Our Mission and the GMA
For planners and officials: how each project advances Washington State's land-use goals.
The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) governs all land use in WA. Land is a valuable and limited resource, and we are working hard to balance the many varied land use goals of the GMA.
GMA Goal (1) Urban growth. “Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.”
The majority of remaining land designated for urban expansion remains undeveloped either due to a lack of drinking water, sewage infrastructure, or environmental restrictions. Our preference and primary focus is to redevelop moderate density damaged land with access to public water and appropriate septic soils. Full mitigation for any environmental impacts that meets or exceed local, state and federal requirements is performed onsite. Surplus environmental mitigation credits generated on these parcels are then applied to meet the permitting requirements to allow high density development in areas designated for urban expansion (Cities and Urban Growth Areas).
GMA Goal (2) seeks to reduce sprawl.
“Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development.”
Our goal is to tightly cluster all new development on the smallest lots permitted close to pre-existing human impacts and infrastructure.
GMA Goal (4) promotes building more Housing.
“Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.”
Our goal is to minimize housing costs by preserving existing homes whenever possible and optimizing the utilization of available zoning to allow for new housing to be constructed. Then planting wildlife habitat to generate credits to allow more affordable housing to be constructed in high-density zoned areas within cities, where mitigation is required before construction can occur.
GMA Goal (8) supports Natural resource industries.
“Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forestlands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses.”
Our goal is to analyze each property and determine the most appropriate areas for farming, forestry, or fish and wildlife habitat. We then enhance these areas to increase productivity and achieve an overall environmental gain.
GMA Goal (9) promotes Open space and recreation.
“Retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks and recreation facilities.”
Our goal is to retain 90% or more of each property for open space. Where appropriate we seek to include recreational access to open space on the properties.
GMA Goal (10) seeks Environment protections.
“Protect the environment and enhance the state’s high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water.”
Our goal is to immediately improve air and water quality by removing any waste or pollutants left by previous owners. We eliminate fish barrier culverts, and plant shade vegetation to lower water temperatures in streams and increase the food supply for fish.
GMA Goal (14) Climate change and resiliency.
“Ensure that comprehensive plans, development regulations, and regional policies, plans, and strategies under RCW 36.70A.210 and chapter 47.80 RCW adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate; support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled; prepare for climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to climate impacts and natural hazards; protect and enhance environmental, economic, and human health and safety; and advance environmental justice.”
Our goal is help mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance climate resilience by planting thousands of trees to contribute to increased instream flows, reduce water temperatures, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, our homesites are strategically located above flood zones and other hazard areas and where practical are orientated to optimize solar energy utilization.
