Participate in the first step of the land capacity analysis

Submitted by San Juan County.

A draft web map for gross developable lands inventory is available for public comment until June 28. The map identifies the parcel type (residential, commercial, etc.) and category (fully developed, partially developed, etc.) of all county parcels. This categorization is based on existing development regulations and land use designations. It is the first step in the land capacity analysis being conducted to inform the San Juan County Comprehensive Plan update.

The primary purpose of the analysis is to estimate the future residential and commercial development capacity of the urban growth areas (Eastsound and Lopez Village). These estimates can be used to balance urban development with adequate and cost-efficient urban services. The map will also help the county to evaluate the development potential of rural and natural resource lands under existing and future scenarios.

Making certain that the correct type and category is assigned to each parcel is complex and the foundation of the analysis. The next steps require correct assignments to all parcels.

Review the staff report to understand how the analysis was prepared and to provide meaningful comments on the web map. View the staff report at https://bit.ly/2QWPaet.

Public comments are requested on the countywide web map, the May 23 draft analysis methodology and the script. After reviewing the staff report, the public is invited to review the web map showing the categorized and typed parcels. It is available online at https://bit.ly/2QQ1HAk or in the featured content on the county’s geographic information system website at http://sjcgis.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html.

The web map parcel pop-up window provides the information used to assign the type and category. This information can be compared with the criteria in the May 23 draft of the land capacity methodology, attachment A of the staff report. Follow these steps to review a parcel’s type and category:

The initial view of the map shows the whole county. The search bar in the upper right corner allows you to search by parcel number or address. Clicking on a parcel will open a pop-up window that shows the information used to assign the type and category. You can compare the assigned type and category, parcel information and methodology criteria. If you think that a property may require a different type or category, note the parcel number, assigned type or category, what change you propose and an explanation of why the change is justified in your comments.

Email comments to compplancomments@sanjuanco.com, or mailed to Adam Zack, SJC Department of Community Development, P.O. Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Comments should include the parcel number; the assigned category and type; what category and type you believe should be assigned to the parcel; and a brief explanation of why the category or type should change. Comments on the draft land capacity methodology should reference the page and line number.

Contact Adam Zack with any questions you may have about the map at 360-370-7580 or adamz@sanjuanco.com.