The proposed changes to San Juan County's Shoreline Master Program and related critical area ordinances go well beyond routine updates and could significantly affect waterfront property owners, homebuilders, and future housing opportunities in San Juan County.

What We're Asking the County to Change:

Use Realistic Sea-Level Planning

Don't require property owners to predict shoreline conditions 75 years into the future. Use practical planning timelines based on available science.

Replace the "No Future Armoring" Requirement

Don't force homeowners to prove that shoreline protection will never be needed. Require reasonable planning, not impossible guarantees.

Protect the Right to Build on Legal Lots

Make sure legally created lots can still be used for homes and other reasonable purposes.

Protect the Right to Rebuild Existing Homes

Allow families to repair, rebuild, and replace existing homes without facing new restrictions that didn't apply when the home was built.

Create a Common-Sense Viability Exception

Give the County flexibility to adjust requirements when rules would make a project impossible to build or afford.

Match Requirements to Real Impacts

Projects should not be held up by studies, monitoring, and fees that go beyond what's needed to protect the shoreline.

Allow Common-Sense Flexibility

Let County staff approve small adjustments that won't harm the shoreline, instead of forcing property owners through lengthy, expensive variance processes.

Protect Existing Property Rights

If a lot is legal today, it should remain eligible for a home under the updated shoreline rules.

To watch the first public hearing, visit YouTube.

If you'd prefer to submit comments through San Juan County's portal, visit the link below.