Jefferson County's Updated Comprehensive Plan
Planning for a Livable Future
JJefferson County is updating its Comprehensive Plan to respond to community needs and goals related to housing, climate, economic development, parks and recreation, utilities, and transportation. The updated plan will help guide land use and zoning, foster conditions for housing diversity and affordability, steward natural resources and the environment, and plan for projected population growth by the year 2045. Jefferson County is also proposing focused code changes to support middle housing opportunities in the Irondale / Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area.
Consistent with the Growth Management Act, this update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan sets a long-range framework to guide growth and development over the next 20 years. The plan is reviewed every 10 years, with opportunities for limited annual amendments. It outlines the community’s vision through goals, policies, and actions that guide everyday decision-making by County leaders and staff.
The current draft is the culmination of nearly two years of engagement and collaboration. It reflects input and feedback from community listening sessions, individual comments and suggestions, and the work of the Jefferson County Planning Commission, which has convened 28 times to focus on this project since its start in 2024. In addition to incorporating community feedback, the plan addresses numerous state legislative amendments made in the last few years to update the Growth Management Act and address issues including housing and climate resilience.
Jefferson County Planning Commission held a public hearing to take oral and written comments on the Hearing Draft on Wednesday, May 13. Written comments were accepted through May 15.
Key Dates Upcoming:
• May 27 Jefferson County’s Planning Commission Deliberation and Recommendation
• June 8 Board of County Commissioners Morning Workshop on Comp Plan at 9:30 a.m.
• June 8 Notice of Public Hearing will be distributed
• June 22 Board of County Commissioners Hearing on Comp Plan at 10:30 a.m.
• July 6 Board of County Commissioners Final Action on Comp Plan (tentative)
More information on the updates to the Comprehensive Plan can be found at:
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