Planning

This page provides information on planning and growth management issues relevant to Washington local governments.

If you have information to share (e.g., ordinances, sample policies, issue papers, etc.) or if you are aware of other websites that we should link to, please contact Sue Enger, MRSC Planning Consultant, or Carol Tobin, MRSC Planning Consultant, or call (206) 625-1300.

General Planning and Growth Management

• Comprehensive Planning/Growth Management - Includes plan examples
• Capital Facilities
• Concurrency Provisions
• Critical Areas
• GMA Plan/Development Regulations Updates
• Growth Management and Planning Interlocal Agreements
• Growth Management Monitoring Programs
• Planning Concepts in Plain English
• Smart Growth and Sustainable Development

Specific Planning Subjects, Plan Elements

• Design Review
• Economic Development
• Energy Resources - Includes energy facilities siting
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Historic Preservation
• Housing
• Parks and Recreation
• Transportation

Information Resources and Tools for Planners

• Census Information - Census 2010
• Impact of Demographic Change on Local Government
• Effective Communication and Public Participation
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Planner's Pocket Reference
• Planning Illustrated

Development Types and Land Uses

• Agricultural Lands
• Central Business District - Downtown Development
• Forest Lands
• Green Communities and Building Design
• Infill Development: Completing the Community Fabric
• Master Planned Resort Information and Examples
• Mixed Use
• Planned Unit Development/Planned Residential Development
• Rural Land Use Regulation/Development
• Traditional Neighborhood Development
• Transit-Oriented Development
• Waterfront Development

Land Use Administration

• Planning Procedures and Practices - Includes regulatory reform and permit assistance
• Development Agreements
• Hearing Examiner System in Washington
• Impact Fees
• Planning Commission
• Planning Fees

Development Regulations

• Development Regulations and Zoning
• GMA Plan/Development Regulations Updates

Regulation of Specific Land Uses

• Adult Entertainment Regulation
• Alternative Energy Facilities - Planning
• Child Day Care Facilities - Zoning Provisions
• Group Homes
• Home Occupations
• Large Retail Establishments (Big Box Retail) - Regulation
• Manufactured Housing - Local Land Use Regulation
• Pipelines - Planning Near
• Telecommunications

Specific Types of Zoning Regulations

• Landscaping Provisions
• Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots - Regulations
• Off-Street Parking - Provision Samples
• Sign Control

Subdivisions and Planned Developments

• Subdivisions
• Cluster Subdivisions
• Planned Unit Development/Planned Residential Development
• Site Plans and Binding Site Plans

Environmental Protection

• Critical Areas
• Scenic View Protection
• Shoreline Management Act
• State Environmental Policy Act
• Tree Preservation and Protection

Legal Planning Topics

• Regulatory Takings
• Vested Rights

Alternative Forms of Zoning

• Flexible Regulatory and Non-Regulatory Incentive Tools
• Form-Based Codes
• Performance Zoning
• Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Special Topics

• Annexation
• Climate Change
• Healthy Communities - Includes designing
• Municipal Incorporation

Need more information?

Feel free to Ask MRSC. Washington cities, counties, and our contract partners can call or email MRSC for more information and advice - free of charge.

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