The San Juan County Planning Commission convened on July 18, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding land use designation on Shaw Island. The primary focus of the meeting was a request to redesignate a 5-acre parcel from Rural Farm Forest to Rural Industrial to accommodate essential public facilities for the Public Works Department.

The proposal aims to facilitate the establishment of a construction yard and outdoor storage area, which are currently prohibited under the existing Rural Farm Forest designation. The site, located on Neck Point Road, is surrounded by rural farm forest and forest resource land. The redesignation is necessary to support Public Works' mission of providing essential transportation infrastructure and services, as the current location lacks adequate utilities and space for necessary operations.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the proposed Rural Industrial designation would allow for the required activities while maintaining a more restrictive framework compared to other designations, such as Rural General Use, which permits a wider range of commercial activities. The redesignation is deemed essential for public health, safety, and welfare, as it will enable Public Works to effectively manage road maintenance activities.

The Planning Commission also discussed the criteria for site-specific redesignation, noting that the proposal meets several requirements, including the need for additional land for public works activities. However, it was acknowledged that the property does not have a historical commitment to rural industrial uses, nor does it have direct access to classified arterial roads, a challenge unique to San Juan County.

To address these limitations, the commission plans to amend the comprehensive plan criteria to better reflect the realities of land use in the county. The meeting concluded with a consensus that the proposed redesignation would benefit the community by providing necessary facilities for public works while ensuring adequate buffering to protect surrounding lands from potential negative impacts.

Next steps will involve further analysis and public input as the commission moves forward with the proposal.