A. 
An ordinance is a local law (legislative act) prescribing permanent rules of general applicability. Council action shall be taken by ordinance when required by the San Juan County Charter, the RCW, or where prescribed conduct may be enforced by penalty. An ordinance may be adopted after proper notice and a public hearing. Examples of ordinances are laws concerning speed limits, criminal laws and land use laws.
B. 
A resolution is less formal than an ordinance and is a statement of legislative policy or direction concerning matters of special or temporary character. Council action shall be taken by resolution in those instances where an expression of legislative policy more formal than a motion is desired. Resolutions are used to express support for policies, manage the legislative branch, or take other short-term actions. Resolutions may be adopted without a public hearing.
C. 
A motion directs a specific course of action. A motion is less formal, and once approved and entered into the record is the equivalent of a resolution in those instances where a resolution is not required.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 5.1; Ord. 21-2024 § 19)
The procedures for ordinances are as follows:
A. 
Proposal. Any ordinance may be proposed by any citizen of San Juan County. The council then may assign the proposed ordinance to the County manager. Findings shall be promptly reported for review by the council.
B. 
Sponsorship. When a council member wishes to assume sponsorship or advocacy of an ordinance or resolution, he/she should so announce, make the initial motion, provide an introduction and advocate the measure before the council.
C. 
Introduction. Ordinances shall be introduced in a written form approved by the prosecuting attorney. After review and discussion by the council, the council may move to advertise the ordinance for public hearing or have the ordinance modified and returned to council for formal action to publish the ordinance.
D. 
Motion Failure. If a motion "to advertise the ordinance for public hearing" fails, the ordinance shall be considered lost, unless a subsequent motion directs its revision and resubmission to the County council.
E. 
Action. Except in an emergency, the council will conduct a public hearing with at least 10 calendar days' notice and afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance. In response to public comment, the council may modify the ordinance before it is adopted.
F. 
Effective Date. Except in an emergency, an adopted ordinance will become effective 10 working days after the date it is enacted.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 5.2; Ord. 21-2024 § 20)
A resolution may be put to its final passage on the same day on which it was introduced. The title of each resolution shall be read prior to its passage.
(Ord. 21-2007 § 5.3)