San Juan County Announces 32-hour Work Week
San Juan County is pleased to announce the adoption of a 32-hour work week for employees represented by AFSCME 1849, beginning in October pay period. A large majority of the County’s employees are included in this bargaining unit, with the notable exception of the Sheriff’s Office and Management. This measure will support the County in maintaining fiscal responsibility, improving employee recruitment and retention, and prioritizing the well-being of islanders. Learn more about how San Juan County is managing this transition by visiting the Engage page: engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-s-32-hour-work-week.
Almost Here – The fall Great Islands Cleanup is Saturday September 30th
Join your fellow islanders for the 2023 Fall Great Islands Clean-up on Saturday, September 30. During this event, participants of all ages can sign-up to collect trash on a designated beach or road, and then bring your trash to a central meeting spot to be counted. Visit www.plasticfreesalishsea.org/events to see the details for San Juan, Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez Islands.
State Building Codes in Effect this October
The new Washington State Building Codes will take effect October 29, 2023. San Juan County adopts codes, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council. One important update regards energy use. For newly constructed habitable structures, the new building and energy codes will require additional insulation and other measures to improve energy efficiency. Over time, this will contribute to climate resiliency and, ideally, lower energy costs for San Juan County residents.
Get Involved in Your Community!
The San Juan County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is recruiting for a business sector seat. The SWAC advises on the County’s solid waste management planning, assists in the development of waste programs and policies, and recommends public policy to the Council and the Friday Harbor Town Council. Terms are 3 years. Contact Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, at katief@sanjuanco.com with questions and to apply. Applications due by October 6. Visit www.sanjuanco.com/342/Solid-Waste to learn more about the SJC Solid Waste program.
Department of Community Development Updates Online Permitting Process
The Community Development website remodel is underway! Staff are working diligently to update pages, links, and more to improve the user experience. To streamline the process of applying for a building permit, the Department of Community Development has implemented the following changes to the online application:
- The building submittal application (for new construction, additions, and remodels) found on the County website is no longer required. If you have prepared one, you can still submit it or any part(s) of it in the application submittals section.
- The application for address review or request is no longer required as part of the building permit application. Staff have adjusted workflows to make address review part of standard building application intake.
- The application for a right of way permit is no longer required as part of the building permit application. Staff have adjusted workflows to make right of way/driveway review part of standard building application intake.
- Applicants no longer need to pick an application menu specific to an island. There will be only one Building Department menu to choose from.