An appeal in the Rech case to build on Fisherman Bay shoreline on Lopez Island has been filed in King County Superior Court. No dates have been set to hear the case yet. John Cain of the San Juan County Prosecutor’s office will represent the county as it defends the Shoreline Hearings’ Board position, denying permission to build on the shoreline.

The proceeding is a standard land use appeal, said Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord.

As reported earlier this year in the Sounder, the variance request by Ron and Sarah Rech to build a home on their 0.4 acre property along the shore of Fisherman Bay on Lopez Island was denied earlier this summer.

The Rechs requested a variance to the San Juan Shoreline Master Plan which requires that homes be located at least 100 feet from the top of the bank or at least 50 feet from the bank if adequately screened by trees. The variance would allow the Rechs to build 25 feet from the top of the bank.