# RCW 36.70A.011: RCW 36.70A.011: Findings—Rural lands

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S011

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 36.70A.011
- **Heading:** RCW 36.70A.011: Findings—Rural lands
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 36 / Chapter 70A / Section 011

## Text

The legislature finds that this chapter is intended to recognize the importance of rural lands and rural character to Washington's economy, its people, and its environment, while respecting regional differences. Rural lands and rural-based economies enhance the economic desirability of the state, help to preserve traditional economic activities, and contribute to the state's overall quality of life. The legislature finds that to retain and enhance the job base in rural areas, rural counties must have flexibility to create opportunities for business development. Further, the legislature finds that rural counties must have the flexibility to retain existing businesses and allow them to expand. The legislature recognizes that not all business developments in rural counties require an urban level of services; and that many businesses in rural areas fit within the definition of rural character identified by the local planning unit. Finally, the legislature finds that in defining its rural element under RCW 36.70A.070 (5), a county should foster land use patterns and develop a local vision of rural character that will: Help preserve rural-based economies and traditional rural lifestyles; encourage the economic prosperity of rural residents; foster opportunities for small-scale, rural-based employment and self-employment; permit the operation of rural-based agricultural, commercial, recreational, and tourist businesses that are consistent with existing and planned land use patterns; be compatible with the use of the land by wildlife and for fish and wildlife habitat; foster the private stewardship of the land and preservation of open space; and enhance the rural sense of community and quality of life.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 36.70A.010 RCW 36.70A.010: Legislative findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S010.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.011 RCW 36.70A.011: Findings—Rural lands.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S011.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.020 RCW 36.70A.020: Planning goals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S020.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.030 RCW 36.70A.030: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S030.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.035 RCW 36.70A.035: Public participation—Notice provisions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S035.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.040 RCW 36.70A.040: Who must plan—Summary of requirements—Resolution for partial planning—Development regulations must implement comprehensive plans—Tribal participation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S040.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.045 RCW 36.70A.045: Phasing of comprehensive plan submittal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S045.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.050 RCW 36.70A.050: Guidelines to classify agriculture, forest, and mineral lands and critical areas.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S050.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.060 RCW 36.70A.060: Natural resource lands and critical areas—Development regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S060.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.067 RCW 36.70A.067: Effective date—Certain actions under RCW 36.70A.070, 36.70A.110, 36.70A.350, and 36.70A.360.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S067.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.070 RCW 36.70A.070: Comprehensive plans—Mandatory elements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S070.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.080 RCW 36.70A.080: Comprehensive plans—Optional elements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S080.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.085 RCW 36.70A.085: Comprehensive plans—Port elements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S085.md)
- [RCW 36.70A.090 RCW 36.70A.090: Comprehensive plans—Innovative techniques.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S090.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T36_C70A_S011. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.