The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires cities and counties to update Comprehensive Plans and implementing development regulations every 10 years (RCW 36.70A.130). Comprehensive Plans are 20-year policy documents that guide and plan for growth (population and employment), housing, transportation, capital facilities and utilities, parks, recreation and open space, rural areas, and protection of natural resource lands (RCW 36.70A.070). Kittitas County will be updating their comprehensive plan by June 30, 2026.

 

Kittitas County is beginning a Comprehensive Plan Update in accordance with sate law, which requires Comprehensive Plans to be updated every 10 years. This update will reflect changes in state law, local circumstances, and community priorities. Updates are critical to ensure Comprehensive Plans remain relevant to the changing conditions of Kittitas County, while establishing a collective vision for the next 20 years. The County uses the Comprehensive Plan to guide local development and capital budget decisions. The goals and policies of the plan will be implemented through changes to zoning designations and development regulations.

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The objectives of the plan are:

• Update policies and regulations consistent with state law changes since the last plan update

• Update policies and regulations consistent with any case law since the last update

• Update critical area regulations consistent with new Best Available Science (BAS)

• Plan for housing (by income band), population, and employment to 2046

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