Development Regulations
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What are Development Regulations?
Development regulations are controls placed on the development and use of land. They include zoning regulations, official controls, "planned unit development ordinances," subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances. They also include critical areas ordinances.
Comprehensive plans guide development regulations.
Why Are Development Regulations Important?
Between 2004 and 2007, every county and city in the state is required to update their development regulations. By December 1, 2004, Clallam, Clark, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties must update these regulations.
Development regulations are important because they guide where people are allowed to build and what they can build in any given location. By identifying and restricting new development in habitat, agricultural zones, wetlands, and many other sensitive areas, development regulations help protect the environment and rein in sprawl.
Citizen input is essential to the creation of plans that are protective of wetlands, wildlife habitat, farmland and other natural resources. This is our opportunity to strengthen protections and close loopholes left open by the original plans. If protections are weakened, it will be at least another seven years until we have another opportunity to make significant changes.
How Can I Get Involved?
Citizen participation in updating comprehensive plans and development regulations are essential to ensuring strong protections for fish and wildlife habitat, open space and your quality of life. By participating in your community's update process, you will:
- Assist in evaluating the comprehensive plan and how well it is being implemented.
- Help to fix any problems with the plan and development regulations.
- Help improve the comprehensive plan, the community and the environment.
- Ensure that your concerns are raised and considered by your community.
- Help your community improve its plans. Most cities and counties want to hear from you on how well the comprehensive plans and development regulations are working and how to make them better.
Great Resource: Citizen's Guide to Periodic Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Updates.