Glossary

Conservation and Reserve Development (CaRD)

Allows developers to build houses on smaller lots than the land is zoned for if they set aside the rest of their acreage as open space.

Comprehensive Plan

Read more about comprehensive plans from the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington site.

Growth Management Act (GMA)

A Washington State law enacted in 1990 in response to rapid population growth and concerns with suburban sprawl, environmental protection, and quality of life. The GMA provides a framework for regional coordination, and counties planning under the GMA are required to adopt county-wide planning policies to guide plan adoption within the county and to establish urban growth areas (UGAs). Local comprehensive plans must include the elements concerng land use, housing, capital facilities, utilities, transportation, and, for counties, a rural element. Shoreline master program policies are also an element of local comprehensive plans.

Limited Area of More Intense Development (LAMIRD)

LAMIRDs, as defined under RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d), are areas within the unincorporated rural area that are developed at densities too intense to be considered rural development. The State Growth Management Act requires LAMIRD designation to prevent additional low-density sprawl in the rural area by minimizing and containing the higher density areas.

Rural Intermediate (RI)

Designation for land that is zoned to allow only one residence for every 2 1/2 acres.

Rural Reserve (RR)

Designation for land that is zoned to allow only one residence for every ten acres.

Subarea Plan

A comprehensive plan for a discrete section of the county.