San Juan Island Resort Plans Employee Housing Amid Density Discussions

The San Juan County Planning Commission convened on August 15, 2025, to discuss critical developments regarding housing and resort expansion on San Juan Island. The meeting focused on the proposed master plan for a resort that aims to address the pressing housing needs in the area.

The discussion began with an overview of the current housing situation, noting that there are no existing units in the 180-acre area under consideration. Currently, only three employee housing units exist in the already zoned expansion area. The proposed plan would allow the resort to move forward with plans for employee and affordable housing, which is seen as essential given the limited housing options in the Greengrove areas of Friday Harbor.

Commissioner Peter emphasized the importance of increasing density in the proposal to improve the housing landscape on the island. He suggested reducing the required open space from 40% to facilitate this increase, arguing that higher density could help mitigate housing shortages.

Another commissioner, Sheila, raised concerns about the inclusion of worker housing in the resort's master plan. She highlighted the need for housing that targets moderate-income workers, suggesting that without such provisions, the proposal might miss a significant opportunity to support the local workforce.

In response, Sophia, a representative involved in the planning, clarified that the current master plan does not mandate worker housing. However, she noted that the resort is pursuing an expansion that includes plans for 48 manufactured homes aimed at resort employees and island residents seeking affordable options. The resort has committed to ensuring that at least half of the first phase of this development will consist of long-term rental housing.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing the housing crisis through the proposed resort expansion, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of workers and residents are met in the development plans. The Planning Commission will continue to evaluate the proposal and its implications for the community in future meetings.