2017-2037 Comp Plan Update Enabling Ordinance with Exhibit A

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Chapter 8 RURAL AND RESOURCE LANDS KITTITAS COUNTY Page 85 Comprehensive Plan RR-P5: Protecting and preserving resource lands shall be given priority. Proposed development allowed and adjacent to resource lands shall be conditioned to protect resource lands from negative impacts from that development. RR-P6: Allow for lands which offer adequate supply of rock and gravel resources located in areas compatible for such uses and conditioned so that operation does not negatively impact rural character. RR-P7: Policies will be consistent with Kittitas County’s “right to farm” ordinance, 17.74 KCC. RURAL LANDS Introduction Kittitas County’s rural land use designation consists of a balance of differing natural features, landscape types, and land uses. Rural land uses consist of dispersed and clustered residential developments, farms, ranches, wooded lots, and agricultural and recreational/commercial and industrial uses that serve local, national and international populations as customers. Rural landscapes encompass the full range of natural features including wide open agriculture and range land, forested expanses, rolling meadows, ridge lines and valley walls, distant vistas, streams and rivers, shorelines and other critical areas. Rural lands exhibit a vibrant and viable landscape where a diversity of land uses and housing densities are compatible with rural character. “Rural character,” as identified through scientific research over the past two decades, indicates that residents of rural communities, homebuilders, and planners see it in various ways depending upon the community and the rural area. This research demonstrates that “rural character” is not identical in all areas and must be determined by communities. Overall, the research shows that “rural character” is best determined by concepts existing within the community such as existing densities and building materials (Tilt, et. al., 2006), “nature-related areas” particularly having forest, not just trees, and open spaces related to the community (Kaplan, Austin, 2004, 2003, and 2001), and “natural amenities and perception of recreational and (individual community) residential development” (Mascouriller, 2002). Study shows that cluster development, when used not to increase density creating suburban or urban-like environments, are most marketable, and preserve “open spaces” desired by communities and potential residents most effectively of all development techniques at this time (Burney, 2006 and Lacey, 1990). Kittitas County residents, through an extensive publi c involvement process in 2012, provided descriptions of “rural” that they wish to preserve. Such descriptions include many of the conclusions presented by scientific research including, “natural open spaces and streams,” “forests,” “recreational opportunities and spaces,” “agriculture lands and activities,” “mountain views,” and “development away from urban areas.” These descriptions capture the essence of “rural