Buildable Lands Report

     Since 1997, Pierce County and its 23 cities and towns have worked collaboratively in a program to collect annual development permitting data, inventory developable land, and enhance information relating to wetlands and steep slopes. Commonly referred to as the Buildable Lands Program, this collaborative program is aimed at satisfying the 1997 amendments to GMA (Growth Management Act) and improving accuracy in the information used to determine the capacity of the County’s UGAs (Urban Growth Area)
    The Buildable Lands Report consolidates, for the first time, incorporated and unincorporated land development data for all urban areas within Pierce County. Through this effort, a substantial amount of information has been collected to assist local jurisdictions in evaluating the effectiveness of their adopted comprehensive plans and associated regulations, as well as documenting the methodology in calculating the 20-year population and employment capacity of the adopted UGAs.
    Collectively, the statistics derived from the analyses indicate Pierce County's existing urban growth areas contains the necessary land to accommodate the planned growth. A sufficient amount of housing units and employment capacity exists within the urban growth areas. While the analyses may indicate some jurisdictions do not have the housing capacity to meet their needs, the overabundance of other jurisdictions meet the County's overall needs.
    Copies of this report are available for viewing on-line. The report and maps can also be obtained on compact disk by calling Pierce County Planning and Land Services at 253-798-2785.