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Council sets public hearing for Shaw Island 41.516-acre conservation conversion
Summary
The council voted to set a public hearing on a land-use application to move 41.516 acres on Shaw Island from current farm-and-ag open space to farm-and-ag conservation open space; the planning commission recommended approval.
San Juan County Council unanimously voted to set a public hearing on an application to convert 41.516 acres on Shaw Island into farm-and-ag conservation open space.
Planner Colin Maycock of the Department of Community Development briefed the council and explained that the farm-and-ag conservation classification uses a public-benefit rating tied to soil quality and parcel size; parcels larger than 25 acres with high-value soils typically receive the most points. “The planning commission recommends approval,” Maycock said.
Councilmember S2 moved to set the public hearing and a second followed; the motion carried with the council recording ayes and the hearing to be scheduled per staff procedures.
Background: The conversion allows land to be protected in the short term while owners transition away from active farming with the goal of eventual return to agricultural use or permanent protection. The applicants told staff they do not intend to allow permanent public access, and Maycock noted that public-access points can generate additional rating points but are not part of this application.
Next steps: The clerk will schedule the public hearing and notice requirements will follow the county’s land-use code.
