San Juan County

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Comprehensive Plan

Unified Development Code (UDC)

Official Maps

Population and Housing

Long-Range Planning Staff

		Debra "DJ" Sessner,
			Sr. Planner
		Lynda Guernsey,
			Departmental Assistant

Follow these links for information on community planning for San Juan County's communities:
Eastsound	Lopez Village	Friday Harbor	Deer Harbor	West Sound	Orcas Village	Olga	Doe Bay

Eastsound Subarea Planning

UGA Analysis

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The Eastsound Urban Growth Area (UGA) boundary was defined to provide sufficient land so that 20-year projections for Eastsound's growth in population and commercial activity could be accommodated. In order to ensure that urban growth area boundary met Growth Management Act criteria for UGAs, a detailed analysis of existing and potential development was conducted. This analysis is documented in staff reports and maps leading to the Board of County Commissioners adoption of revised boundaries for Eastsound on May 3, 2002.

Boundaries and Densities for Eastsound Urban Growth Area.
(110 kB) Staff report. April 23, 2002.

1. Map, GMA Criteria: Characterized by Urban Growth.
(418 kB)
2. Map, GMA Criteria: Density and Market Factor.
(190 kB)
3. Map, UGA Inclusion Critieria.(289 kB)

Residential Development Potential in Eastsound Urban Growth Area.
(93 kB) Staff Report April 23, 2002.

Table, buildout by statistical area.(50 kB)

Map, buildout by statistical area.(284 kB)

Affordable Housing. A substantial part of the population growth projected for Eastsound resulted from the assignment of much of the housing for new low- and moderate-income households expected on Orcas Island to Eastsound. Because of competition from people moving here with large down payments, or purchasing seasonal or retirement homes, land prices prevent low- and moderate-income households from finding housing in rural areas, and no net increase in housing available to these income groups in rural areas is expected. Only in areas where residential density is 2 to 4 units per acre or more can additional housing be made affordable to people in these income groups without substantial public subsidies. Most people in the County who depend on their employment or small business income for most of their income fall in the low- and moderate-income categories. For more information about affordable housing and income groups in San Juan County, follow this link to the population and housing pages.

Capital Facilities. An important component of urban growth area planning is ensuring that capital facilities are available to support the anticipated level of development. A capital facilities analysis was prepared for Eastsound by EDAW and Earth Tech. The final report from this analysis is available from the Community Development and Planning Department.