— from San Juan Communications —

This link is to the downloadable signed version of the critical areas ordinance that Council adopted. The code amendments are effective Friday, February 6th.

We hope the adoption of this ordinance will resolve the two remaining GMA compliance issues identified by the Growth Management Hearings Board! Compliance with the GMA helps keep us eligible for certain State grants.

The amendments:

  • prohibit drainfield lines in wetlands (although someone could apply for a reasonable use approval and Council reduced the fee in 2014 in anticipation of this stricter requirement). Department of Community Development (DCD) will be developing a mitigation guidance bulletin regarding mitigation.
  • require utilities constructed and installed in developed areas comply with the County’s mitigation sequence and requirements.
  • Corrects scriveners errors.