News Release 2002-6
June 18, 2002
MORATORIUM IN SAN JUAN VALLEY LIFTED AS COUNTY’S HERITAGE PLAN APPROVED BY GROWTH BOARD
On June 6, 2002, the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board approved the San Juan Valley Heritage Plan. The Board issued a written Order which concluded that the Heritage Plan allowed land uses that are consistent with the Growth Management Act. That action lifted the moratorium on subdivision in the San Juan Valley.
The San Juan Valley consists of about 3300 acres located in the middle of San Juan Island. Most of the land was designated as valuable agricultural resource. It is also the home of many families whose good stewardship has protected important vistas and agricultural uses. The County Prosecutor and Planning Department guided a citizens committee in arriving at a plan that would meet the requirements of the Growth Management Act. The committee included representatives of San Juan Valley property owners, the San Juan County Land Bank, the San Juan County Preservation Trust, the Friends of the San Juans and the Planning Commission.
Without the Heritage Plan, the County's density requirements allowed only 201 home sites in the Valley. With the Heritage Plan, up to 311 home sites will be allowed. New home sites will be subject to placement limitations to assure that open space and vistas are protected and the agricultural opportunities are not lost.