Jefferson County officials may have a new arrow in their quiver in their quest to create more affordable housing in the area.

Commissioners broached the idea of using undeveloped county-owned land west of HJ Carroll Park as property that could be developed with single-family residences.

Commissioner Kate Dean said the notion was “very much in the idea phase.”

She asked her fellow commissioners at their board meeting Monday for the  “green light” to pursue a potential partnership with Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County for developing county land with lower cost housing.

The county owns multiple parcels adjacent to Chimacum Park, just west of Highway 19.

Dean said she had preliminary discussions with Habitat for Humanity about the idea.

“They are very interested,” Dean said.

The county-owned land is zoned R-5, or one house per acre, and would need to be rezoned to allow a denser housing development. 

A rezone would require a long-term process, Dean noted, and other issues would have to be explored, including the septic system that would be required for housing development.

County Administrator Mark McCauley said the county land had good development potential; the land is relatively flat with access to Highway 19 and other nearby roads.

Two parcels alone total more than 12 acres, he added.

The county has ownership of eight parcels near Chimacum Park.

“Habitat is pretty excited about the opportunity,” Dean said.

The other commissioners gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to explore the idea.

“Seems like a great partnership. This is an absolute green light for me,” said Commissioner Greg Brotherton.

“Me, too. A gold, glittery light,” added Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour.