PORT ANGELES — Clallam County planners will be on hand to answer specific questions on proposed Growth Management Act compliance strategies in two public hearings next week.
“We’re more than happy to look up their property and tell them what’s being proposed specifically,” said Steve Gray, planning director.
A state hearings board ruled in April 2008 that the county’s rural moderate and western region rural moderate zoning districts were non-compliant and invalid.
In response, the county placed interim zoning rules on 22,000 scattered acres that allow for a maximum density of one dwelling per 4.8 acres — or half the density of the former zoning of rural moderate.
The Planning Commission has proposed a Rural Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Designation that allows for more density if certain conditions are met.
Hearing dates
A public hearing in Port Angeles is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the commissioner’s meeting room (160) at the Clallam County Courthouse.
A public hearing on the West End is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Forks City Council Chambers.
“The purpose of the public hearings . . . is to review compliance strategies,” Gray said.
Detailed information on the county’s compliance efforts with the Growth Management Act is available on the county Web site, www.clallam.net.
The Planning Commission’s proposal amends the county’s comprehensive plan for 19,000 acres of previously designated rural moderate and 2,900 acres of western region rural moderate lands.
The county has appealed the decision leveled by the Western Washington Growth Management Hearing’s Board on these 22,000 acres.
No decision has been made on the appeal.
State law requires the county pursue compliance even while appealing the board’s decision. The county must take action to achieve compliance or extend interim zoning rules by July 17.
The hearings board decision does not affect existing homes and buildings.
Single-family home construction is still allowed under the interim zoning controls.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
