2025 Comprehensive Plan Update

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 9, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update. The Comp Plan Update includes proposed Comp Plan Official Map amendments in the Eastsound Urban Growth Area. Prior to the scheduled September 19, 2025 Planning Commission public hearing, the Department of Community Development is hosting a community meeting to provide information about proposed Comp Plan Official Map amendments in Eastsound.

Are you interested in learning more about the Official Map Amendments in Eastsound? Come to the community meeting!

Eastsound Official Map Amendments Info Community Meeting Details:

• When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 5-6pm
• Were: Orcas Island Public Library
• What: Learn about the Comp Plan Update, the proposed Official Map amendments for Eastsound, and how to comment and participate in the September 19 Planning Commission hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are the Comprehensive Plan Official Maps?

A: The Official Maps establish the land use designations and residential densities in San Juan County. Land use designations determine allowable uses of property, permitting requirements, and development standards. Residential densities set how many dwelling units can be developed per acre of land. The Official Maps also show the boundaries of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs).

• Q: What is an Urban Growth Area?

A: Washington State requires the County to designate Urban Growth Areas where concentrated growth and development are encouraged. UGAs make intensive use of land for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial activities. Outside UGAs, lands are rural, and only nonurban development is permitted.

In San Juan County there are two unincorporated UGAs, Eastsound and Lopez Village. Friday Harbor is the County’s sole incorporated UGA.

The County must ensure the UGAs can accommodate projected housing and employment growth for the next 20 years.

• Q: Why is the County proposing land use designation and UGA changes for Eastsound?

A: As part of the Comp Plan Update, the County conducted a Land Capacity Analysis for UGAs. The Land Capacity Analysis determined that, under the current Comp Plan and development regulations, Eastsound does not have sufficient space for the housing needed for the next twenty years of population growth.

Specifically, Eastsound lacks capacity for housing types needed to serve households making 0-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The AMI in San Juan County is $89,744. Typically, higher density housing serves this group. In San Juan County, housing that typically serves 0-80% AMI households includes single-family residences, duplexes, and multifamily housing at 4-12 units per acre.

The proposed density increases and UGA expansion areas in Eastsound allow and encourage development in Eastsound to serve future and existing unmet housing needs.

• Q: What happens if the proposed changes are adopted?

A: If the proposed changes are adopted, more housing development in Eastsound will be allowed. For properties that are in UGA expansion areas, the Comp Plan will allow property owners to apply for permits to develop and divide land at densities significantly higher than the rural designations allow. Land added to the UGA must be served by urban services, such as sewer and water, when developed.

At this time, there are no proposed developments related to the changes. The proposed changes do not require property owners to develop affordable or multifamily housing; rather, the changes create more opportunities for this sort of development over the 20-year planning horizon.

• Q: Where can I learn more?

A: Learn more about the proposed Eastsound UGA Official Map Amendments by:

• Attending the September 16, 2025 informational meeting at the Orcas Island Public Library from 5-6pm
• Visiting the 2025 Comp Plan Update webpage: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update
• Reviewing relevant reports:
  • August 6, 2025 staff report regarding proposed Eastsound UGA Official Map Amendments: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33198/
  • Land Capacity Analysis: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32811/

Planning Commission Public Hearing

At the Planning Commission hearing on September 19, 2025, the Planning Commission will hear public testimony and make a recommendation to the County Council regarding the 2025 Comp Plan Update. The draft ordinance includes changes to the Comp Plan Elements, Appendices, and Official Maps. The changes respond to new state legislation, updated data and population projections, and public input.

• Draft Comprehensive Plan Update Ordinance: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33365/

The September 19 Planning Commission meeting agenda is available HERE.

Written public comments can be submitted by September 18 at 12pm for consideration at the Planning Commission hearing on September 19, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send written comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov or PO Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/ 
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue working toward adopting the Comprehensive Plan Update in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 11, 2025 – The Department of Community Development (DCD) is issuing a correction to update the link to the Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission meeting agenda is available HERE (https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/?category_id=31). The links below have also been updated.

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 8, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome!

At the Planning Commission meeting on August 15, 2025, the Planning Commission will review the following components of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Recent Edits to Element 6, Transportation; Element 8, Utilities; and Appendix 5, Housing Needs Assessment: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33146/
• Appendix 7, Capital Facilities Plan: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33199/
• Eastsound UGA Official Map Amendments: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33198/
• LANDUSE-25-0006 Roche Harbor Master Planned Resort Amendment: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33147/

The Planning Commission meeting agenda is available HERE.

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

Public comments specific to these items can be submitted by June 20 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on June 20, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 6, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome!

The most recent edits to the Comprehensive Plan are available to review. At the last Planning Commission meeting (May 16, 2025), the Planning Commission reviewed the second draft of amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The Department of Community Development and the Comp Plan Update consultants at Otak, Inc., have incorporated commissioner and public input from that meeting into applicable draft Elements and Appendices. The revisions are summarized and available to view at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32820/

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

The San Juan County Planning Commission will review the most recent edits to the draft Comprehensive Plan at their June 20, 2025 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE.

Public comments specific to these items can be submitted by June 20 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on June 20, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome! Today, the draft Transportation Element, plan introduction, and administration section are available for review and public comment.

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

The San Juan County Planning Commission will continue to review draft Comprehensive Plan amendments at their April 18, 2025 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE. Agenda items related to the Comprehensive Plan Update include:

• Element 6, Transportation: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32318/
• Section A, Introduction: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32316/
• Section C, Administration: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32317/

Public comments specific to these items can be submitted by April 17 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on April 18, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 17, 2025 – At today’s Council workshop meeting, Department of Community Development (DCD) staff kicked off a series of Comprehensive Plan Element review sessions. During the meeting, Council had the opportunity to review a few draft elements and provide DCD with feedback.

These workshop reviews will continue throughout the spring and provide opportunities for Council and the public to engage with the Comp Plan. DCD staff will return to Council on the following schedule:

• March 17, 2025: Element 1 (Governance), Element 4 (Water Resources), Element 9 (Historic and Archeological Preservation) and Element 10 (Economic Development)
• March 31, 2025: Element 5 (Housing), Element 7 (Capital Facilities), Element 11 (Climate)
• April 14, 2025: Element 2 (Land Use), Official Maps
• April 28, 2025: Element 6 (Transportation), Element 8 (Utilities), other remaining Comp Plan components

You can access the meeting live streams, recordings, and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/

About the Comprehensive Plan Update

San Juan County is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) with support from a consultant team and a grant from the Department of Commerce. All counties, cities, and towns in Washington state planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) are required to periodically review and update comprehensive plans and development regulations to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams and agenda packets on the County’s website: https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 7, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome! Today, the draft Climate Element, as well as draft Official Map amendments for the Eastsound Urban Growth Area, are available for review and public comment. In addition, residents are also invited to attend a virtual drop-in session on Tuesday, March 11th from 4:30-5:30pm to learn more about the Climate Element and ask questions. Details and the meeting link are available at https://www.bit.ly/CEdrop-in.

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

The San Juan County Planning Commission will continue to review draft Comprehensive Plan amendments at their March 21, 2025 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE. Agenda items related to the Comprehensive Plan Update include:

• Element 11, Climate: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32089/
• Official Map Amendments for the Eastsound Urban Growth Area: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32094/

Public comments specific to these items can be submitted by March 20 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on March 21, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

About the Climate Element

The Climate Element is a new addition to San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan with the 2025 update. The Climate Element will identify goals and policies to address climate change and increase resiliency to climate impacts within the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Including this element is now required by the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) which was amended in 2023 under Washington House Bill 1181 to direct cities and counties to integrate climate mitigation and/or resilience policies into their periodic comprehensive plan updates.

The draft Climate Element available for review is the result of a robust process of engagement and thoughtful input from the community, the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee, a Climate Policy Working Group, and many partners and stakeholders. Once finalized, the next step will be to produce the Climate Action Plan, which will provide implementation strategies and actions to carry out the goals and policies established in the Climate Element. 

You can learn more about the process, read updates, and view extensive supporting materials and resources at the Climate Resilience Planning and Action project page. Residents are also invited to attend a virtual drop-in session on Tuesday, March 11th from 4:30-5:30pm to learn more about the Climate Element and ask questions. Details and the meeting link are available at https://www.bit.ly/CEdrop-in.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/839/Environmental-Stewardship.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 7, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome! Today, the draft documents for elements related to housing, capital facilities, utilities, and economic development are available for review and public comment.

En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

The San Juan County Planning Commission will review draft amendments to Comprehensive Plan Elements at their February 21, 2025 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE. Agenda items related to the Comprehensive Plan Update include:

• Draft amendments to:
  • Element 5, Housing: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31846/
  • Element 7, Capital Facilities: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31852/
  • Element 8, Utilities: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31851/
  • Element 10, Economic Development: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31847/

Public comments specific to these elements can be submitted by February 20 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on February 21, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Espanol) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will begin reviewing specific elements in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.

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SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 3, 2025 – San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update – and your input is welcome! Today, the draft documents for Element 2, Land Use are available for review and public comment.

En Español: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Sus ideas nos son esenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.

The San Juan County Planning Commission will review the draft Element 2, Land Use and Rural amendments at their January 17, 2025 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE. Agenda items related to the Comprehensive Plan Update include:

• Draft amendments to:
  • Element 2, Land Use and Rural: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31554/

Public comments specific to this element can be submitted by January 16 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on January 17, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to: compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Public Engagement

The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community and there are several ways you can participate:

• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments or questions to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30am. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Stay Informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments, and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (en Español) to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.

Over the coming months, the County will begin reviewing specific elements in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employment projections for the next 20 years. The County's goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by June 30, 2025.

For additional information about the Comp Plan Update process including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts, and new documents to review, visit https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2025-comp-plan-update and https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/589/Planning-Commission.

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The San Juan County Planning Commission will review draft Land Capacity Analysis results and begin its review of draft amendments to Comprehensive Plan Elements at their December 20, 2024 meeting. The meeting agenda is available HERE. Agenda items related to the Comprehensive Plan Update include:

• Draft Land Capacity Analysis Results
• Draft amendments to:
  • Element 1, Governance
  • Element 4, Water Resources
  • Element 9, Historical and Archaeological Preservation

To submit comments on the above items, please email compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov by December 19, 2024 at 12pm.

View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update to learn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.