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EPRC leans toward two‑week limit at Ferry Landing upper park‑and‑ride to reduce abandoned cars
Summary
Public Works asked EPRC for guidance on posting time limits at the Ferry Landing upper park‑and‑ride on Orcas Island. Committee members favored a two‑week posted limit to discourage long‑term abandonment while recognizing enforcement will rely on Sheriff's reactive procedures.
San Juan County Public Works staff asked the EPRC to weigh in on time restrictions for the Ferry Landing upper park‑and‑ride on Orcas Island. Committee members expressed support for a two‑week posted limit to reduce long‑term vehicle abandonment and preserve spaces for day users and commuters.
Committee members and staff framed the issue as primarily operational: the lot was intended as a commuter/day‑use facility but has been used by some as long‑term storage, leaving fewer spaces for short trips or ferry passengers. County staff noted that existing enforcement resources are limited on Orcas and that any posted rule would be enforced reactively — a deputy would post formal notice on a vehicle suspected to be abandoned and then a two‑week removal clock would begin.
Staff described prior county action: Cindy helped pass a county ordinance last year authorizing parking regulations; other districts have already begun posting time limits for specific locations. Public Works said kiosks or paid systems would impose substantial installation and maintenance costs and are subject to vandalism concerns; county staff recommended starting with signage.
“Recommendation is the community of orcas who really uses this, would be the best to figure out how it should be utilized,” Colin said, urging community input on an appropriate posting plan.
Discussion covered alternatives including mixed time limits (72‑hour and one‑month zones) and the possibility of assigning one side of the lot to longer stays, but some committee members said mixed rules may complicate enforcement. The working consensus was to advise the county council and Public Works that a two‑week blanket posting is an appropriate starting point; Justin was asked to receive written comment from residents and return feedback to staff.
Implementation details — who patrols, how frequently, and whether to allow exceptions — were left to the Sheriff’s Office and county staff. Committee members noted the intended first step is signage and public notice, after which enforcement would proceed using the county’s posted‑notice process.
