Now Available: Best Available Science & GAP Analysis for Critical Areas Ordinance Update

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 16, 2025 – San Juan County is updating its critical areas protections, also referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinance or CAO. The Department of Community Development (DCD) is in the process of reviewing the Best Available Science supplement and the gap analysis – two pieces of information upon which the CAO is based. The public is encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback.

Best Available Science

The term ‘Best Available Science’ refers to the body of scientific work – issued by state agencies – used to establish regulations. View the most recent best available science here.

GAP Analysis

The GAP analysis refers to the analysis of the current critical area protections in the light of the updated scientific information and state guidance to determine where and how the San Juan County Code (SJCC) could be rationalized and restructured to more effectively protect the functions and values of the County’s critical areas, and provide clarity in the administration and application of the County code.

The GAP analysis identifies specific provisions in the County’s regulations that should be changed and, in some cases identifies the changes needed. Review the suggested changes here.

Background

The County is required to protect five different kinds of critical areas and, because the protection regulations are adopted as ordinances, they are known by the generic singular ‘CAO’ or plural term, ‘CAOs’.

All counties, cities, and towns in Washington State planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) are required to periodically review and update the CAO regulations. San Juan County’s CAO was adopted most recently in 2013 and implemented in 2014. The County needs to update its CAO again to be compliant with GMA standards and be more eligible for certain grant funding. The County's goal is to adopt an updated CAO by March of 2026. Check the County’s Engage webpage for ongoing information: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2026-critical-areas-ordinance-cao-update

Public Participation

The public has the opportunity to review and ask questions about the best available science, read the proposed changes, and provide comments on the proposed amendments.

The County will host a series of community meetings during the early fall to solicit public feedback. More information, including public participation opportunities, drafts, and hearing dates, will be shared as they become available. Check the project page for details and updates: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/2026-critical-areas-ordinance-cao-update

Questions and comments should be directed to Colin Maycock, Planner IV, at colinm@sanjuancountywa.gov.

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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