Contact:
Ashley Arai, Agriculture Community Program Manager, CPED, (360) 280-9298 or email at Ashley.Arai@co.thurston.wa.us

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to accept public comment on proposed amendments to Chapter 17.15 TCC, Agricultural Activities Critical Areas, and Title 24 TCC, Critical Areas Ordinance to create a conservation planning option for new agricultural uses. Existing and ongoing agricultural uses would not be affected by the proposed update. You can view more detailed information about the proposals, how to comment, and the full text of the proposed ordinance on the project webpage. 

What: Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 17.15 TCC, Agricultural Activities Critical Areas, and Title 24 TCC, Critical Areas Ordinance
When: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00 p.m., or soon thereafter
Where: Room 280, Building 1 of the Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502 or online at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/pc-meetings.aspx (meeting log-in information is located in the November 2 Meeting Agenda)    

How to Submit Public Comments
In-Person or Virtually: Those wishing to testify should appear in person or virtually and be heard. Testimony will be accepted at the Wednesday, November 2 hearing. 

Written Comments: If you are unable to attend, you can submit written or email comments.  Comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2022. 

Email to: Ashley Arai, Agriculture Community Program Manager, at Ashley.Arai@co.thurston.wa.us.

Mail to:
        Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development
        Attention: Ashley Arai, Agriculture Community Program Manager
        Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, 2nd Floor
        2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
        Olympia, WA 98502

Background: 
Officially docketed by the Board of County Commissioners in 2020, this project considers updates to Chapter 17.15 TCC, Agricultural Activities Critical Areas, and Title 24 TCC, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) to integrate with the county’s approved Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) Work Plan and establish a conservation planning option for any new agricultural activities and facilities not covered by the VSP Workplan. This is item A-18 on the Official Development Code Docket. 

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, call the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at least three days prior to the meeting at 360-786-5440. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may call via Washington Relay:  711 or 800-833-6388.

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