AC44 Phase 2: Land Use

Recommendations for land use help decide how and where the county will develop over time and are intended to reflect the needs of both current and future community members.

This includes accommodating demand for housing, businesses, and recreation. Future land use recommendations provide guidance for where new development and redevelopment should occur and what types of housing and mixed-uses to expect. Related guidance for community facilities and services supports new development and redevelopment along with existing neighborhoods.

It is important to note the difference between future land use recommendations and Zoning Ordinance regulations:

• Future land use recommendations are included in the Comprehensive Plan and Master Plans and apply to future uses of a property.
• Zoning regulations and districts are requirements for how a property can be used today and are included in the County’s local ordinances.

As we update the Comp Plan, we can consider where changes may be needed to incorporate equity and climate action. Areas to consider include equitable distribution of services, land use and development guidelines, and coordinated land use and transportation planning.

Building Upon the Work: The Growth Management Policy

The County’s current Growth Management Policy is strongly tied to land use and community facilities recommendations in the 2015 Comprehensive Plan. The Growth Management Policy designates the Development Areas (which are currently ~5% of the county, or 37 square miles) and the Rural Area (which is currently ~95% of the county, or 689 square miles).

The Development Areas are intended to accommodate the majority of residential (housing) and non-residential (office, retail, commercial, industrial) growth. To accommodate this growth, the Development Areas are expected to include higher density and mixed-use areas supported by multimodal transportation networks, public parks and trails, and other infrastructure.

The Rural Area is intended to provide land for agriculture, forestry, and natural resource conservation. With the Growth Management Policy, the County has prioritized the preservation of agricultural, forestal, historic, cultural, scenic, and natural resources in the Rural Area. These resources are important for water and air quality, biodiversity, agricultural and silvicultural economic development, and climate resilience.