Letter to the Editor: CAO Update Not Required in Review of Comp Plan

Dear Members of the San Juan County Council:

It is hard to believe that we see the County hard at work on making something terribly complicated when tight budgets in money and staff numbers should command following the task to which the County have been directed and pointing the way to economies of the effort to accomplish that task. The money and time spent on this initiative must be enormous.

We hear the protestations by our officials who claim that they are only complying with State mandates. This is really inaccurate.

State law requires a periodic review of the SJC Comprehensive Plan. Instead, County staff planners and the County Council have decided to re-write rather than update the current CAO ordinance. This has gone way beyond State requirements and has resulted in a far-reaching regulatory document that imposes new controls over most homeowner activities.

A case in point are so-called “buffers” around loosely defined “wetlands” and various water courses found on most residential and farmland properties in the County. The effectiveness of these buffers is questionable.

Another is the expectation that homeowners obtain written permission and approval from County officials before making changes on their property. County officials apparently want to assure that the homeowner’s activities don’t damage their new county-declared “buffers” on the homeowner’s property. If property owners don’t have written approval from the County, the homeowner may be subject to misdemeanor charges and fines levied by the Community Development and Planning Director, according to a new enforcement proposal that is being written.

Furthermore, under the new rules, the County will declare many existing homes and uses in the uplands and shorelines as non-conforming uses. It is doubtful whether a homeowner will want such a label attached to their residence and property. What would this do to property values and appeal of the property if sale were a prospect?

Last but not least, there will be a true impact on the economy of San Juan County, if this re-written CAO becomes the law. There will be a big hit on all builders and contractors on the islands. Other businesses may follow. This could mean lost jobs. To the best of my knowledge, this economic impact has not been studied and evaluated. It should be.

There have been many meetings and presentations on this subject during the past several weeks and months. Our elected County Council Representatives and County officials should take good note of our opposition to this proposed new law and enforcement measures. They should talk and act so we can all see that they are getting the message and understand what we think about the proposed new law. After all, they are in their jobs for no other reason than to serve the citizens of San Juan County.

Rolf C. Nedelmann
Rosario, Orcas Island