A subarea plan is a focused long-range plan to further analyze and address the needs of a specific area within a larger jurisdiction like a city or county. A subarea plan IS NOT a site-specific development plan and does not directly permit new development. The city or private landowners cannot build based on a subarea plan alone, as the subarea plan does not include site-specific development plan, construction plans, or permits. The subarea plan is a bigger picture policy document that sets the framework, including land use, transportation, economic development, and other sections, for future decision-making in Clinton.

Island County is currently in the process of completing a 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. A comprehensive plan guides growth over a 20-year period and determines how and where growth will occur. The goals and policies in a comprehensive plan should reflect a communities’ vision for the future. The Clinton subarea plan will address many of the same topics as the Comprehensive Plan Update with a focus specifically on addressing issues, constraints, and other factors specific to Clinton.

The designation of Clinton as a Limited Areas of More Intense Rural Development (LAMIRD) permits counties to allow for more intensive uses than would otherwise be allowed in rural areas. LAMIRDs serve to recognize existing developed rural areas and minimize or contain these areas to prevent low density sprawl. LAMIRDs must have an established outer boundary to identify where growth can and cannot occur. Much of the limitations on growth within LAMIRDs, including Clinton, is restricted by the access to and availability of critical infrastructure like sewer and water. WAC 365-196-425 defines the different types of LAMIRDs and the requirements of development permitted within them.

The County is conducting several community workshops and stakeholder meetings that provide opportunities to give input on the Clinton sub area plan. This website will be updated regularly with information on upcoming workshops and stakeholder meetings. Summaries from previous meetings will be posted as well in case you are unable to attend a workshop. In addition to in person opportunities, online surveys with similar information will be available to provide flexibility in how you can provide input. Lastly, when this subarea plan is adopted, there will be additional opportunities to comment and participate with the Island County Planning Commission and Commissioners throughout the public meeting and hearing process.