Preparing Clark County's 20 year growth plan
The comprehensive plan is a long range guide for the future of our county. Because of our population and growth rate, under the state GMA law Clark County is required to adopt a 20 year comprehensive growth plan and update it every 10 years. The first 20 year plan was adopted in December of 1994.
Periodic review of the 20 year plan determines if the plan and its regulations meet needs and address problems and arrives at the desired outcomes. The data and analysis on which the plan is based is updated. If necessary the plan is brought into compliance with current GMA requirements. The 10 year update (2004-2024) was adopted in September of 2004.
Under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, Community Development's Long Range planning division is the responsible agency for creating the plan. The board provides specific data & policy assumptions for the planners to use.
The 20 year comprehensive growth plan consists of zoning maps and descriptive text covering objectives, principles, and standards used to develop the plan. Clark County growth plans include 13 required elements.
The plan must include a Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) that demonstrates how the planned growth will be paid for. It must also include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that outlines plans to mitigate negative impacts to the natural and built environment.
The comp plan map includes an Urban Growth Boundary area (UGB). Those areas are designated by the county to accommodate the 20 year population forecast and its employment needs.
Cities prepare their own comprehensive plans using the same procedure. The county can accept or revise those plans. That's because the plan must be internally consistent, including the future land use map.
Public participation is required. You can submit testimony at any time.
The Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board reviews appeals of noncompliance with the GMA.
|
