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Land Use <br />•::,i~\I _t.::;. . J <br />r------= -I -11 ---~ <br />.=--~ ... -t <br />Chapter 2. Land Use <br />2.1 . Introduction and Overview <br />The Land Use Element plays the central role in guiding land use patterns and decisions for the <br />County. In keeping with State law, the County fulfills its responsibility of shaping land use <br />primarily through its Comprehensive Plan policies and implementing development regulations. <br />While this chapter addresses all land uses in the County, the emphasis is on urban lands. Rural <br />and resource land uses are specifically addressed in Chapter 8, Rural and Resource Lands. <br />The majority of new growth in the County is encouraged to locate in established cities end urban <br />growth areas (UOAs) where adequate public facilities and services can be provided in an efficient <br />and economical manner. An adequate supply of land in the UGAs will ensure that immediate and <br />future urban needs arc met as well as provide for an orderly and efficient transition from low <br />intensity land uses to urban land uses over time as the incorporated cities expand. <br />2.1.1. Growth Management Act Goals <br />Three of the Growth Management Act (OMA) planning goals are particularly relevant to land <br />use: <br />• Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities <br />and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner. (Revised Code of <br />Washington [RCW] 36.70A.020(1)) <br />• Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, <br />low-density development. (RCW 36.70A.020(2)) <br />• Private property. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just <br />compensation having been made. The property rights oflandowners shall be protected <br />from arbitrary and discriminatory actions. <br />Kittitas County <br />Comprehensive Plan 2·1 <br />December 2016