DCD Leadership Provides Spring Update

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

During this week’s Council meeting, staff from the Department of Community Development (DCD) provided a spring progress update since the January, October and July check-ins. DCD leadership covered several key areas: permit review times, the status of long-term planning projects, and recruitment efforts for open positions.  

Over the last few months, DCD staff have making progress in addressing the backlog of permits, onboarding new team members, and engaging with the public. Staff have also been attending Builders Association meetings to answer questions and provide updates.

“We plan to attend those meetings going forward as well to maintain that relationship and be transparent with that group, hear feedback from them, and also for us to let them know where we’re at as well,” said Interim DCD Director Mark Tompkins during the presentation. “I think that’s very important.”  

Building and Permitting Building Permits Issued

County staff, along with a consultant team, report continued progress in addressing building and land use permits.  

  • DCD received 230 building permits in the first quarter of 2025 and issued 192. These types of permits include commercial, accessory dwelling units, and solar and mechanical permits. There are approximately 217 pending building permits that require additional information from the applicant or had been routed for review. Permit review times continue to vary, but staff is implementing a ‘stop clock’ to better understand review timeframes.
  • DCD received 41 land use permits in the first quarter of 2025 and issued 54. These types of permits include provisional use permits, ADU eligibility, shoreline exemptions, and more. There are approximately 240 land use permits currently in process at various stages of review and may require additional applicant information, are routed for review, or remain open.Land Use Permits Issued

Long-range Planning Projects 

DCD is responsible for more than just issuing permits. The department is currently working on a number of other large, long-range planning projects including:

  • The 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update. The department is working alongside a consultant to complete the latest update by December 2025. Public engagement opportunities are underway, and more information can be found on the project’s engage website: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update
    1. The update includes a new Climate Element. More information about that element is available here: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/climate-action
  • Critical Areas Ordinance. The department is working with a consultant to update the CAO, with a completion goal of early 2026. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2319/2026-Critical-Areas-Ordinance-CAO-Update  
  • Shoreline Master Program. The County is using a grant from the Department of Ecology to update information related to the Shoreline Master Program. The team is working to develop a user guide for shoreline property owners, develop a survey for feedback, and engage the public via community meetings.  
  • Code Revisions. Land Use Tables are being updated and clarified, particularly as they pertain to vacation rentals. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office continues to lead efforts of clarifying land use tables and revising redundant and contradictory language in the County code. This work is happening in tandem with the County Council, Planning Commission, and DCD.
  • Vacation Rental New Applications. Vacation rentals are still under a moratorium until a new process is developed and approved by Council. In the meantime, staff are working to review existing permits for compliance, ensure there is an accurate accounting of permits by island, and develop a system for on-going tracking.   
  • Docket Process. The 2025 docket process held an application period from January 1 – March 1. Staff will be compiling applications and proposed amendments for Council to review and potentially add to the DCD work plan. Currently, there are still 15 unaddressed requests from prior years.

Recruitment 

The department is currently recruiting for a Department Director. The County has hired Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to lead recruitment efforts. The department is also seeking a new Fire Marshal and recruitment is underway.  

The County filled a second code enforcement officer position in March of 2025. Staff are now updating the code Enforcement Procedure manual along with the notices and orders to ensure the team is prepared to move into the field. DCD staff are also compiling and prioritizing outstanding complaints and beginning to conduct code enforcement inspections.

“A lot of the kudos go to staff,” Tompkins said at the end of the presentation.  He also acknowledged the efforts of Kyle Dodd, the County’s Deputy Director of Health & Community Services who has been leading work in DCD. “The amount of time, energy, and effort he has put into this has been absolutely outstanding.”

DCD leadership plans to return to Council with updates in the Summer.

Past DCD updates can be found on the County’s website here:

 

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