PD-17-00001 Marian Meadows Full Record with Index (2)

Home Browse Search

Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-20 What is the GMA? The Growth Management Act, known as the GMA (Chapter 36.70A RCW), was adopted by the Legislature in 1990. The GMA was adopted because the Washington State Legislature found that uncoordinated and unplanned growth posed a threat to the environment, sustainable economic development, and the quality of life in Washington. In 1991 the GMA was amended to create the Growth Management Hearings Boards to hear and determine appeals of plans required by local jurisdictions to fulfill the requirements of the GMA. In a public meeting in Easton held in March 2005, 42 persons attended. Their desires were summarized as:  Preserving clean water supply that meets drinking and fire suppression needs;  Preserving the community values of open space and treed areas between neighbors through retaining the large-lot residential development pattern;  Preserving rural character; and  Protecting wildlife. 6 What is meant by “rural land use” and how does the proposal relate to rural policies? Rural land use has a range of generic and legal meanings. The following discussion focuses on the Washington State GMA, under RCW Chapter 36.70A, and what “rural” means in that context. The GMA contains a legislative statement of intent regarding rural lands (RCW 36.70A.011). This statement recognizes the importance of rural lands and rural character to Washington’s economy, its people and environment, while respecting regional differences. In addition, the Washington Legislature addresses business development in rural areas by emphasizing flexibility in retaining and expanding businesses. The Legislature mandates that counties formulate a local vision of “rural character” that will balance a number of goals. The definition of “rural character” in RCW 36.70A.030 includes patterns of land use and development: (a) In which open space, the natural landscape, and vegetation predominate over the built environment; (b) That foster traditional rural lifestyles, rural-based economies, and opportunities to both live and work in rural areas; (c) That provide visual landscapes that are traditionally found in rural areas and communities; (d) That are compatible with the use of the land by wildlife and for fish and wildlife habitat; (e) That reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development; (f) That generally do not require the extension of urban governmental services; and (g) That are consistent with the protection of natural surface water flows and groundwater and surface water recharge and discharge areas.