Submitted by San Juan County.
Earlier this month, the County Council voted to approve an ordinance allowing the siting of an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island to support the operations and maintenance of public transportation infrastructure on the island. The May 20 and June 3 Council meetings included public hearings where members of the public shared feedback and Council made deliberations.
In addition to the Council meetings and public hearings, earlier in May, County officials visited a brown bag lunch on Shaw Island to speak with locals about County operations on Shaw. During the visit, County staff answered questions about the EPF application – several of which are included in the FAQ section below.
Noting the importance of planning for the future needs of the island, on June 3, Council voted to approve an ordinance that includes language specifying that the County will use the new 1427 Neck Point Road property only for the uses outlined in the application for siting an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island. This facility will provide for specific departmental needs including a space for material disposal, a burn site for woody debris, an outdoor storage yard and serve as a maintenance facility, among other uses.
In addition, the Council adopted a resolution directing Public Works to include public involvement in planning for the future of the existing property at 1385 Blind Bay Road.
Public Works is following a process outlined in San Juan County Code 18.30.055 to formally site and permit facilities and is following guidance from the County’s Comprehensive Plan, the state’s Growth Management Act and the Shaw Island Subarea Plan. County staff have submitted a full site analysis and a State Environmental Policy Act checklist to the Department of Community Development, for which a public comment period was open through May 15.
Next steps include a site-specific land-use designation that has been submitted to the County’s Department of Community Development for review. This process is run through DCD and includes a Planning Commission Hearing which will be noticed once the date is set.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What are Public Works’ plans for the current Blind Bay site if the proposal is approved?
A: Because the EPF siting was approved for 1427 Neck Point Road, there will be a phased approach to move operations to the new site and remove the Public Works presence at 1385 Blind Bay Road. At that time, the County is committed to ensuring the public is involved in County planning for the future of the property at 1385 Blind Bay Road, as stated in Resolution No. 19-2025.
Q: What kinds of activities will be performed at the new site?
A: The County Council approved an ordinance that includes language specifying that the County will use the new 1427 Neck Point Road property only for the uses outlined in the application for siting an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island. The uses in the application include construction yards, maintenance facilities, government offices, residential housing, equipment and material storage, material disposal and outdoor burning.
County staff intend to use this as a shop and workspace, restroom facility and staging area for projects related to Public Works road maintenance and Parks Department maintenance.
Possible activities would include chipping, burning or storing natural debris pulled from shoulders and roadsides, storing vehicles and/or equipment in the various protected structures and engaging in small carpentry projects like picnic table construction and sign repairs for the County Park. County work crews may assemble at the property for assignments, use restroom facilities and to take lunch breaks.
Note: These activities will only be performed when County staff is on-site to complete work and provide services to the community. When crews are not mobilized to Shaw, the majority of the property will be a quiet storage yard.
Q: How might this new property be used in the future?
A: The County Council approved an ordinance that includes language specifying that the County will use the new 1427 Neck Point Road property only for the uses outlined in the application for siting an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island. County staff will use it as a shop and workspace, restroom facility and staging area for projects related to Public Works road maintenance and Parks Department maintenance.
It may be used for seasonal employee housing, to accommodate Park or Washington State Ferry staff, as needed. Other public entities (for example the fire district) may come forward with ideas and needs for the property which will be considered together with the community.
Q: What are the current plans for the back 11.9 acres at the Neck Point property? Does Public Works plan to apply for a land use designation change on that property?
A: No. This land will remain as rural farm forest and be held by Public Works in reserve. There are no plans to use this land at this time. The two parcels were sold together, and the back 11.9 acres will serve as a buffer for neighboring properties. Note: The back parcel is landlocked and access is only possible via the front parcel.
Learn more about the project on the County’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/278/Current-Projects.
