||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
Good News for Permit Review Times & Director Recruitment: DCD Leadership Provides Summer Update
During the August 19 Council meeting, staff from the Department of Community Development (DCD) provided a summer progress update, following the April 2025, January 2025, October 2024, and July 2024 check-ins. DCD leadership provided an update in several key areas: recruitment efforts for open positions, permit review times, and the status of long-term planning projects.
The County is pleased to announce that a Director of Community Development has been hired and will begin September 10, 2025. Sev Jones comes to San Juan County with experience in planning and public works at several municipalities and will support the department’s ongoing efforts to restore levels of service and earn community trust. The department also hired a new Fire Marshal – Robert Salado – who will begin on September 29. Recruitment is continuing for a second code enforcement officer position and interviews are ongoing.
DCD received 370 building permits in the first half of 2025 and issued 413. Year to date (July 2024 – June 2025), the department has received 659 total building permits and issued 724 permits. Permit review times vary by type and average between 15 days for mechanical/solar permits up to 200+ days for Single Family Residential permit. Average permit review times are down from previous years, with staff continuing to work towards shorter timelines.
DCD received 75 land use permits in the first half of 2025 and issued 152 – more than double of what was received. Year to date (July 2024 – June 2025), the department has received 160 total land use permits and issued 252 permits.
Read the details of the update here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
San Juan County Awards $815,000 in Public Facilities Assistance Funding to Local Organizations
During the August 19 meeting, the County Council approved a series of Public Facilities Funding Assistance Program (PFFAP) awards to local applicants. Funded by sales and use tax, this program allows for local entities to apply for funding to finance public facilities serving economic development purposes. This year, funding was awarded to four entities totaling approximately $815,000.
The Council awarded PFFAP funds for special projects to the Port of Friday Harbor, The Lopez Island Library District, the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District, and the San Juan County Economic Development Council.
Reminder: Construction Begins Sept. 2nd for Bayhead Creek Culvert Project on Killebrew Lake Rd, Orcas
Construction on the Bayhead Creek Culvert Repair Project on Killebrew Lake Rd on Orcas Island will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 and is expected to last until mid-October. It is important for travelers to know that Killebrew Lake Road will be closed to through-traffic from September 8 through September 16, 2025. During the nine-day road closure, Dolphin Bay Road will be the detour. A 20mph speed limit will be in place along Dolphin Bay Road and drivers are encouraged to use caution, turn-on headlights, and add extra time to your commute.
Residents may notice staging of construction materials beginning August 20th, including on Orcas Road near Orcas Recycling Services and near the construction site. Crews will be working to facilitate access for emergency vehicles as much as possible during the project. Residents may encounter pieces of the culvert coming over on ferries between September 8th and 10th – so keep a look out!
Learn more about the project and sign up for updates here: https://engage.
Council Approves $800,000 in Affordable Housing Funds to Support OPAL’s Pea Patch Project
During the July 15 meeting, the Council approved supplemental funding for OPAL Community Land Trust’s new rental housing on the Pea Patch Community Campus. This property is on its way to providing permanent space for the Orcas Island Food Bank and a neighborhood of 20 affordable rental homes. The Council approved $800,000 from the Home Fund to support the project and authorized staff to draft a conditional funding commitment letter.
County’s Potential Purchase of Decatur Island Property
The County’s potential purchase of a Decatur Island property was discussed at a community meeting in August and during the August 19 Council meeting. Many community members provided comment during both meetings, providing valuable feedback for the County’s ongoing due diligence period.
During the August 26 meeting, the County Council discussed the potential purchase of a Decatur Island property for the purposes of expanding public marine facilities. After reviewing public comments and materials related to the property, the Council elected not to purchase the property. Based on the County’s feasibility study, along with research and public engagement during the due diligence period, the Council found that the property is not suitable for the County’s intended use and moved to terminate the Purchase and Sale Agreement under its contingency provisions.
2025 Fall Native Wildflower Sale Around the Corner
Do you dream of creating wildflower habitat in your backyard? Are you looking for sustainable landscaping to support pollinators and other wildlife?
Mark your calendar for the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank’s Fall Native Wildflower Sale. Buyers can reserve plants online September 14 – 19 and pick them up on Saturday, October 4 on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands. Plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project, a joint program of the Land Bank and the San Juan Preservation Trust. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-
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