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Subjects › Planning › Development Regulations (including zoning, subdivisions, critical areas, etc.)
Updated 03/2011

Development Regulations and Zoning

Contents

Introduction

Development regulations include a variety of land use regulations, such as zoning, subdivisions, critical areas, landscaping, planned unit development, signs, etc. Some jurisdictions have prepared "unified development codes" (or land use codes) that contain a range of development regulations, regulating how land is subdivided, used, and developed. Other jurisdictions have separate titles of their codes for zoning, subdivision, and environmental regulations.

In communities that are planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA), development regulations are required to be consistent with adopted comprehensive plans (see MRSC Webpage on Comprehensive Planning/Growth Management). However, if the local jurisdiction has not yet adopted regulations to implement the plan, the existing zoning apparently will control over the new comprehensive plan, if there is a conflict. Citizens of Mount Vernon v. City of Mount Vernon, 133 Wn. 2d 861 (1997)

The purpose of this page is to provide sample development regulations for Washington communities. A separate page addresses planning procedures and practices, including regulatory reform, permit assistance, and fees. Additional development regulations are also found in Municipal and County Codes on MRSC's website.

Land Use Codes, Unified Development Codes, and Other General Development Regulations

Zoning Codes

Washington City and County Examples

See also MRSC's list of Washington Municipal and County Codes

Out of State Examples

  • Portland, OR Municipal Code Title 33 - Planning and Zoning.

Related MRSC Subject Pages

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