports, and when geotechnical reports are required;and define the term “qualified professional”, in reference to geotechnical reports.

For frequently flooded areas regulations in San Juan County Code 18.30.130, the proposed ordinance would: amend the applicability section of the regulations and protection standards for frequently flooded areas. For both types of critical areas, the proposed ordinance also updates and clarifies existing terms and procedures. Finally, the proposed ordinance amends the list of map and data sources in SJCC18.10.040.

All persons wishing to be heard on this matter are encouraged to attend.

Written comments maybe submitted in advance of the hearing by mail or at the hearing by delivery in person. Deliver eight copies of all written comments to the clerk of the San Juan County Council, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor, or mail to 355 Court St. #1, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

The ordinance may be viewed 24 hours a day at the county website, http://www.sanjuanco.com/Council/PendingOrdinances.aspx. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be mailed without charge upon request.

For more information, contact the clerk of the County Council, 370-7470, or senior planner Janice Biletnikoff, 370-7572.