PORT TOWNSEND – The Jefferson County Planning Commission will release a draft version of an ordinance to protect wetlands and other environmentally sensitive lands today, 18 months after a previous version began to generate public controversy.
The purpose of the critical areas ordinance is to protect aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas; fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and wetlands.
Planning Commission Chairman Peter Downey said he hopes that a stewardship option in the new draft will quell public concerns by providing land owners more options.
“It really gives a lot more flexibility,” Downey.
“There are two different ways you can comply now.”
Land owners who subscribe to the stewardship alternative would be required to submit plans showing the critical areas present on their land.
“Your plan has to show how you are addressing the functions and values of the critical areas,” Downey said.
The Planning Commission plans a public hearing on Nov. 7 at the Chimacum High School auditorium, 91 West Valley Road.
Members of the public can make comments on the draft critical areas ordinance.
Written public comments will be accepted through Nov. 13.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation to the county commissioners is due on Nov. 26.
The three county commissioners have a deadline of Jan. 18 to adopt a final version.
