The Growth Management Element establishes a framework for future land use and development in the County and its municipalities consistent with the Vision and Key Focus Areas set forth in ReVisions. Looking 25 years into the future, it identifies:
Areas that are appropriate for urban growth and reinvestment
Areas that should be maintained in agriculture, natural resources, and similar uses
Strategies and tools that municipalities and the County can use to shape growth to achieve the desired patterns of development and preservation
Policies and Targets
On a county-wide basis, existing Urban Growth Areas contain sufficient land to accommodate new growth through 2030, if this plan is fully implemented.
Housing Projection:2005-2030 = 53,259 units needed over 25 years
New Growth Targets
Direct 85% of new growth (dwelling units) to Urban Growth Areas
Limit new growth (dwelling units) in Rural Areas to 15% of Countywide total
New Residential Density Targets
Net average of 7.5 dwelling units per acre in Urban Growth Areas
Net average of 2.5 dwelling units per acre in Village Growth Areas
Urban Growth Area Strategy
It reaffirms the Urban Growth Area concept while setting new targets forincreased density and intensity and policies for improved character and form of development within UGAs. And redevelopment of and reinvestment in existing urbanized areas.
Rural Strategy
It proposes designation of Rural Areas – equivalent in importance to the Urban Growth Areas – within which significant agricultural, natural, historic, architectural, and scenic resources are to be protected and sprawl is to be reduced.
Implementation Strategy
It provides a comprehensive action strategy, including a Smart Growth Toolbox comprised of policy, regulatory, and investment tools that can be applied by municipalities, with support from the County, to implement the Growth Management Element Update.
