Rural lands review

The county is evaluating the effectiveness of its land use policies in preserving rural lands and economic opportunities in these areas. This project is the next step in rural land use planning, building on previous efforts of the Rural Lands Task Force and Agriculture Preservation Advisory Committee.

Project summary

The rural lands project began in September 2011 and is anticpated to be completed in September 2012. The project consists of three phases.

• Phase 1 - Identify rural land issues in Clark County
  
  • Analyze market and economic research for agriculture and forest products and Current Use Taxation Program - The market analysis will identify major forces shaping rural land use in Clark County. The analysis will also evaluate the effectiveness of the county’s Current Use Taxation Program.
    
  • Evaluate rural land use policies - Land use policies included in the Agriculture Preservation Strategies Report (PDF) and the Rural Lands Task Force Recommendations - March 2010 (PDF) will be evaluated. This review will also help identify prospects for new initiatives.
    
  • Review transfer of development rights (TDR) programs - TDR programs will be reviewed to identify necessary features for a successful program in Clark County.
• Phase 2 - Examine policy options that support preservation of rural lands and economic opportunities
  
  Policies that might be considered include:
  
  • Parcel size alternatives
    
  • Land use classifications
    
  • Special land use classifications, or zoning districts including clusters
    
  • Transfer of development rights
    
  • Agricultural protection district
    
  • Rural reserves
    
  • Taxation
    
• Phase 3 – Draft policy recommendations for further consideration by the Clark County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners
  

Public meetings

Public meetings are tentatively scheduled for the following dates:

• December 7, 2011: Board of County Commissioners meeting
  
• Early May 2012: Open house on policy options and evaluation criteria
  
• Late May 2012: Joint Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners meeting
  
• Mid-August 2012: Open house on selection and implementation of policy options
  
• Early September 2012: Joint Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners meeting
  

Project contact

Gordy Euler, Clark County Community Planning
(360) 397-2280 ext. 4968
gordon.euler@clark.wa.gov