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County to update critical‑areas ordinance and Unified Development Code as part of GMA periodic update
Summary
Planners told the council the county is behind on its critical areas ordinance (CAO) update, plans to contract a consultant to finish CAO work by the end of 2025, and warned Shoreline Master Program linkages may require small amendments to keep regulations consistent.
San Juan County planners briefed the council that the county will move quickly to update its critical areas ordinance (CAO) as part of the broader Growth Management Act periodic update.
Sophia Cassam (long range planner) said the CAO is located in San Juan County Code, chapter 18.35, and protects wetlands, frequently flooded areas, geologic hazard areas and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. Cassam said the county last completed a CAO update in 2016 but has fallen behind mandatory periodic‑update requirements and is eligible for a two‑year extension that makes the periodic update due at the end of 2027.
Planners told the council they plan to contract a consultant to update the county—s best available science and the development‑regulation language to ensure state compliance; the department aims to complete the CAO update by the end of 2025. Cassam cautioned that updating the upland CAO will interact with the Shoreline Master Program (SMP): the SMP currently references the CAO for upland protections and will either need minor amendments or a coordinated approach to ensure consistent shoreline and upland critical‑area rules.
Why it matters: CAO updates use current science to protect habitats and public safety; being out of compliance can reduce opportunities for some state grants and complicate permit review. Cassam said Commerce would review deliverables to ensure statutory requirements are met.
What—s next: The department will present a CAO project contract and timeline to the council in coming months and continue public engagement concurrent with consultant analyses.
