Critical Areas Code Repeal Initiative to go on the ballot

News from local news sources:

FROM KONP Radio

Port Angeles, WA - 7/10/01 -- A group trying to repeal Clallam County's Critical Areas Code has turned in enough signatures to try to get a vote on the issue. 

The group turned in almost 4,000  signatures to the auditor's office this afternoon. Organizer Bob Forde says the current code violates the county charter and he's happy voters may get a chance to be heard on the issue. 

The Committee to Repeal the Critical Areas Code had to collect 3,176 signatures of County registered voters. County commissioners could decide to repeal the ordinance outright, or schedule public hearings and put a measure on the ballot. 

State law mandates the county create a code covering development in places near streams, hillsides and other so-called environmentally sensitive areas. But opponents say the measure here goes too far and current regulations in place are enough.

 Environmental groups say they think the code should be strengthened more.

from the Peninsula Daily News:

Port Angeles: Petition calls for repeal of streamside buffer rules

Bob Forde presents signed petitions to Patty Rosand, Clallam County Auditor's office staff .

2001-07-10
by ROGER HARNACK

Voters will have the opportunity to repeal streamside buffer requirements this fall if a petition submitted Monday qualifies to be on the ballot.

Property rights activist Bob Forde of Sequim presented Clallam County Elections Coordinator Patty Rosand with the petition containing 3,781 signatures favoring repeal of the county Critical Areas Code.

According to Forde, the number of signatures proves residents dislike the ordinance, which establishes streamside buffer zones prohibiting development along waterways in Clallam County.

(Note:  The account by the Peninsula Daily News writer focuses on only the last amendment to the Critical Areas Code covering the change in the code about the stream buffers, which is inaccurate.  The initiative to repeal covers the entire Critical Areas Code which contains many areas that are of concern to the citizens who signed the petition. Click here to read a more accurate version.)

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