SJC Monthly News Digest | February 2026

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Maintaining Health, Safety & Community Services: Council Places Levy Lid Lift on April Ballot

San Juan County is seeking a regular property tax levy lid lift to maintain public health, safety, and other community services in April 2026. This levy would support ongoing programs and services funded by the County general budget such as public health and senior services, public safety and victim services, emergency management and the Islands’ Oil Spill Association, County parks and Fair operations, 4-H and marine protection work, and other public services provided by San Juan County.

The levy would reset the property tax rate for the County general budget to $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value – the same rate voters approved in 2019. According to the Assessor’s Office data, the median assessed property value in San Juan County is $850,000. If the levy passes, the average homeowner would pay about $22 more per month to maintain public health, safety, and other community services.

Read more about the proposed lid lift: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2392/2026-Levy-Lid-Lift

Have Ideas to Improve Building Codes & Permitting? Join the County’s Building Advisory Council

San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on the Building Advisory Council – a group that assists the County Council and the Department of Community Development with the implementation of current and future code changes , as well as educating and engaging the public on the construction and permitting processes. Learn more about the Building Advisory Council here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/507/Building-Advisory-Council

Mobile Passport Days

The San Juan County Clerk’s Office hosted a successful mobile passport day on Lopez Island in February and is scheduled to service Orcas Island on March 18 from 8am-3pm at the Orcas Island Library.  This is just one way we’re making County services accessible to our community. Learn more about passports: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/193/Passports

Public Health Hot Topic: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Recommendations

The San Juan County Board of Health signed a letter reaffirming their commitment to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. This aligns with the West Coast Health Alliance and Washington State Department of Health recommendations. Read more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2111

Beaverton Marsh Trail Open House March 4

Join Conservation Land Bank staff and commissioners at the Mullis Community Senior Center on Wednesday, March 4, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, for an open house about the Beaverton Marsh Trail! Peruse project maps and the proposed design, which will connect the Town of Friday Harbor’s facilities at John O. Linde Community Park with the trails on the westside of the preserve all the way to Halvorsen Road. This project will add 0.4 mile of new trail and a 300-foot boardwalk across the marsh, while also improving most of the preserve’s existing trails to an accessible grade, width, and surfacing. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2110 

Now Available for Comment: First Draft of Critical Areas Ordinance Regulations Update

San Juan County is updating its critical areas protections, also referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinance or CAO, and the public is invited to comment on the first draft. The CAO serves as key regulation to ensure that development does not harm water quality, groundwater recharge, wetlands, and some fish and wildlife habitats. The CAO includes regulations for tree protection zones, water quality buffers, and prescribed development standards within flood zones and geohazards. A first draft of the updated regulation is now available for public comment. See the documents and more information here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2109 

2026 San Juan County Fair Calls for Vendors & Entertainment

The San Juan County Parks & Fair Department is now accepting both vendor applications and entertainment inquiries for the 2026 San Juan County Fair. Whether you are a new business hoping to introduce your products or services, a non-profit looking to connect with community members, or a performer ready to showcase your talents, the San Juan County Fair is the perfect opportunity for you! For more information about how to apply, visit our website at https://sanjuancountywa.gov/1957/The-Fair.  

Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom