Frequently Asked Questions

Access to judicial records is governed by court rules and not the Public Records Act (PRA).  There are two types of judicial records addressed by court rules: (1) “court (or case) records” (records filed with the court in a judicial proceeding that are usually maintained by the court clerk); and (2) “administrative records” (any record pertaining to the management, supervision or administration of the judicial branch). 

Access to court/case records is governed by the following court General Rules (GR): GR 31 (Access to Court Records) GR 15 (Destruction, Sealing and Redaction of Court Records), and GR 22 (Access to Family Law and Guardianship Court Records).

 Access to judicial administrative records is governed by GR 31.1.  The judicial branch is committed to openness, transparency, and the belief that the public should have access to most court records and administrative public records.  These FAQ’s address GR 31.1, access to judicial administrative records. For information regarding access to records contained in court case files (court or case records), please consult GR 31. You may request a court record by contacting the County Clerk’s Office at (360) 378-2163 or mailing a request to 350 Court Street #7, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

GR 31.1 ensures the public’s right to access to judicial administrative records, clarifies the responsibilities of judicial agency officials with regard to providing access to these records, and assists in identifying exceptions to public access.

Judicial administrative records in Washington State are generally accessible to the public. These records may be written or recorded information related to the management of the court or judicial branch agency, its business with the public, or the carrying out of its administrative functions.  These records include copies of records made by, used by, or received by a court or judicial branch agency in connection with its administrative functions.  Instructions for requesting administrative public records may be found at the following website: http://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1330/Records-Request-Instructions or by contacting the Superior Court Public Records Officer.

State and federal law require judicial branch agencies and courts to keep some records confidential.  Confidential records are not available to the public.  Access to some records containing sensitive personal information is restricted by law to protect people’s right to privacy and to protect them from possible harm or harassment.  Records maintained or created by a judge or the judge’s staff are called “chambers records” and are not subject to disclosure.

While most administrative records will be provided in their entirety, some records may contain sensitive or private information.  This sensitive or private information may be removed or blocked out of a record.  This is called “redaction.”   Examples of information that will be redacted include social security numbers, some financial information, home addresses, medical records and health care information.  The requester will be notified when information has been redacted from a record along with the reason(s) for that redaction.

Administrative records are subject to a retention schedule. Most administrative records are retained for six years.

All requests to inspect or obtain administrative public records must be submitted in writing. Using the Request for Administrative Records Form is not mandatory, but use of the form may make it easier to understand your request. Please send the completed form to the Public Records Officer for Superior Court (Superior Court PRO). You must provide your legal name, your physical and mailing address when you submit the request. If you need assistance to access administrative records because of a disability, please contact the Superior Court PRO where the administrative records are located.

Within five days of receipt of your administrative records request, the Superior Court PRO will confirm that your request was received and, when possible, will estimate the time it may take to locate and send the records to you.  Although the judicial branch is not penalized if confirmation is not made within the five day period, every effort is made to ensure that receipt your request is promptly confirmed. 

 The court or judicial branch agency is not required to create a new public record to respond to your request if the request you submitted is for a record that does not exist.  If the request is not specific enough to understand, or if the request is very broad and costly, we may call or write you for clarification so that we can avoid unnecessary expenses to you and to the court or judicial branch agency.

If you are notified that the record you requested cannot be disclosed or that the record you received has been redacted and you disagree with the decision, you may seek review of the decision.  GR 31.1(d).  There are two separate review processes to follow, internal and the external review.

1. Internal review within court or agency.  Each court and judicial branch agency has a method for review by the judicial branch agency’s director, presiding judge, or judge designated by the presiding judge.  The form to request an internal review are located at Request for Internal Review and must be submitted within 90 days of the Superior Court PRO decision.  The review proceeding is informal and summary.  In most situations, the review proceeding shall be held within five working days of the request.
2. External review.  A record requester who disagrees with the court or judicial branch agency’s decision may obtain further review by asking for an external review of the internal decision made by the court or judicial branch agency. Request for such review must be made within 30 days of the internal review decision of the court or judicial branch agency decision. The form to request an external review are located at Request for External Review.  The requester may choose between the two alternative external reviews.

•  Review via civil action in court; or
•  Submitting the Request for External Review by visiting judge.

To view original or stored paper copies of administrative public records belonging to courts or judicial branch agencies at the court or judicial branch agency you will need to complete the Request for Administrative Records and submit it to the Superior Court PRO at the agency or court indicating you wish to view the records in-person.  You will then need to make an appointment with the Superior Court PRO to view the records in-person at the court or judicial branch agency where the records are located.  While there are no charges or fees associated with viewing administrative records, there may be costs associated with the research necessary to find these records. See GR 31.1 (h) (4) and cost discussion below.

You will need to complete the Records Request form and note that you would prefer paper copies.  There may be fees for copying the records or completing research related to your request, and you will be told in advance the total that will be due.

GR 31.1(h)(2) allows the court or judicial branch agency to recoup its cost for copying or scanning records.  It states, “A fee may be charged for the photocopying or scanning of administrative records.  If another court rule or statute specifies the amount of the fee for a particular type of record, that rule or statute shall control.  Otherwise, the amount of the fee may not exceed the amount that is authorized in the Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW.”

Also, if extensive research is required to respond to your request, you may be informed that there will be charges for the time involved and that taxes will apply to these research charges.  GR 31.1(h)(4) states,  “A fee not to exceed $30 per hour may be charged for research services required to fulfill a request taking longer than one hour.  The fee shall be assessed from the second hour onward.”

Costs for activities such as research, photocopying, scanning, and for materials such as CDs and USB drives are determined by the agency or court where the records are stored. Sales tax will be added to the total you owe, as well as the cost for mailing materials to you.

  Viewing records at Courthouse: No Charge              Research Fee: $30.00/hour after first hour

  Copies & Scanning: $0.15 per page                              Fax (8 ½ x 11 only): $1.00 per page

   CD:  $20.00 each;   USB:  $25.00 each                         Postage: actual cost; Envelope: $1.00 each

Depending on the size and complexity of the request, you may need to pay the research and/or copying costs before the records are given to you. Other times you will be invoiced after delivery of the requested records.  If you do not pay the amount due for records you have received, you will not be able to obtain additional records until that debt is paid.

The Superior Court Public Records Officer maintains a log of the requests received and the manner the requests were filled.

The court or judicial branch agency cannot control the use of information it provides to the public, so the court or judicial branch agency cannot be responsible for problems that result.  However, the court or judicial branch agency will not provide any administrative record if it determines that: the request was made to harass or intimidate the court or judicial agency or its employees; fulfilling the request would likely threaten the security of the court or judicial agency; fulfilling the request would likely threaten the safety or security of judicial officers, staff, family members of judicial officers or staff, or any other person; or fulfilling the request may assist criminal activity.  GR 31.1(c)(7)

Please contact Linnea Anderson at 360-378-4620 for more information about At-Risk Youth Petitions.

Yes.  You may reschedule your jury duty to a date within the next 4 months.  You may reschedule your jury duty using the jury web portal, completing the reschedule option on page 2 of your jury summons or by contacting the jury manager at 360-378-9407 or jurymanager@sanjuancountywa.gov.

If you wish to defer your jury duty to a more convenient date, you must state the reason that you cannot serve during the scheduled time. You may also file a request by writing to: Jury Manager San Juan County P.O. Box 127 Friday Harbor, WA 98250

1. No firearms or other weapons, including knives, shall be allowed in the courtroom or anywhere on the second floor of the courthouse.

2. No food shall be allowed in the courtroom. All drinks must be in containers that can be securely closed to avoid spills.

3. All cell phones or electronic devices must be silenced in the courtroom.

4. All persons in the courtroom shall, in their speech and actions, conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting. All persons shall refrain from any gestures and from conduct or behavior that manifests disrespect for others or disrupts the proceedings.

5. No photography, video recording, or audio recording in the courtroom, except members of the press with prior approval of the Court.

6. For information on the Court's dress code, please visit: www.sanjuancountywa.gov/233/conduct-dress-code.

You may apply for a concealed pistol license at the Sheriff's Office in Friday Harbor, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

Application Requirements:

- You must be 21 years of age at the time of the application

- You must be a United States citizen or have a valid Alien Firearms License

- You must live in San Juan County or outside of Washington State

- You must be eligible to own firearms under RCW 9.41.040 and 9.41.045

- You must not have a court order or injunction against possessing firearms

- You must not be pending trial, appeal or sentencing on a felony offense

- You must not have an order to forfeit firearms within the last year

- You must not have any outstanding warrants for any charge, from any court

- You must provide picture identification

- You must be fingerprinted. This is done Thursday mornings between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Please call 360-378-4151 to make your fingerprinting appointment. With prior arrangement, special accommodations may be made if you are unable to come during those times.

- You must pay a non-refundable fee of $49.25.

San Juan County Park is located on the west side of San Juan Island. It's popular for its scenic views across Haro Strait and its summertime visitor, the Orca. At the Fairgrounds in Friday Harbor, we have eight RV sites with power and water hook-ups, limited to RVs of 35- and 45-foot lengths (no tent camping). We also operate Shaw County Park on quaint and quiet Shaw Island. San Juan County Parks doesn't operate any overnight camping facilities on Orcas Island, Moran State Park and some private resorts offer camping.

In Lopez Village, there are seasonal public coin-op showers at Lopez Village Park, next to Isabel's Coffee Shop.

The only way to appeal an assessor's valuation of your property is by timely filing a complete appeal petition with the San Juan County Board of Equalization. There is no fee charged for filing an appeal. The appeal petition form must be used. A letter or phone call is not acceptable as a substitute for the petition form. You may file your petition using the online form, by sending your petition to boe@sanjuancountywa.gov, or by putting your petition in our drop box at 55 Second Street North (county legislative building). You may also submit your petition by mail to 350 Court St. #2, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Petition forms can be found here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/356/Board-of-Equalization 

A property owner or "taxpayer" may appeal. Taxpayer means the person or entity whose name and address appears on the assessment rolls, or their duly authorized agent. If you are filing as a duly authorized agent, you will be asked to provide proper documentation to show the relationship. 

July 1st of the current assessment year or within 30 days of when the "San Juan County Change of Value Notice" was mailed by the Assessor’s Office. If you mail your petition, it must be postmarked by midnight of the deadline (350 Court St. #2, Friday Harbor, WA 98250). You may also submit your petition using our online form or by turning in the form via email (boe@sanjuancountywa.gov). Electronic filing must be received by 5 pm of the deadline. If you are appealing other Assessor determinations, for example, denial of an application for Open Space or a removal from the Open Space program by the Assessor, you also have 30 days from the date of the mailing of notification. All petition forms can be found here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/356/Board-of-Equalization 

If you have missed the filing deadline, you may file a request of a good cause waiver with the Board of Equalization if you feel you meet the requirements of WAC 458-14-056 (3). You may also request to reconvene the Board under WAC 458-14-127 by filling out the appropriate form. You must be prepared to submit supporting documentation. The forms can be found here on the main page of the San Juan County Board of Equalization website. Once received, the Clerk will forward your request to the Board for review. The Clerk will notify you in writing of confirmation or denial of your petition. 

Contact the Assessor's Office to review your valuation any time you have a question regarding your property value. Property owners can often settle disagreements at this level without continuing the appeal process. However, you still need to preserve your appeal rights by timely filing your petition with the Board of Equalization. You can withdraw your petition at any time prior to a hearing.

The petition form has clear directions attached. Your properly completed petition must include specific reasons why you believe that the assessor's valuation is not correct. The amount of tax, the percentage of assessment increase, personal hardship, and other matters unrelated to market value cannot, by law, be considered by the Board. Include the parcel number of the property you are appealing. A separate petition must be completed for every individual parcel. Also include the Assessor's determination of value, other appraisal information, your estimate of value, recent sales of comparable properties, or other supporting information for your appeal. Be sure to indicate if you intend to submit additional evidence prior to the hearing.

The Clerk of the Board of Equalization will notify you of the location, date, and time that your hearing is scheduled. A reasonable accommodation for scheduling is possible. You are not required to be present at your appeal hearing.

If you did not submit your documentary evidence at the time of filing your petition, your documentary evidence needs to be submitted to both the Clerk of the Board boe@sanjuancountywa.gov and the Assessor’s Office assessor@sanjuancountywa.gov at least 21 business days, excluding legal holidays, prior to your scheduled hearing. It is the petitioner's duty to submit additional documentary evidence to both offices 21 business days prior to the hearing.

While additional documentary evidence is not required in order to file your petition, it is highly encouraged that you submit proper evidence related to market value in order to make your case (WAC 458-14-087). What constitutes as proper evidence are market sales, market based cost and depreciation information, or market based income information. Assessments of other properties, percentage of value increased, personal hardship, and the amount of tax owed are not evidence of market value. Remember the Assessor's office is presumed to be correct, the petitioner holds the burden of proof.

You and the Assessor will each have an opportunity to give oral testimony and written evidence in support of your opinions of value. You may cross examine each other and rebut evidence. The hearing is an informal review designed to enable property owners to represent themselves without an attorney. Keep in mind that per RCW 84.40.0301, the original value set by the assessor is presumed to be correct. The burden of proof is on you to show that the assessed value is not correct by presenting a standard of "clear, cogent and convincing evidence" such as comparable sales data, cost data, income data, or any other items of evidence including maps or photographs, to support your estimate of value.

You will receive a written decision from the Board usually within 45 days of the hearing. The Board can either raise, lower, or sustain the Assessor’s value.

You may appeal the County Board's decision to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) by filing an appeal directly with the State within 30 days of the mailing of the County Board's decision. Forms are available online at the BTA's website. You may also pay your property taxes "under protest", (consult with the San Juan County Treasurer's Office for direction) and petition the Superior Court for a refund by filing a lawsuit under Chapter 84.68 RCW.

Everything you need to know about planning your trip from making a ferry reservation to guidelines established by Washington State Ferries for arrival and on board etiquette can be found here on the WSF First-time riders webpage.

Washington State Ferries provides route specific rider alerts via email or text. All you need to do is subscribe here.

There are several variables that make driving a commercial or oversized vehicle different than driving a standard size vehicle and should be planned for in advance. WSF has established parameters that you can find here on their website.

It's a frequently asked question dummy

When proven innocent.

San Juan County has adopted the state building codes and has adopted some amendments to them.  This list of Design Criteria will help professionals correctly determine how to design structures built in our our area.

International Residential Code as amended by the state: IRC

International Building Code: IBC

WA state Building code council: SBCC.wa.gov

SJCC: San Juan County codes

First determine if the proposed work requires a permit. SJC has a list of items that are exempt from permitting. Additionally we offer some insight for pre-application assistance.

If your project does require a permit, find permit applications here.

If you are ready to apply for your permit, please create an account and apply using the Online Permit Center.

WA state amended building codes for building code questions.

San Juan County Code for development and land use questions.

If you have exhausted your search and still need help ask here:

Ask a Question/Request Assistance

Site plans are required for nearly all permits in San Juan County. A site plan shows a bird's eye view of the parcel, and the proposed work on that parcel, so the reviewer can judge if it conforms to various regulations.

Items to check on a site plan:

1. Distance to property lines for setbacks, or fire separation.

2. Accurately measure square footage of building footprints, decks, roofs, driveways etc.

3. Show All other structures on the parcel for counting density for Land use/Zoning regulations.

4. Show wells, and or septic system components and piping. (Water and Sewer)

5. Show location of LPG tanks and piping, including equipment like generators or fuel tanks for fire separation requirements.

You do not need to be a surveyor, or architect to be able to draw a site plan, but you will need to provide a clear drawing TO SCALE that shows us all the required information. See requirements below.

For Single trade permits like a Mechanical, or Plumbing permit, or Deck Demo and Re-roofs, a simple site plan will suffice. See instructions here: SIMPLE SITE PLAN INSTRUCTIONS

On all other projects we require that you submit a comprehensive site plan. Instructions and details here: Site plan and instructions

1. Standard Residential Building permit: Most common permit type for Single Family Residence (SFR) built using the International Residential Building Code (IRC). This will cover a one- or two-family residence, or accessory structure up to 35 feet in height and 3 stories tall. Standard building and energy codes apply.

2. Commercial Building permit:  This permit involves new construction AND changes in occupancy from one class to another for commercial uses like: offices, mercantile, assembly, retail,  or storage. ALL occupancy classes will be governed by the International BUILDING Code (IBC) and Washington state commercial energy code.

3. Remodel/Addition permit: Typically this type of permit covers major changes to an existing structure, or expansion of the existing footprint. 

4. Plumbing/Mechanical permit, or Single trade: Relatively simple projects such as installing a LPG tank, heater, furnace or water heater, are also referred to as "single trade" projects. Typically such projects only require a Plumbing or Mechanical permit. If you are adding square footage, or remodeling a house, you must apply for a standard building permit (Residential or Commercial)

5. Demolition ("Demo") permit: Used when one wants to remove a structure completely. Demo permits are required to remove the structure from the tax assessor’s inventory. Moved structures require Demo permits.

6. Relocation permit: Used when moving an existing approved building to a new location, even when on the same lot. Permission to move on County roads is required. Moving a structure requires permitting and approval PRIOR to placing it at a new location.

7. Revision: Permit to revise or change scope of work from approved plans. Revisions are required when adding additional square feet, increasing the height of a building, siting the building at a different location on the same lot, changing number of bedrooms or egress, or adding fixtures not previously approved. Changing the construction of the building, like changing roof type, or revised engineering, requires new plan review.

8. Owner Builder permits (for occupied structures)  and Owner Builder Exemptions (for non-occupied structures): San Juan County is unique in that we offer a different permit type which allows an owner to build their own structures under certain circumstances. There are some restrictions; please refer to the San Juan County code for details.

Applications can be found here: Permit applications.

Our permit packets contain a list of items that are needed for a complete submittal. It's nearly impossible to create a comprehensive list of items for every different scenario. However, the list shown in each application packet will guide you when you are ready to upload and submit your application. (some permit applications are currently undergoing changes due to recent code updates, and we update them regularly on our website. Be sure you are using the most current version, and include all the relevant documents when applying.pre-application assistance page provides some drawing examples if you need help.

There is a checklist that may also guide you for compiling your documents.

San Juan County has switched to a paperless system for, applying, issuing, and tracking permits. ALL permit applications are handled through the SmartGov permit portal.

Here are some handy links and instructions:

1. Create a login on the portal and verify email/password
2. Download application from our website, link below
3. Fill out the application and save to your computer (Applications are undergoing changes, fillable forms will be available soon)
   
4. Create a new *submittal on the portal (*permit application)
5. Upload your documents to the portal (all items needed for your permit type are listed in the submittal area of your permit and vary by permit type).
6. Pay any Plan review fees to start the review process (some permits don’t require a fee upfront)
7. DCD staff will review the submittal shortly and update you if more information is needed.

 County Portal:

 https://co-sanjuan-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home

DCD webpage home:

https://www.sanjuanco.com/312/Community-Development

Applications:

https://www.sanjuanco.com/981/Building-Permit-Applications

Pre App assistance and info:

https://www.sanjuanco.com/1301/Pre-Application-Assistance

Buildings exempt from permits: 

https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/998/Structures-Exempt-From-Building-Permits

Policies:

https://www.sanjuanco.com/635/Policies

WSEC: new changes for 2018 you’ll need to be aware of!

http://www.energy.wsu.edu/BuildingEfficiency/EnergyCode.aspx 

http://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/wsec_2018-residential/

Free IRC/IBC access to codes:

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2015

Upcodes.com - Free access

_____________________________________________________________________                     

Here are the instructions for signing up on the public portal for your permit 

You only need to do this one time to connect your account with all of your permits. This will allow you to access your permit, pay fees online, and schedule inspections.  Detailed instructions below:

If you are SIGNING UP,

1)     GO TO: https://co-sanjuan-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home and click on “sign up” 

2)       Enter your e-mail address and a password:

3)       You will receive a verification link in your e-mail.

4)      Click on the “Verify” button to verify your e-mail address. 

5)      Return to the browser

6)      Log out and log back in again.  

Many functions are available on the portal:

APPLYING FOR PERMITS(No access code required, but if you already have one, please use it to avoid multiple accounts and inability to view all permits together. Each account has a unique portal access code, do not give yours out. Contact DCD@sanjuanco.comfor your code AFTER you have signed up.)

1)      Click on MY PORTAL to apply, view permits, or request inspections etc.

2)      Click on Apply Online

3)      Select Category: Building, Land Use, or Fire Marshal (Addressing falls under the category of Building) (ALL BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS WILL FALL UNDER ‘BUILDING SUBMITTAL’, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY LISTED). You can choose “REVISION” if you are updating an existing active permit. Expired permits must be renewed, or re-applied for.

4)      Select Application: Select the type of application you are applying for. 

5)      Click “Next”

6)      Enter the owner last name as the project name and provide a brief description of your project, click “Next” again

7)      Begin entering the Address of your project. You will need to make a selection from the entries that populate below. If your address is not selected to enter and you write it in entirely, it will not allow you to proceed. (If this happens, either e-mail dcd@sanjuanco.comor call 360-378-2354.) Once entered properly, click “Next”

8)      If you don’t have an address, click on the tiny link towards the bottom right of the frame that reads: I want to enter a parcel # instead. and enter in the same manner as described in 7 above. Then click “Next” (If you don’t know your parcel number, you may need to search this on Polaris https://sjcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=39b87792947e40a5aa0fcb8af5910bd1.)

9)      Follow through the prompts and complete the forms as you move forward.

10)  Once complete, you will need to upload your application materials by scrolling down to the “Submittals” section and clicking on the hyper-link under Documents Received (this will be a “0” if nothing has been uploaded.)

To pay fees:

1. Click on Pay Online
2. Click on the “Add” button to move the fee to your Cart
3. Click on Proceed to Checkout to complete the payment process.

To upload files, you’ll click on “Applications” and then “My Applications” (THIS APPLIES TO ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND FOUND DEFICIENT.)

1. Click on the blue permit number
2. Scroll down to the “Submittals” section (look for PENDING status)
3. Click on the blue link that shows “0 Files”
   • 

4. Click on the “Upload” button
5. Navigate to your file and upload, you can upload more than 1 document for each submittal type.
6. DEFERRED files: you can upload if you have it, but it’s not required to move permit forward in review at this time. (for example, not all buildings need engineering, but if you have it, then upload it.
7. REQUIRED: in order to move your permit through the process, ALL REQUIRED SUBMITTALS NEED TO BE UPLOADED.
8. Versions: the initial uploaded document is version 1. Any subsequent revised ones, are version 2,3,4 etc. Some items get rejected and we’ll ask you to upload a second version.
9. Status: In review: we are looking at this still. Pending: Nothing uploaded yet. Deficient: Not approved, needs changes. Approved. You are good to go!

To request inspections ,from home, click on “Applications” and then “My Applications” and select your active permit (permits with fees owing, or expired permits will not let you schedule an inspection. Check with SJC DCD for payment, or pay via the portal.

1. Click “Request” for the inspection you need
2. Enter the date and a time slot (also add any comments you have regarding the inspection)
3. Click on “Request Inspection”
4. To view the inspection schedule the morning of your inspection, click on “Applications” and scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on the calendar. 

To view inspection results, :

              Pick your permit from the list and click on it. Scroll down to ‘inspections’ area below. You’ll see inspections available, completed, and some that need re-inspection.  All inspections that have been done, regardless of status, will have an inspection report available for you to download and view. Click on the small black note with the dog eared corner.

              Your results will download, and you can open the .pdf to view the info.

APPLYING FOR BURN PERMITS(No access code required, but if you already have one, please use it.)

1)      Click on Apply online:

2)      Select Category:  Fire Marshal

4)      Select Application type:  Burn Permit – Residential Online (only available certain times of the year due to burn bans) or Commercial

5)      Click “Next”

6)      You don’t need to fill in the fields on the next page, click “Next” again

7)      Enter the Address where you will be burning and select from the entries that populate below and click “Next”

8)      If you don’t have an address, click on the link towards the bottom of the frame that says “enter a parcel #” and enter your parcel number, select the parcel below, and click “Next”  (If you don’t know your parcel number, you may need to search this on Polaris https://sjcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=39b87792947e40a5aa0fcb8af5910bd1.)

9)      Enter the name of your island and then you must be able to answer “YES” to each of the five questions, then click “Next”.

10)  Review the permit input and if all is correct, click “Next”

Making Payment(The fee populates as $18.00 to accommodate the $2 transaction fee.)

1. Click on Click on Pay Online
2. Click on the “Add” button to move the fee to your Cart
3. Click on Proceed to Checkout to complete the payment process.
4. Once complete you will receive an email from smartgovcommunity.com

Printing your Permit– (required to have onsite when burning)

1. Click on the permit link in the e-mail from smartgovcommunity.com, this will take you to your permit online
2. Click on the “Generate Permit PDF” link in the upper right of the permit frame
3. Click “OK” on the Report Filters page
4. Print and sign the permit and keep onsite when burning

Vacation rental COMPLIANCE INSTRUCTIONS(No access code required, but if you already have one, please use it.)

1)      From the home page, click on “Applications”. 

2)      Click on “Apply Online”

3)      For Category select “Land Use”

4)      For  Application select “Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance”

5)      Follow prompts and answer the questions

6)       When you come to the page that reads “License Status: Pending,” scroll down to the Submittals section, click on the hyperlink after “VACATION RENTAL RULES OF CONDUCT” and upload your document.  (These will be reviewed at the end of the year

Fees can be paid on the portal, or by mailing in a check. Fees paid on the portal are charged an additional small processing fee.

For mailing checks send to:

DCD

PO BOX 947

Friday Harbor, WA. 98250

Be sure to reference the permit number and or a Tax Parcel number.

Once paid, our staff will process the payment and issue permits etc. There is a delay when processing, please be patient. Contact our office for help 360-378-2354

SmartGov permit software shows the status of your permit on the portal.  Your permit will not be issued until all departments finish their review. The status of the permit can be seen in the 'APPROVAL STEPS' section.Login, check the permit from the list, and click on it. Scroll down to the steps, and you can see the status of each department.

It is highly recommended that you check the status of your permit here before calling or emailing staff. The time spent responding to your inquiry is better spent actually reviewing the work. Thank you for your understanding.

It will also show you the status of the submittal items, the date of approval and whether the item is required or not.

4. Click on the “Upload” button
5. Navigate to your file and upload, you can upload more than 1 document for each submittal type.
6. DEFERRED files: you can upload if you have it, but it’s not required to move permit forward in review at this time. (for example, not all buildings need engineering, but if you have it, then upload it.
7. REQUIRED: in order to move your permit through the process, ALL REQUIRED SUBMITTALS NEED TO BE UPLOADED.
8. Versions: the initial uploaded document is version 1. Any subsequent revised ones, are version 2,3,4 etc. Some items get rejected and we’ll ask you to upload a second version.
9. Status: In review: we are looking at this still. Pending: Nothing uploaded yet. Deficient: Not approved, needs changes. Approved. You are good to go!

After all the review has been completed, you will be notified that your permit is ready. DCD staff will contact you and verify contact information, contractor information, and collect fees.

Once your fees have been paid, the Approved permit documents will be uploaded to the portal under the "PUBLIC NOTICES" area for you to download and print. Please PRINT FULL SIZE and retain these documents on site for the inspection process.

If you have outstanding renewal fees, you will not be able to request an inspection.   

You can use the permitting portal to request an inspection.  Click the blue button under 'My Portal'.  Login, pick your permit, scroll down to the inspection you want, and click request. 

To request by phone, call 360-378-6270.  Please be sure to speak clearly, have a good cell signal, or call from a landline.  You must include the permit number, type of inspection, date requested, island, contact name and phone number.  

A certificate of occupancy is granted upon the successful completion of all approved work on a project. Projects that consist of only mechanical and/or plumbing work do not get a certificate of occupancy. Certificates are issued for projects involving commercial use.

Certificates for projects permitted in 2010 and after are available at the Online Permit Center.  Permits issued prior to 2010 often did not have a formal certificate of occupancy.  Other documentation of final approval served the function of the modern-day certificate.

Permits created since roughly 2010 will have a formal certificate of occupancy; occupancy was approved in different ways for pre-2010 permits and projects.  Often the permit card showing final approval was the only recognition that the project was completed; if an inspection form shows occupancy approval, this is also used in place of modern-day certificates.  

You can request a search for such documentation by submitting a public records request here.   Not all records for any particular project were retained in County collections.

San Juan County has amended the Building codes and imposed a 5 year lifespan on permits. If your project is not COMPLETE within 5 years, your permit will expire. In addition, you must pay yearly renewal fees, and have inspections yearly.

Delays in construction will  cause your permit to expire: Per SJCC 15.04.070

7. IBC Section 105.5 (Expiration) is amended to read as follows:           

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 1 year after its issuance or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 1 year after the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, extension of time, for a period of one (1) additional year. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

8. IBC Section 105.5.1 (Expiration) is added to read as follows:           

At the end of 60 months after issuance of a building permit, if construction has started but is not complete as evidenced by the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the permit shall expire. To finish work not completed at the time of expiration, a new permit shall be applied for and obtained. The valuation of construction for permit fees shall be the valuation of construction remaining that has not been inspected. The building official may authorize a single 12 month extension of the permit upon review of written request for such extension.

Renewal fees are due yearly on the anniversary of the date of the issuance. It is your responsibility to renew your permit, or it will also expire. Inspections cannot be scheduled until renewal fees have been made current. Contact our office for renewals, or pay renewal fees on the portal.

Expiration of permits, requires that you renew your permit by re-applying, and paying fees. All renewal applications are subject to any new codes in effect at the time of application (completed application) Fees will be subject to current fee schedule, and work not complete will be required to be paid for again.

San Juan County offers an Owner Builder permit (for dwellings), and Owner Builder exemptions (for uninhabited structures). Adopted by SJCC under Chapter 15.04.540, these permits have restrictions on the permit requirements.

In essence, they are exempt from the structural parts of the current IRC/IBC codes and are only inspected for Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy code, life safety and fire requirements etc. See the code for the exact restrictions.

Be aware that only natural persons can apply, not corporations or LLCs. There are restrictions on how often you may use this permit type.  There are also restrictions on recording notices to title which may affect future sales and financing of the property. Also, life safety inspections are required when the property is rented, or sold.

San Juan County Requires permits for burning yard waste or natural vegetation. There are some restrictions, and a small fee is required. Instructions and a printable form can be found here; apply using the Online Permit Center.

San Juan County’s functions are housed in a variety of facilities and sites that have developed sporadically over time. Administration, Community Development, Health and Community Services, several Elected Official’s offices, and Public Works functions are located in several facilities in the Town of Friday Harbor. The current configuration does not support efficient operations or customer service. Many facilities are inappropriate for their current use, difficult to renovate to support modern operations, and are becoming increasingly costly to maintain.

This new Civic Campus will bring these departments together to increase efficiencies, reduce operating costs, and provide better service to County residents. The new Campus will also provide new inside and outside spaces for community use. This is intended to be an amenity for the community, not just a facility for the County.

The new Civic Campus is intended to house the County Administration (County Manager, Information Services, and Facilities Manager), County Council, Department of Community Development, Health and Community Services, Public Works (except Maintenance and Fleet), and the Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer’s Offices. Others, like the Prosecutor, District and Superior Courts, and Sheriff, will continue to be located in the Courthouse.

Depending on the outcome of this study, the County may decide to sell some of its current properties if they are determined to no longer meet the needs of the County. This revenue will be used to help offset the cost of the new building. Some of these sites that are near the new Civic Campus may also be used for employee parking. Spaces vacated by the Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer’s Offices may be re-purposed for use by the courts or Sheriff. The courthouse will still be in use.

We will do a cost estimate based on the preferred alternative. Throughout the design process, the team will be cost-conscious, looking for ways to meet all of our needs while using space efficiently. This is an investment for the future. Once we are in a shared space with more up-to-date and energy-efficient systems, we anticipate
San Juan County Civic Campus Plan that we will spend less on the operations of a new facility than we do now on several separate facilities that require significant and continual maintenance.

The timing will depend on securing funding for construction. Once this Plan is complete and we have the preferred design alternative, it will go before the County Council. Ultimately the timeline will depend on Council review and action as well as obtaining financing.

There are two possible sites. The first option is in the triangle-shaped parcel bounded by Second St, Reed, and Blair. That is where some of the County offices are already located. The other possible site is across the street, where there is currently a parking lot shared by the Community Theater and the Courthouse. We understand that that parking lot is heavily used and that some parking would need to be retained on that site with any displaced parking spaces replaced with adequate and convenient parking nearby.

We will be evaluating these two options based on community input, County staff input, and the square footage needed to accommodate all of our functions.

The campus plan will detail how the designated County departments and functions will be incorporated into a new single campus on County-owned property in Friday Harbor. The plan will also detail the inclusion of community space to support public gathering and programming.

We will develop a few possible design concepts with site plans and three-dimensional illustrations to establish the desired site and building character and convey the development vision. We will share those visuals for community and County staff feedback. That will inform the development of a preferred alternative, which will be presented to the County Council.

The planning process began in late January 2018 and is expected to conclude in late summer 2018.

Early in the process, the public is invited to weigh in on the vision for the new Campus, community needs and uses that we should aim to accommodate, the character of the building, indoor and outdoor spaces, and public amenities. Your input will directly influence the work that the urban planners, landscape architects, and architects will do as they develop various design concepts.

A couple of months later, you will have the opportunity to review the different design concepts and let us know which ones you prefer, and why. We will carefully consider the input that we receive when we determine which of the design concepts will become the final one that is presented to Council. We would like to have a final plan that has broad community support and meets community needs, in addition to the needs of County departments.

Soon! We will have an online survey available in early March to gather initial input on the vision and priorities for this new Civic Campus. We plan to have a virtual open house with an additional short survey available online in early June to gather feedback on the alternative design concepts. Finally, there will be a short public comment period later in the summer where you can comment on the design that has been marked as the preferred alternative.

This is your opportunity to tell us your priorities when it comes to the new Civic Campus. The Civic Campus will be located in Friday Harbor but it needs to effectively serve the whole community across all of the San Juan Islands.

We want the design to reflect local priorities and preferences. We are issuing the survey very early in the process so that we can really listen and use your input to directly influence the very first design concepts. The County wants to provide the highest-priority amenities for the community.

We want to reach as many people as possible from across all of the islands, and a survey is an efficient and convenient way to do that.

Outright, about 4,000 acres. We also lease 400 acres on Lopez Hill from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Public land is a huge benefit for the county in that it:

1. Preserves the island’s character, and gives us places to go.
2. Plays a key role in keeping us competitive in the real estate market.
3. Helps maintain our property values.
4. Is the underlying driver of our tourism/service businesses.
5. Does not create a need for additional taxes as does development (EMS/hospital/schools/roads/library/fire district).

If all Land Bank property were taxed, and the tax rate was lowered as a result, the savings to property owners would be roughly $2 per $100,000 in value. The Land Bank owns roughly 4,000 acres, or 3.7% of the County’s total land area.

Also, over 75% of properties purchased by the Land Bank were already in preferred tax categories. For example, 1,575-acre Turtleback Mountain was in Designated Forest Land (DFL) and the previous owners paid less than $1,000/year in property taxes.

The obvious answer is when the public decides not to renew the Land Bank real estate excise tax (REET). Beyond that though there are many ways to look at it. We are about saving special places, keeping the islands rural, giving people the chance to climb a mountain or visit a beach – or just provide a public space where people want it. As long as we have the funding there will be opportunities to continue doing these things. And as population continues to grow, and new houses are built, the demand will continue to grow.

No. The Land Bank operates under state enabling legislation which requires the revenues to be spent on conservation. Other community projects, while they may be equally important, must have a different source of revenue.

A conservation easement is a restriction on private property, usually to limit how many houses might be built or how many times it can be divided. Think of the view of a favorite farm across a valley. Imagine it with 10 or 20 houses added. The goal of a CE is to limit this and preserve agricultural or open space areas in perpetuity.

The citizens of San Juan County voted to establish the Land Bank real estate excise tax (REET) in 1990, after helping to create the state enabling legislation. Citizens have renewed it twice, in 1999 and 2011.

Absolutely not. Of the Land Bank’s 33 Preserves, 24 are open to the public, 7 on Lopez, 8 on Orcas, 8 on San Juan, and 1 on Henry Island. Over 70 percent of the area of Land Bank Preserves is open.

The Land Bank and the San Juan Preservation Trust (SJPT) work closely with each other and there tends to be confusion about who does what. The Land Bank is public and the 1% real estate excise tax comprises most of its revenue. SJPT is a private land trust and derives the vast majority of its revenue from private sources.

The Land Bank allows deer hunting on Lopez Hill, a property leased from the state Department of Natural Resouces (DNR). DNR allowed hunting on the property for many decades prior to the lease. The Land Bank is also looking at allowing limited duck hunting on its False Bay Creek Preserve.

Recreational operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (a.k.a drones) from Land Bank Preserves is prohibited. The Land Bank Director may grant permission to non-recreational sUAS operators to use Land Bank Preserves under certain conditions. To learn more about the the Land Bank “drone” policy, please click here.

There are two organizations in San Juan County whose mission includes protection of farmland. For more information about the criteria, benefits and opportunities, visit their websites or contact them directly.

• San Juan Preservation Trust, a private non-profit land trust organization whose mission is to help people and communities conserve land in the San Juan Islands by creating conservation easements and preserves.
• San Juan County Land Bank, a public county agency established by the citizens of San Juan County, whose mandate is to preserve in perpetuity areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic, or low-intensity recreational value.

Yes.  Farms that are being commercially farmed may benefit from reduced property taxes that are based on the current use as agriculture instead of highest and best use.  To be eligible, the landowner must meet certain criteria as specified in Washington State rules and code:  RCW 84.34 and WAC 458.30.  The SJC Assessor oversees compliance with the program.  More information on property tax programs is available at www.sanjuanco.com/assessor, or contact the San Juan County Assessor at 360-378-2172.

Yes, the county has adopted certain regulations that determine allowable uses on land designated for agricultural use. To find out more, contact San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department at 360-378-2354.

The Conservation District is your source of information for different approaches to farm management. Contact the Resource Planners at 360-378-6621 or contact Bruce Gregory at b.gregory@sanjuanislandscd.org or Danna Kinsey at d.kinsey@sanjuanislandscd.org.

The San Juan County Conservation District can help you prepare a farm plan. Check their website to see a template of the elements of a farm plan. Contact Bruce Gregory at b.gregory@sanjuanislandscd.org or Danna Kinsey at d.kinsey@sanjuanislandscd.org or call 360-378-6621. 

There are many opportunities to purchase local far products, including Farmers' Markets, farm stands and at certain restaurants and businesses that source local foods. To find out more got to Island Grown.

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There may be a few reasons that you don’t have food benefits on your account: 

• You may have purchased all of your foods for the month. You can check your “Purchase History” on your WICShopperapp to see what foods have been purchased recently.
• Check to see if you have an appointment with us scheduled soon. If you don’t have your next WIC appointment scheduled or aren’t sure, call us at 360-378-4474. Please leave us a quick message if you get through to the voicemail. We will usually make your next appointment very close to your “Last Day to Use”.
• If you have a new card or your card has been replaced, be sure to go to the settings menu in the WIC Shopper app and click “Manage Cards”. You can check that your card number in your app matches your current WIC card.

No, there is no need to separate your WIC foods at checkout. Tell the cashier you are using a WIC card before the transaction. Be sure to use your WIC card first, then use another form of payment for the remaining purchases. 

The easiest way to check your balance is with your WICShopper App. You can also check your balance by looking at the bottom of your most recent grocery receipt. For details on what to look for see Shopping with your WIC card. 

You can download the WICShopper App from the Google Play store, or the Apple App store. 

It's important to remember that not all WIC-approved foods are approved for everyone. Your WIC clinic can print you a list of your specific food benefits, or you can check your available benefits on the WIC Shopper App. The WICShopper App WIC Shopping Guide has the MOST updated list of approved foods. To see a General List of WIC-approved foods see the WIC Shopping Guide. 

Find out what infant formulas are covered by WIC, as well as information on formula recalls here: WIC Approved Infant Formula | Washington State Department of Health.