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County adopts ordinance 9‑14 to correct natural resource maps and clarify standards after staff review
Summary
After staff described map corrections and code clarifications to urban significant natural resource maps and standards, the Board adopted ordinance 9‑14 unanimously. Public testimony raised concerns about alleged pre‑emptive clearing on one parcel; another property owner supported the corrections to reflect the existing development.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted ordinance 9‑14 on July 7, 2026, a package of map corrections and minor amendments to community plan maps and Community Development Code provisions related to significant natural resources in urban unincorporated areas.
Michelle Miller, senior planner with Land Use and Transportation, told the board the ordinance follows up on the county’s 2024 updates (ordinances 9‑01 and 9‑02) and contains minor map corrections, reclassification requests, and clarifications to the S& R standards and community plan design elements. Miller said requests arose from property owner submissions and field verification; staff recommended adoption and noted Planning Commission recommended approval 5–1 with one abstention.
During the public hearing Holly Wilberg testified she was concerned that on one property crews cleared trees and riparian habitat before a formal verification, that a stop‑work order followed, and that approving map changes after the clearing would set a dangerous precedent. Wilberg said this sequence—“destroy first, evaluate later”—could undermine Goal 5 protections. Matt Wellner, whose property staff identified as the "Julep property" in the staff report, testified in support of the ordinance, saying his subdivision was approved before the 2024 maps and the map update would reflect what is on the ground.
After discussion, the Board moved to adopt ordinance 9‑14 and the associated findings. The motion carried unanimously, 4–0. The Board also adopted the findings authorizing the chair to sign the ordinance and associated documents.
Commissioners and staff noted the ordinance is intended as a first‑year implementation clean‑up to correct mapping or procedural issues identified after the 2024 code changes; staff said code enforcement and permit requirements remain in place and that property owners who fail to follow required pre‑work processes are subject to enforcement actions.
The Board scheduled a second reading and a public hearing on ordinance 9‑16 (personnel code amendments) for July 21, 2026.
