Drafter
Clerk 08/19/2024
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AN ORDINANCE related to expanding eligible uses of transfer of development rights bank amenity funding; and amending Ordinance 13733, Section 14, as amended, and K.C.C. 21A.37.150.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The Washington state Growth Management Act chapter 36.70A RCW ("the GMA"), establishes a policy of directing growth and development into urban areas, protecting rural and resource land, and encouraging the use of innovative land use tools like transfer of development rights ("TDR") to accomplish these outcomes.
2. The GMA encourages the conservation of productive agricultural and forest lands and the retention of rural open space to conserve fish and wildlife habitat and enhance recreational opportunities.
3. The Washington state Legislature affirmed the value of Regional TDR programs by adopting a framework for a Regional TDR Marketplace as codified in chapter 43.362 RCW.
4. King County adopted a TDR program ("the TDR program") in 2001 to conserve rural and resource lands by transferring rural development potential into existing incorporated and unincorporated urban areas. Since 2001, the TDR program has protected over 147,700 acres of rural and resource lands in unincorporated King County.
5. King County recognizes the role of TDR in achieving the goals of the Land Conservation Initiative and supporting the Strategic Climate Action Plan.
6. King County desires to expand TDR amenities under K.C.C. chapter 21A.37.150 to include acquisition, design, or construction of affordable housing.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Ordinance 13733, Section 14, as amended, and K.C.C. 21A.37.150 are hereby amended to read as follows:
A. Expenditures by the county for amenities to facilitate development rights sales in cities shall be authorized by the TDR executive board during review of proposed interlocal agreements, and should be roughly proportionate to the value and number of development rights...

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