HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM VIII-B-2
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICIES
FOR
PIERCE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
PIERCE COUNTY REGIONAL COUNCIL
Councilmember · ~-: .' '"" .~'~, City of Buckley
Mayor Richie Mor a1) _Jowrl"of Carbonado
Mayo · ~;' ç~ty of Dupont
'~';, Town of Eatonville
-_ Ci ';~ O{,Edgewood
'" ,," 4~ Ci _": p( Fife
Ex officio Members:
: :, Office of Urban Mobility
Neel Parikh, Pierce COUll Library District
K~îl Sta.nley Pierce Transit
· '), Port of Tacoma
:', Puget Sound Regional Council
CoutlGllitlenlbel Sue Siiìgel, Cit)' of Anbwll
~Iàyui D~bla JOlgei15etì, City ofP(1c.ific
I. TNTRODTJCTTON
A. RBCkerounò BnÒ StBtl1tOry FrBmework
In response to legislative findings that uncoordinated and unplanned growth together with a lack of
COllll1lon goals toward land conservation pose a threat to the environment, to the public health,
safety and welfare, and to sustainable economic development, the State legislature enacted the
Growth Management Act. 1 The Act identifies 13 planning goals which are intended to be used
exclusively to guide the development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development
regulations of municipalities and counties required to plan? The categories in which goals have
been propounded are: urban growth, sprawl reduction, transportation, housing, economic
development, property rights, permits, natural resource industries, open space and recreation,
environment, citizen participation and coordination, public facilities and services, and historic
preservation. The principal focus of the Growth Management Act is on the comprehensive plan,
which the County and each municipality must adopt by July 1, 1993. Land development
regulations must be adopted within one (1) year thereafter. The Act specifies mandatorl and
option~14 plan elements as follows:
Manciatory FJements
Optional Rlement~
conservation
solar energy
recreation
any other relating to the physical
development of the jurisdiction
land use
housing
capital facilities
utilities
rural (County only)
transportation
In addition,. subarea plans are pennitted.5
2
RCW Chapter 36.70A (1990).
RCW 36.70A.020(1) - (13).
RCW 36.70A.070.
3
4
5
RCW 36.70A.080(1).
RCW 36.70A.080(2).
Dc.CGfilb". 17, 1996 III
One of the most important planning tenets expressed in the Growth Management Act is the
consistency requireme11t, which takes many forms as follows:
· consistency of municipal/ColU1ty plans with the planning goals identified in RCW
36.70A.020
· internal consistency between plan elements
· consistency of all other plan elements with the future land use map
· consistency of any subarea plans with the comprehensive plan
· consistency of the transportation element with the land use element
· consistenc~,of Y.th~w¡f._ansportation element with the six-year plans required by RCW
JG.77.010 ~. for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795
for public transportation systems
· consistency between the County Comprehensive Plan and the comprehensive plans
of all municipalities within the County
· consistency of comprehensive plans of each municipality and county with
comprehensive plans of neighboring municipalities and counties with COllll1lon
borders or faced with related regional issues
· consistency of development regulations with the comprehensive plan
· consistency of capital budget decisions with the comprehensive plan
· consistency of state agency actions in relation to the location, financing and
expansion of transportation systems and other public facilities with county and
municipal comprehensive planning
Despite the fact that the word "consistency" is used repeatedly in the Growth Management Act, it is
not defined. The Standard Planning Enabling Act promulgated in ~ 928 by the United States
Departm~nt of COllll1lerce established the concept that zoning regulations should be "in accordance
with a comprehensive plan." In the 64 years since the model act was developed this concept has
evolved from being merely advisory or guiding to one that mandates that the goals, objectives,
policies and strategies of each document must be in agreement with and harmonious with the
provisions of all other required documents. The consistency doctrine has been continually
strengthened by both state statutes and by court decision in both consistency statute states and those
states adopting the concept by increasingly vigorous interpretation of the "in accordance with"
statutory language.
DC~Çthb'j 17, 1996"
2
(f) Policies for joint county and city planning within
urban growth areas;
(g) Policies for county-wide economic development and
employment; and
(h) An analysis of the fiscal impact.
B. Fr~mew()rk Aereement for the Ac1option of the COl1nty- Wide.Pl::Jnnine Policies
Pursuant to the Growth Management Act, Pierce County and the municipalities have entered into
an Interlocal Agreement for the development and adoption of the County-Wide Planning Policies.I4
The Agreement provides for the establishment of a Steering Committee (SC) consisting of one
elected official from Pierce County and one elected official from every municipality in the County.
The principal responsibility of drafting the County- Wide Planning Policies was given to the
Steering COllll1littee.15 The Steering Committee received technical/staff support from the Growth
Management Coordinating COllll1littee (GMCC), which additionally established the Urban Growth
Area Subcollll1littee.16 The Steering COllll1littee was authorized to retain Consultants and pursuant
to such authority hired the national and regional consulting firms of Freilich, Leitner, Carlisle &
Shortlidge and Northwest Strategies. I?
Ratification of the County-Wide Planning Policies requires the affinnative vote of 60% of the
affected governments in Pierce County (12 of 19) representing a minimum of 75% of the total
Pierce County population iffL n'\te~J>~):l;;~ v§t!lte, OJÌÌQ~*of Financial Management on JWJ.e 28,
1991 (452,850 of 60J,800r~(>':"";,!~;}' f ;)' , ..' ::', , .' ': ·
c. Methociolo£y for the Development of rOllnty- Wic1e Pl::innine Policies
The County-Wide Planning Policies are intended to provide the guiding goals, objectives, policies
and strategies for the subsequent adoption of comprehensive plans, but, are not to be a substitute for
such plans. The level of detail in the County-Wide Planning Policies must be sufficient to provide
specific guidance, yet not so detailed as to constrain appropriate local choice in future
14 Interlocal Agreement: Framework Agreement for the Adoption of the County- Wide
Planning Policy (pierce County Council Resolution No. R91-172, September 24, 1991)(See
Attachment liB").
15
lnterlocal Agreement, 2.
16
Interlocal Agreement, 4.
17
Interlocal Agreement, 5.
Oc.c"ntb",L 17, 1996.
:)
II. RT IT ,F,S OF TNTP,RPRRT A TTON
1. Words and terms used in the County-Wide Planning Policies shall be defined as set
forth in the Policies and in the Growth Management Act to the extent defined
therein. ,To the extent not defined therein, words and terms shall be given their plain
and ordinary meanings, except as otherwise provided herein.
2. The term "shall" is intended to be mandatory; the tenns "may" and "should" are
directory only. While the tenn "shall" is mandatory, it should be understood and
implied that the policy statement in which it is used is applicable to a municipality
and/or the County only when, through objective detennination, the circumstances on
which the Policy is premised are relevant.
3. It is understood and implied that policies are applicable to municipalities and/or the
County only, if through objective determination, the circumstances upon which the
Policy is premised are "reasonable" and "appropriate" to such municipality and/or
the County.
DGGCnlbcJ 17,1996.
9
2.3 identification of other vacant lands suitable for residential development and
pennitting sufficient land through zoning to meet one or more or all of the
following types and densities, of housing:
2.3.1 multi-family housing
2.3.2 mixed use development
2.3.3 cluster development
2.3.4 planned unit development
2.3.5 non-traditional housing
2.4 In detennining the suitability of the location and identification of sites for
affordable housing, the jurisdictions shall consider the availability and
proximity of transit facilities, governmental facilities and services and other
cOllll1lercial services necessary to complement the housing.
3. The County, and each municipality in the County shall assess their success in
meeting the housing demands and shall monitor the achievement of the housing
policies not l~ss than once every five years.
4. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall maximize available local,
state and federal funding opportunities and private resources in the development of
affordable housing.
5. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall explore and identify
opportunities for non-profit developers to build affordable housing.
6. The County, and each municipality in the County, should explore and identify
opportunities to reutilize and redevelop existing parcels where rehabilitation of the
buildings is not cost-effective, provided the same is consistent with the County-
Wide policy on historic., archaeological and cultural preservation~
7. New fully-contained cOllll1lunities shall comply with the requirements set forth in
the Growth Management Act and shall contain a mix in the range of dwelling units
to provide their "fair share" of the County-Wide housing need for all segments of
the population that are projected for the County over the planning period.
11
2. The purposes of agricultural preservation are:
2.1 ensuring that agricultural lands are treated sensitively to their location and
the presence of urban growth pressures;
2.2 preventing urban sprawl;
2.3 maintaining open space and/or providing a visual green belt;
2.4 retaining natural systems and natural processes;
2.5 preserving the local economic base;
2.6 preserving a rural lifestyle;
2.7 maintaining specialty crops;
2.8 maintaining regional, state and national agricultural reserves.
3. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall achieve agricultural.
preservation through:
3.1 maintairung large minimum lot sizes in agricultural areas;
3.2 buffering agricultural areas from urban development;
3.3 creating agricultural zoning districts;
3.4 purchase of development rights;
3.5 transfer of development rights within the jurisdiction, including the
designation of receiving zones for agricultural development rights and
between jurisdictions, including the designation of receiving zones by local
agreement;
3.6 lease of development rights for a tenn of years;
3.7 "anti-nuisance" laws to protect agricultural activities from being defmed as a
public nuisance;
3.8 preferential tax treatment ("use value assessment");
DcoonbGi 17, 1996.
15
8.2
8.3
consulting with and involving owners of agricultural lands.
9. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall identify agricultural lands
that are not already characterized by urban growth and that have long-tenn
significance for the cOllll1lercial production of food or other agricultural products
[RCW 36.70A.170(I)(a)] by developing standards and undertaking a land use
survey.
10. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall ensure that prime
agricultural lands presently in the unincorporated County or within a municipality
are preserved and protected by the enactment of appropriate land use controls; or by
including the land in the urban growth area boundary of a municipality only if the
~unicipality has delineated standards and criteria relating to preserving the
agricultural lands.
11. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall coordinate agricultural land
preservation policies with other County-Wide Planning Policies through:
11.1 correlating agricultural land preservation policies with urban growth area
policies and with public facility and service provision policies -- to avoid the
extension of urban services to areas intended for continued agricultural use;
11.2 ensuring that public facility and service. extension, even if not directly
serving the agricultural lands, do not stimulate the conversion of agricultural
land or make its preservation and protection more difficult.
11.3 j oint jurisdictional planning of agric~lturalland.
D"Gduba 17, 1996"
17
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY ON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
.
R9Ck~rOIJnd - ReqlJirement~ of Cirowth M9nar:ßment A~t
The Washington Growth Management Act identifies asa planning goal to guide the
development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations, that
counties and cities encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent
with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of the
state, especially for unemployed and disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas
experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural
resources, public services, and public facilities [RCW 36.70A.020(5)]. Additionally, the
Growth Management Act expressly requires that the County adopt a planning policy on
county-wide economic development and employment [RCW 36.70A.210(3)(g)].
· rOIJnty- Wide P19nnin~ Poli~.y
1. The County, and each municipality in the County, will assure consistency between
economic development policies and adopted comprehensive plans by:
1.1 creating in the land use element of each comprehensive plan a designation of
areas for "COllll1lerce" and "industry" [RCW 36.70A.070(1)];
1.2 providing within the areas designated for urban development, sufficient land
to accollll1lodate projected development ,within a market-based system;
1.3 designating and zoning large tracts of appropriate land -- equitably
distributed throughout the various jurisdictions based on the related
population, employment base and land areas of the jurisdiction -- for
planned cOllll1lercial and industrial centers;
1.3.1. "Equitably," means with consideration for the population and its
characteristics, including the skills of the current population; the
current employment base and its characteristics (i.e., type of
businesses and industries, permanency of the existing employment
base, past trends and current projections); the amount of land in the
jurisdiction; the amount of· vacant land in the jurisdiction
appropriately zoned for economic development; the current
unemployment rate; current commuting patterns; and others, as
appropriate.
DG~ndx,1 17,1996.
lR
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
J.G
3.7
3.8
3.9
size of ploject
('05t of plojeGt
10Gatiol1 of plojeGt
type of pI oj ect
poteirtial il11paGts of ploject
t~lûilìg i\.hd pllastilg of plojeet
geogIaph.ie clLeas of covelage
peil11anel1ce of decislol1
titevoGabiliry of plojectldeGlsioil
41. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall use the results of the fiscal
impact analysis as one of the factors in determining acceptance, modification, or
rejection of the proposaL
5. Tile fiscallnlpact ðJlétlysls sllalllllclude considetatiol1 oftlle followlllg factors.
5.1 taxes (plopelty, 5ale5, excise, Otllet),
5.2 à5SeSSl11elrts,
5.3 fees, includlilg Ü.:npac.,t fees,
5.4 tile Short-teîlìl or IOtìg-te1111 fisc.al effeGt5, hi(Judlllg c.ost avoidatlGe, if any,
011 tile jmisdictloll 111alåilg tile detelmÍnatiOtl and 011 otlie! affec.ted public
elltities.
G. Th.e cost a.üd ievel1ue portÏoIls of tile fiscal 1111pact analysis s11all COvOl tile tinle
pel10d wltIUll wiùch fiscal 1111pac.ts ale likely to be (111 ltllportallt fac.tor.
7. TIle fiscal ilnpac,t ð1ìMysis sllall take plAce at tIle point IH. tile ptoject, developlìletlt
approval, 01 decisl011-iilðk:il1g process at wlllcli tile jwisdictiOll requItes ttlat tile
lìlajoI piojeGt details be provided.
DC.""'!HbCJ 17, 1996 .
25
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY ON
NATURAL RESOURCES, OPEN SPACE AND PROTECTION
OF ENVIRONMENT ALLY-SENSITIVE LANDS
.
R9Ck~r01Jnd - ReqlJirements of c;,rowth M9n9~ement Act
The Washington Growth Management Act identifies the following ,as planning goals: (1)
maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber,
agricultural and fisheries industries; (2) encourage the conservation of productive forest
lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses [RCW
36.70A.020(8)]; (3) encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational
opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands
and water, and develop parks [RCW 36.70A.020(9)]; and (4) protect the environment and
enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of
water [RCW 36.70A.020(10)]. Although these goals are stated individually, the degree of
interconnectedness between them leads to the development of a single, comprehensive
planning policy. Although the Growth Management Act does not expressly require a
county-wide planning policy on natural resources, open' space and protection of
environmentally sensitive lands, the addition of such a policy was specifically identified in
the Pierce County Interlocal Agreement: Framework Agreement for the Adoption of the
County-Wide Planning Policy (pierce County Council Resolution No. R-91-172, September
24, 1991).
. C;OlJn(y- Wide Pl9nnin~ Poli~.y
1. The following governmental entities shall act in coordination to identify, designate
and conserve resources, and protect open space and environmentally sensitive lands:
1.1 The State [RCW 36.70A.050(I)];
1.2 . The County;
1.3 Municipalities;
1.4 Special Purpose Districts and entities;
1.5 The Puget Sound Regional Council and Regional Authorities (Puget Sound
Air Pollution Control Agency, Regional Transportation Planning
Organization et aT);
1.6 The Federal government;
1.7 Tribal governments;
Dcc('JutA... 17, 1996.
29
13.1 recreational areas, including parks (golf courses, picnic areas, bicycle,
equestrian and walking trails) and general recreation;
13.2 uses as considered on a case-by-case basis;
13.3 uses derived from connnunity definition (i.e., greenbelts)
14. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall encourage new housing to
locate in a compatible fashion with open space designations or outside of designated
open spaces.
15. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall regulate open space through:
15.1 zoning and subdivision ordinances, including but not limited to cluster and
minimum lot size zoning, overlay zones and adequate off-site public facility
regulations;
15.2 development impact fees for park and open space acquisition;
15.3 dedication of land or money in-lieu of land;
15 w4 designation of open space corridors;
ISw5 soil conservation measures;
15.6 wetlands, shorelines, floodplain or other environmentally sensitive lands
ordinances;
15.7 development agreements.
16. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall inventory existing and
newly designated open space by:
16.1 local planning inventory;
16.2 regional inventory.
17. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall authorize the following
methods of retention of open space land or corridors:
17.1 public acquisition of property in fee simple or through development
easement acquisition;
DC"",AUbci 17, 1996.
14
._._111__'1_1_1.
.;~I._IIIU_
~CClnbG[ 17,199611II
17
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY ON
SITING OF PUBLIC CAPITAL FACILITIES
OF A COUNTY-WIDE OR STATE-WIDE NATURE
.
R9cl(e,-rollnil - Reqllirement~ of G-rowth M9nß~ement A~t
The Growth Management Act requires that the comprehensive plan of the County and of
each municipality in the County include a process for identifying 'and siting essential public
facilities [RCW 36.70A.200(I)]. "Essential" publi~ facilities include, but are not limited to,
those facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities,
state or regional transportation facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste
handling facilities, and in-patient facilities, including substance abuse facilities, mental
health facilities and group homes [RCW 36.70A.200(I)]. The State Office of Financial
Management is required to maintain a list of essential state public facilities that are required
or likely to be built within the next six (6) years. Facilities may be added to the list at any
time. The Growth Management Act further mandates that no local comprehensive plan or
development regulation may preclude the siting of essential public facilities [RCW
36.70A.200(2)].
.
COllnty- Wide Pl9nnin~ Poli~.y
1. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall adopt a policy and
incorporate same in its comprehensive plan, on the siting of essential public capital
facilities of a County-Wide or state-wide nature.
1.1 In addition to essential public facilities, other capital facilities included must
be for a public use, must have a useful life of 1 0 years or more and must
llav~ a value of at least $25,000 and be either:
1.1.1 a County-Wide facility which has the potential fôr serving
the entire County or more than one jurisdiction in the
County; or
1.1.2 a 'state-wide facility which serves or has the potential for
serving the entire state, or which serves less than the entire
state, but more than one county.
2. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall identify lands useful for
public purposes and incorporate such designati~ns in their respective comprehensive
plans.
3. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall incorporate a policy and
process in their respective comprehensive plans to identify and site essential public
D"ccnmCl 17, 1996.
19
induced by the siting of the facility
4.3 Impacts of the facility siting on urban growth area designations and policies
4.3'.1 urban nature of facility
4.3.2 existing urban growth near facility site
4.3.3 compatibility of urban growth with the facility
4.3.4 compatibility of facility siting with respect to urban growth
area boundaries
5. The County and municipal policies shall ensure that the facility siting is consistent
with the adopted County and municipal comprehensive plans, including;
5.1 the future land use map and other required and optional plan elements not
otherwise listed below
5.2 the identification of lands for public purposes in the land use element
5.3 the capital facilities plan element and budget
5.4 the utilities element
5.5 the rural element
5.6 the transportation element
5.7 the housing element
5.8 the comprehensive plans of adjacent jurisdictions that may be affected by the
facility siting
5.9 regional general welfare considerations
6. The County and municipal policies may include standards and criteria related to:
6.1 the time required for construction;
6.2 property acquisition;
6.3 control of on- and off-site impacts during construction;
6.4 expediting and streamlining necessary government approvals and permits if
all other elements of the County or municipal policies have been met;
DccGÜìOO 17, 1996.
41
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY ON
TRANSPORT A TION FACILITIES AND STRATEGIES
.
Rgek~rol)nd - Reql)irernent~ of (;rowth Mßn9~ement Act
The Washington Growth Management Act identifies transportation facilities planning and,
specifically, encouraging efficient multi-modal' transportation systems based on regional
priorities and coordinated with local comprehensive plans, as a planning goal to guide the
development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations [RCW
36.70A.020(3)]. In addition, it identifies a transportation element as a mandatory element
of a county or city comprehensive plan [RCW 36.70A.070(6)]. The transportation element
must include: (a) land use assumptions used in estimating travel; (b) facilities and services
needs; (c) finance; (d) intergovernmental coordination efforts, including an assessment of
the impacts of the transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation
systems of adjacent ,~:<~jurisdictions; and (e) demand management strategies [RCW
36.70A.070(6)(a)-te) JI]. The Growth Management Act expressly requires a County-Wide
Planning Policy on transportation facilities and strategies [RCW 36.70A.2IO(3)(d)].
.
rOllnty-Wide Pl9nnin~ Poli~y
1. For the purpose of this Policy, the following transportation services shall be deemed
County-Wide in nature:
1.1 state and federal highways;
1.2 major arterials;
1.3 public transit facilities and services;
1.4 waterborne transportation (femes, shipping);
1.5 airports (passenger or freight);
1.6 rail facilities (passenger or freight).
DCCClllb". 17, 1996.
4~
marginal impacts, but, existing level may not mirror what "is acceptable to
the public);
4.4 set at different levels of service in different zones;
4.5 set at different levels of service based on facility classifications;
4.6 set for multi-modal facilities~
5. The ,County, and each municipality in the County, shall determine the adequacy of
transportation facilities taking into account existing development, approved but
unbuilt development and proposed development through utilization of:
5.1 capacity-to-demand (LOS);
5.2 availability of capacity. including phased capacity;
5.3 coordination of appropriate standards of design across jurisdictional lines.
6. The COWlty, and each municipality in the County, shall address substandard 'LOS
for existing facilities or "existing deficiencies" by:
6.1 designating funding mechanisms within each jurisdiction;
6.2 prioritizing facilities needed to correct existing deficiencies ill capital
improvements/transportation improvements programs;
6.3 using transportation demand management (i.e., demand-side regulations) to
minimize demand created by existing users of transportation facilities;
6.4 using transportation systems management (i.e., supply-side adjustments to
transportation system) to redirect traffic to uncongested areas and to modify
travel behavior.
7. The following jurisdictions will be responsible for the correction of existing
transportation deficiencies in the Urban Growth Areas:
7.1 the County, in unincorporated areas;
Dtccmbu 17, 1996.
45
10.3.3
integrated multi-modal and non-motorized networks.
10.4 using land use regulations to increase the modal split between automobiles
and other fonns of travel:
10.4.1
10.4.2
10.4.3
10.4.4
10.4.5
high densities in transit and transportation corridors;
dedications/impact fees to provide public transit facilities;
require pedestrian-oriented design;
encourage or require mixed use 'development;
facilitate ease of access for physically challenged indiyiduals.
10.5 approving transportation facilities in conjunction with land use approvals.
11. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall address environmental
impacts of the transportation policies through:
11.1 programming capital improvements and transportation facilities designed to
alleviate and mitigate impacts on land use, air quality and energy
consumption such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes, public transit,
vanpool/carpool facilities, or bicycle/pedestrian facilities designed for home-
to-work travel;
11.2 locating and constructing transportation improvements so as to discourage
adverse impacts on water quality and other environmental features.
12. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall address energy
consumption/conservation by:
12.1 designing transportation improvements to encourage alternatives to
automobile travel;
12.2 locating and designing new development so as to encourage pedestrian or
non-automobile travel;
12.3 providing regulatory and fmancial incentives to encourage the public and
private sector to conserve energy;
12.4 reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled and number of vehicle trips.
13. The County, and each municipality in the County, shall provide the following
facilities to encourage alternatives to automobile travel and/or to reduce the number
of vehicle miles travelled (modal split, trip generation and trip length):
DCc\"UJbGL 17, 1996.
47
16. Access needs and control for County and/or municipal funded transportation
facilities will be coordinated through:
16.1 designating limited access facilities in the regional plan;
16.2 determining access regulations through mutual agreement by the affected
jurisdictions and/or by an agency designated by the affected jurisdictions;
16.3 developing access regulations by the agency having primary jurisdiction or
funding responsibility.
DcC\.ü.bcI 17, 1996 .
49
urban services to such development [RCW 36.70A.210(3)(b)], and the coordination of joint
county and municipal 'planning within urban growth areas [RCW 36.70A.210(3)(f)].
.
Principles of TTnderst9ndin~ Retween Pierce County and the Mllnicipalities in Pierce
rOtlnty
While following the goals and regulations of the Growth Management Act, Pierce COWlty
and the municipalities in Pierce County will strive to protect the individual identities and
spirit of each of our cities and of the rural areas and unincorporated communities.
Further agreements will be necessary to carry out the framework of joint planning adopted
herein. These agreements will be between the County and each city and between the
various cities.
The services provided within our communities by special purpose districts are of vital
importance to our citizens. Consistent with the adopted regional strategy, these districts will
be part of future individual and group negotiations under the framework adopted by the
County and municipal governments.
While the Growth Management Act defmes sewer service as an urban service, Pierce
County currently is a major provider of both sewer transmission and treatment services.
The County and municipalities recognize that it is appropriate for the County and
municipalities to continue to provide sewer transmission and treatment services.
The County recognizes that 00 -":-"'~-~, urban growth areas are often
potential annexation areas for cities. These are also areas where incorporation of new cities
can occur. The County will work with existing municipalities and emerging communities
to make such transitions efficiently.
At the same time, annexations and incorporations have direct and significant impacts on the
revenue of county government, and therefore, may affect the ability of the County to fulfill
its role as 'a provider of certain regional services. The municipalities will work closely with
the County to develop appropriate revenue sharing and contractual services arrangements
that facilitate the goals of GMA.
The County-Wide Planning Poliçies are intended to be the consistent "theme" of growth
management planning among the County and municipalities. The policies also spell out
processes and mechanisms designed to foster open communication and feedback among the
jurisdictions. The County and the cities and towns will adhere to the processes and
mechanisms provided in the policies.
DCCGmbcJ 17, 199611
51
3.2.6 schools
3.3 "Public services" include:
3.3.1 fire protection and suppression
3.3.2 law enforcement
3.3.3 public health
3.3.4 education
3.3.5 recreation
3.3.6 environmental protection
3.3.7 other governmental services, including power, transit and
libraries
3.4
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.' .-....
3.4.1 Relationship of Sewer Interceptors to Comprehensive Plans.
The timing, phasing and location of sewer interceptor
expansions shall be included in the capital facilities element
of the applicable municipal or County comprehensive plans
and shall be consistent with County- WÌde Planning Policies,
the Urban Growth Area boundaries and the local
comprehensive land use plan. The phased expansions shall
be coordinated among the County and w1Þe .l11lJl1Ícipalities
therein and shall give priority to existing _ urbanized
uninGOl potated areas within the Urban Growth Area and-to
3.4.2
.. Sewer Interceptor
ExtensionsÆxpansions
a. sewer interceptors shall only extend _
outside of Urban Growth Areas where:
(i) sewer service will remedy ground water
contamination and other health problems by
replacing septic systems MId CV11ÛìlulÚty 01:1-
site sewage 5'5001115, or
(ii) a formal binding agreement to service an
approved planned development was made
prior to the establishment of the Urban
Growth Area'
I)c.CCJllbCI 17, 1996.
61
3.6.4 "Characterized by urban growth" refers to:
a. land having urban growth on it;
b. land located in relationship to an area with urban
growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth.
3.6.5 Urban government services shall be provided primarily by
cities and urban government services shall not be provided in
rural areas.
3.7 Public facilities and services will be considered available "at the time of
development" as follows:
3.7.1 as to all public facilities and services other than
transportation, if the facility or service is in .place at the time
demand is created, or if the County or municipality has made
appropriate provision to meet the demand for the public
facility or service through one or more of the following
techniques:
a. inclusion of the public facility or service in the
applicable County or municipal capital facilities plan
element and specification of the full source of the
funding for such project;
b. impact fees;
c. required land dedication;
d. assessment districts;
e. users fees and charges;
f. utility fees;
g. other.
3.7.2 as to transportation facilities, if needed transportation
improvements are within the then existing 6-year capital
facilities plan element and program, but only if a specific
fmancial cOllll1litment to the transportation improvement
project has been made.
3.7.3 public facilities and services will not be considered available
at the time of development unless they are provided
consistently with the applicable level of service standards
adopted in thè capital facilities element of the
Comprehensive Plan.
D",,,,,",uib"J 17, 1996.
67
DCCChtbCJ 17, 1996"
70
4.3-ti When joint planning is required, the joint planning effort shall determine
and resolve issues including, but not limited to, the following:
~~t
4.9-1.1
4.:y1.2
4.3-1.3
4.:31.4
4.3-1.5
how zoning, subdivision and other land use approvals in
designated urban growth areas of municipalities will be
coordinated;
how appropriate service level standards for detennining
adequacy and availability of public facilities and services will
be coordinated;
how the rate, timing, and sequencing of boundary changes
will be coordinated;
how the provision of capital improvements to an area will be
coordinated;
to what extent a jurisdiction(s) may exercise extra
jurisdictional responsibility.
4.41 Joint planning may be based upon factors including, but not limited to, the
following:
4.41.1
4.41.2
4413
contemplated changes in municipal and special purpose
district boundaries;
the likelihood that dev~lopment, capital improvements, or
regulations will have significant impacts across a
jurisdictional boundary;
the consideration of how public facilities and services are
and should be provided and by whichjurisdiction(s).
5. Urban Development Standards.
5.1 The provisions of this section shall apply to all municipalities and urban
growth areas located in the County.
5.2 The following" development standards shall be the minimum required for
urban developments and shall apply to all new development in urban growth
areas, except as provided in Section 5.6 below.
5.2.1 Streets, Roads and Arterials. All public streets, roads, and
arterials shall be constructed to the minimum requirements
outlined· in the City and County Design Standards adopted
pursuant to RCW 35.78.030 and RCW 43.32.020. Curbs,
gutters, and sidewalks will be required on both sides. Private
streets and roads may be approved, but shall be required to
Dccc.nmCi 17, 1996 ":
71
centers while preserving the neighborhood character.
11. At a minimum, Satellite Cities and Towns will be served by State Routes which
COlll1ect them to other centers and to the regional high capacity transit system. In
some instances, Satellite Cities and Towns may have direct connections to the local
public transportation system.
OVRRATJTJ POTJTCTRS FOR TJR-ßAN__1111II1I..CRNTRRS
Vision
12.
.._~~~~~~ designated _,_
12.1 consistency with specific criteria for Centers adopted in the County-Wide
Planning Policies;
12.2 the Center's location in the County and its potential for fostering a logical
and desirable county-wide system of Centers;
12.3 the total number of centers in the county that can be reasonably developed
based on twenty years projected gro\Vth over the next twen"o/ years;
12.4 environmental analysis which shall include demonstration that urban
services including an adequate supply of drinking water are available to
serve projected growth within the Center and that the jurisdiction is capable
of ensuring concurrent urban services to new development;
12.5 if -- designates a
center, they must also adopt the center's designation and provisions in their
comprehensive plans and development regulations to ensure that growth
targeted to Cent~rs is achieved and urban services will be provided;
12.6 Centers shall be characterized by all of the following:
12.6.1
12.6.2
clearly defined geographic boundaries;
intensity/density of land uses sufficient to support high
capacity transit;
pedestrian-oriented land uses and amenities;
urban design standards which reflect the local cOllll1lunity;
provisions to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use especially
during peak hours and commute times;
provisions for bicycle use;
12.6.3
12.6.4
12.6.5
12.6.6
DcC<.!ubCi 17, 1996"
75
activities, including business, shopping, living and recreation. These centers may
include the core of small to medium sized cities and may also be located in
unincorporated areas. Often Town Centers include a strong public presence because
they are the location of city hall, main street and other public spaces.
Design
32. Town Centers will be characterized by a compact urban fonn that includes a
moderately dense mix of locally-oriented retail, jobs and housing that promotes
walking, transit usage and community activity.
32.1 Town Centers will be developed at a higher density than surrounding urban
areas to take advantage of connecting transit centers.
32.2 small scale fonns of intensification such as accessory housing units and
development of vacant lots and parking lots help achieve the qualities of
centers while preserving neighborhood character.
33. Town Centers shall plan for a development pattern that will provide a successful
mix of uses and densities that will efficiently support transit. Each Town Center
shall meet the following criteria:
33.1 a minimum of 15 employees per gross acre of non-residential lands;
33.2 a minimum of7 households per gross acre;
33.3 a minimum of 2,000 employees; and
33.4 not to exceed a maximum of 1-1/2 square miles in size.
Transportation, Parking and Circulation
34. At a minimum, Town Centers will be served by public transit and/or ferries which
connect them to other centers and to the regional high capacity transit system. In
some instances, Town Centers may have direct connections to high capacity transit.
Vision
35. Manufactw"În , ¡ Centers shall be locally determined and designated based
on the following steps:
RO
to serve such centers;
42.3 provide buffers around the Center to reduce conflicts with adjacent land
uses;
42.4 facilitate land assembly; and
42.5 assist in recruiting appropriate businesses.
DtocmbaI7,1996.
R1
R4
COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICY ON AMENDMENTS
AND TRANSITION
.
Rack~rollnd - ReqlJirements of (;rowth Mana~ement Act
The Washington Growth Management Act contemplates that the County-Wide Planning
Policies will remain effective throughout the comprehensive plan preparation, adoption and
implementation processes to ensure that municipal and county comprehensive plans are
consistent, as required by the Act [RCW 36.70A.210(1)]. Bec'ause the factors, data and
analysis upon which the County-Wide Planning Policies have been fonnulated are subject
to change, it is important that a process be established to effectuate such changes, when
appropriate and needed.
The Washington Growth Management Act requires that each County which adopts a
comprehensive plan designate an urban growth area or areas within which urban growth
shall be encouraged and outside of which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature
[RCW 36.70A.II0(1)]. As discussed above, the factors, data and analysis upon which the
UGA designations are initially made are similarly subject to change.
TIle COllilty-v,.ride PléUlfWlg PoliG:V 011 Urban Growtll A1eas, rroH.ìotioü. of COlrtiguoU5 ðlld
Oldelly Develop.ülclít cuìdPiOvlslolì OfUibð11 Sel vIces toSUc.ll Developnle11t piovldes t11at
the Cowlt)1 à.11d eaGll lì1U!lÎc!pality ill tIle Comrt)1 shall deslg.uate "tiers" wi/hit, tileh
desigH.ated illban giOWtll Meas. TIle "tier" delilleatiollS wOuld be ge.nelally c.OI1Slstellt Witll a
pi iltlQt y WbaJl g).OMll area based 011 tile G-)'eàl GOlllplehellslve platl (..apital facility ele1rleut,
a Jecolldaty uibðJ.l g10wÛl ðlea, based Oil the 7-13 yealGOl1ìf}1ç;lle11s1ve pla.n Gapital facility
eleíllel1t, and a /el(icüy wbatl grOwtll Mea based Oil tile 14-20 yeã1 Gotnptellel1sive plrol
Gapltal facility elelnelrt. Tlìe "tiel" delll1eatiol15 are 110t neces5àiily statiG, tllelerore, the
Cowlt)1 and eaGlì iììilluc.lpa:lity iil tile Comlt)1 sllould ad9pt a pl0cess, as well as ~tà11dðlds
and critel!a by whl"lllaJ.ld "atl be shifted from one tieL to dtlot!lel.
.
C;Ollnty- Wide Plannin~ Poli~.y
1. COlll1ty- Wide Planning Policies adopted pursuant to the Growth Management Act
may be amended by Pierce County and. ratified by the municipalities in the County
using the same process by which the County-Wide Planning Policies are originally
adopted as set forth in the Interlocal Agreement: Framework Agreement for the
Adoption of the County-Wide Planning ~olicy (pierce County COlU1cil Resolution
No.R91-172, September 24, 1991).
1.1 Ratification of a piopo5ed à.11ìel1ælle!rt sllall ,0
requirel the affirmative response vote of 60% of the affected
governments in the County (12 of 19) representing a minimum of 75% of
DCCGmb("J 17, 1996.
Ró
the total· Pierce County population as designated by the State of V/ aslùl1gtq!!
. ï_iilliiïiiìl~ June 28, 1991 (452,850 of G03,800) I~
1.2 Demonstration of ratification shall be by execution of an interlocal
agreement or by adoption of an amendment to the initial Interlocal
Agreement.
1.3 An amendment to the County-Wide Planning Policies or to any individual
policy (all hereinafter referred to as proposed amendments) may be initiated
~Ü~~¡~~:ty~:rsu:~s:~~l~t:i ,jv···in,\~th~r~~ï¥~fM,¡:l~~y...;~~e~~
proposed amenq.ment shall include the following:
1.3.1 the exact language of the proposed amendment (shown in
"strike out" for deletions and "underlineation" for additions);
1.3.2 a brief explanation of the need for the proposed amendment,
including the factors, data' or analyses that have changed
since the original adoption of the County-Wide Planning
Policies and/or the experiences with the existing County-
Wide Planning Policies that have prompted the proposed
amendment.
1.4 A proposed amendment to the County-Wide Planning Policies shall, b~
initial!~ r~ferred. tq the Steel~l1g COlltiìÜttee or its sUCC,eSSOl entity ...
_ for analysis and recommendation.
2. Urban Growth Area boundaries designated by the County pursuant to the Growth
Management Act may be amended by Pierce County and accepted by the
municipalities in the County pursuant to the same process by which the Urban
Growth Areas were originally adopted and pursuant to subpolicies 1 and 2 of the
"County- Wide Planning Policy on Urban Growth Areas, Promotion of Contiguous
and Orderly Development and Provision of Urban Services to Such Development."
2.1 An amendment to Urban Growth Area boundaries may be initiated by the
County or any municipality in the County. 01 by the Steeling C01l11nlttee 01
its SuCGeS501. el1tlty .
2.2 A proposed amendment to Urban Growth Area boundaries shall include:
2.2.1 a map indicating the existing urban growth area boundary
and the proposed boundary modification;
2.2.2 a statement indicating how, and the extent to which, the
DcccnmCl 17, 1996.
R7
proposed boundary modification complies with each of the
factors listed in subpolicies 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 of the
County- Wide Planning Policy on Urban Growth Areas,
Promotion of Contiguous and Orderly Development and
Provision of Urban Services to Such Development.
2.2.3 a statement indicating the factors, data or analyses that have
changed since the designation of the initial Urban Growth
. Area boundaries and/or the experience with the existing
Urban Growth Area boundaries that have prompted the
proposed amendment.
2.:3-4 A proposed amendment to the Urban Growth Area boundaries shall be
refeITed to the
3: "Tie!" deslß11ations bJ tlle Comlt" alld eacll munic.ipalIty iti tile Comrty, pmsúa11t to
6,ubpollcy 2.3 of the CountJ-~vVlde PlatUUlig· PolIcy 011 U!bàJ.l 010wtli Ateas,
Pl0rnotioll of Contiguou5 àlld 01delly Developmelrt àJ.ld Piovlsiol1 of Urban
Set v lees to SOCll Developille11t fLiay be clÜ1etlded, atid land Ìil OIle tiel· ilia, be slúfted
to atlOtheI, Oitly upo.n adoptiol1 by. tile Comrty and/or àÍfeGted llìuiUc.lpality of a
plOGeSS, stalldmdsand Giltetla hI aGcoldanc.e vvltll tllese polic.ies.
4
and Ithe
responsibilities
,
the following additional
specified in the Interlocal
DGCGlllb"'l 17, 1996 ~
RR
Agreement: Framework Agreement for the Adoption of the COlUlty- Wide Planning
Policy,u (Pierce County Council Resolution No. R91-172, dated September 24,
1991.)1:
41L1
ztlii.2
41.3
411.4
41.5
11
41.6
41t7
41.8
~
41:.9
development of model, uniform implementation methodologies for the
COWlty, and all cities in the COW1ty, to be used at their discretion;
assistance in resolution of interjurisdictional disputes;
input to joint planning issues in Urban Growth Areas;
input with respect to County-wide facilities;
advice and consultation on phased development, short plats, vested rights
and related issues;
coordination of these responsibilities with the Puget Sound Regional
Council;
making a recommendation on the respective location of ffiW1icipal and the
County Urban Growth Area boundaries consistent with these policies;
making a recollll1lendation with regard to dissolution of the Boundary
Review Board;
monitoring development in the County, including population and
employment growth and its effect on the development capacity within urban
growth areas;
41.10 advice and consultation on population disaggregation.
D<'GGIUbc! 17, 1996.
R9
ERRATA SHEET
December 17, 2004
TO: '
Pierce County Regional Council Members
FROM:
Paula Manning, Clerk
Pierce County Regional Council
Planning and Land Services
RE:
Editor's Error, Countywide Planning Policies
Please note corrections below:
Page 55, 1.6
1.6
. " the legislative body of the County shall
the urban growth area designation by ordinance.
Page 62, 3.4.2, d.