|
|
|
INFORMATION
SHEETS - Index |
|
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING |
 One
of the key functions of the Planning
Division is to
administer growth management policies and
comprehensive planning goals for Cowlitz County. The County
Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on
November 1, 1976, is a statement of policies and goals that guides
growth and development throughout the County. The purpose of the Plan is
to manage the County's growth in an orderly, positive, and constructive
fashion. All other development ordinances, including land use (zoning),
subdivision, and environmental regulations must be in compliance with
and consistent with this Comprehensive Planning document.
The State of Washington adopted the
Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1990 and amended it in 1991. This act
sets up a system of state mandated comprehensive planning for the most
populated and fastest growing counties of the state. As a result,
Cowlitz County is not subject to most provisions of the GMA. However,
the GMA does mandate that all counties (including Cowlitz County)
develop and adopt an ordinance that classifies, designates, and protects
critical areas. Cowlitz County adopted such an ordinance on June 24,
1996. Other environmental regulations growing out of the GMA are also
being addressed by the County, especially in the areas of forestry and
fish and wildlife protection.
In addition, the City of Woodland is subject to
provisions of the GMA because a small portion of its city limits is in
Clark County, a GMA county. Woodland is now in the process of updating
its GMA mandated Urban Growth Boundary. The City of Kalama is beginning
to develop a growth management area similar to an official Urban Growth
Boundary to help guide its growth and development. The City of Castle
Rock adopted an Urban Growth Management Program in 1984.
|
|
