To maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including forestry, agricultural, mining, and fisheries industries, all jurisdictions in Washington state need to determine where these industries can productively operate, and use land-use controls to designate and conserve the necessary lands and to avoid conflicts with these industries from other land-uses. The goal is to continue natural resource production activities on these designated lands by avoiding interference from other land uses, such as residential housing. The requirement to classify, designate and protect natural resource lands (and critical areas) applies to all jurisdictions in the state, in recognition of the essential role of these lands in supporting economic productivity and healthy ecological systems.
Jurisdictions must require notices be listed on all plats, short plats, development permits, and building permits issued for development on, or within 500 feet of, designated resource lands. The notices must state that the subject property is within or near designated resource lands, on which a variety of commercial activities may occur that are not compatible with residential development for certain periods of limited duration. Any notices specific to mineral resource lands must also state the possibility of an application being made for mining-related activities, like blasting, crushing, recycling, stockpiling, transporting, and washing of minerals.
Designating forest or agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance within urban growth areas requires a jurisdiction to establish a program authorizing purchase or transfer of development rights.
Chapter 365-190 WAC contains the minimum guidelines to classify and designate natural resource lands.
Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development Links:
Department of Ecology: Puget Sound landslides
Department of Natural Resources:
Puget Soung Partnership:
