Ann Larson, Clerk to the San Juan County Council sent out the following notice and summary:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN a proposed ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 18.10, 18.20, 18.30, 18.40, AND 18.60, 18.80, AND 16.55 OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTY CODE AND THE OFFICIAL MAPS TO UPDATE THE DESIGNATION OF AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS. The public hearing will be held in the Council Hearing Room at 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor, Washington on Monday, October 27, 2008 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The proposed ordinance updates the County’s existing regulations regarding critical areas, amends the official maps to reflect that all land areas of the County are to be designated as critical aquifer recharge areas, and modifies terminology in the County Code for consistency. There are several components to the amendments.
First, the ordinance amends the existing regulations in SJCC 18.30.140 to include a purpose statement; modify the classification of Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas; eliminate regulations prohibiting certain uses; and eliminate regulations requiring hydrogeologic testing/site evaluation. The ordinance further amends SJCC 18.30.140 to create standards for the handling of chemicals that could be a health hazard in drinking water; establish plan review requirements; and establish a requirement for periodic inspection of facilities that handle chemicals. Amendments to the official maps to reflect this designation are made and SJCC 18.10.040 is amended with updated map references.
Second, in order to accommodate the County-wide approach to groundwater protection, the ordinance modifies SJCC18.30.050 regarding essential public facilities; SJCC 18.40.350 regarding mining and reclamation activities; and SJCC 18.40.430 regarding utility lines and poles within existing rights of way.
Third, the ordinance updates other code sections that are related to critical aquifer recharge areas: it amends SJCC 18.60.070 to reference to the current stormwater management manual and clarify acceptable alternatives for managing runoff, controlling erosion and maximizing and protecting recharge; and it amends requirements in SJCC 18.80.050 for extensions of urban-level capital facilities that are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Fourth, the ordinance modifies SEPA implementation requirements regarding Critical Areas. Fifth, the ordinance modifies the Eastsound Subarea regulations regarding bonus density to require compliance with Critical Area requirements. Finally, the ordinance adds and modifies definitions in SJCC Chapter 18.20 to clarify terminology and create consistency.
