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The Rural and Resource element is intended to preserve rural character through adopted goals and policies designed to encourage and protect the types of uses that are characteristic to the rural area. The goals and policies are intended to accomplish this in part by reducing conflicting land uses within the County's rural area while providing a variety of rural densities, protecting agriculture land resources and activities, guarding the County's water resources and insuring appropriate services and facilities for such environments. A variety of rural densities characteristic to a rural environment are encouraged through the adoption of goals and policies within this Element. This Element also provides for a variety of rural uses which are compatible with the County's rural character, and decrease the need for road and utility improvements, police and fire protection, schools in rural areas and other services often found in more urban environments. Without limiting these types of urban services, their existence can often contribute to "rural sprawl," or the scattering of development throughout rural areas which can be inconsistent with an identified rural character. The proper mix of rural uses and densities permits rural growth to be accommodated in a variety of areas where it is compatible with both resource and urban activities. The goals and policies of this Element are also intended to provide for the preservation of viable and vibrant landscapes associated with rural character. At the same time, these policies seek to capitalize on the recreational characteristics while preserving the natural resources in the County. Nonconforming Lots Nonconforming lots, i.e. lots that do not meet the County's current zoning standards -present a challenge to the County's plans to preserve the rural character of the County outside Urban Growth Areas. A recent count yielded approximately 5,900 nonconforming lots that fall below the minimum lot size for the rural areas. These are legally created lots that were created prior to the current zoning and subdivision rules. Because these lots were created legally, they are theoretically capable of being developed in the future. However, in practical terms, the majority of these lots are unlikely to be able to meet existing development standards, ranging from legal access (many are landlocked) to meeting the minimum lot size necessary for the provision of septic systems and a well (since neither public water nor sewer are available). Addressing the issue of nonconforming lots is a challenge that the County recognizes will need long-term, incentive-based approaches. Over time the County may consider inclusion of those nonconforming lots most capable of future development for inclusion in a Transfer of Development Rights program or some similar incentive program. 8 .4.3 Purpose of Rural Lands Following are goals that relate to the general intent of Rural Lands: RR-G7: The County should consistently work to preserve and maintain the rural character of Kittitas County for the benefit of its residents. RR-GS: The County should strive to sustain and protect the westerly mountainous, recreational open space, and its easterly non-resource agricultural and rangeland activities. RR-G9: The County should continue to explore ways to provide rural economic opportunity. Page 87 KITTITAS COUNTY ~ ---------------------~-------------Comp re hens iv e Plan [i]