Buildable Lands
The Buildable Lands Program is an ongoing review and monitoring system required by the Growth Management Act (GMA). The County is the entity required to establish and oversee the program and coordinate Pierce County’s 23 cities and towns.
The County, in coordination with its cities and towns, is required to collect development data annually and provide a report on observed development and future capacity within the urban growth area (UGA) prior to the next GMA comprehensive plan periodic update.
Requirements and Resources
- RCW 36.70A.215
- WAC 365-196-315
- Department of Commerce Buildable Lands Guidelines (updated 2018)
- Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies
- Pierce County Comprehensive Plan
- Pierce County Buildable Lands Procedures (Updated Version Coming Soon)
Buildable Lands Report
The 2014 Pierce County Buildable Lands Report fulfills the ongoing reporting requirements stipulated in RCW 36.70A.215, referred to as Buildable Lands legislation.
The results of the 2014 analysis concludes that collectively, among all the jurisdictions, there continues to be an abundant amount of vacant and underutilized land to accommodate the adopted urban housing and employment targets for the County and its cities and towns.
Report Documents
Past Reports:
Related Documents
2021 Buildable Lands Report Process
The 2021 Buildable Lands Report is currently underway and is funded by a grant from the Department of Commerce. Work is being completed by County staff and consultants from AHBL and ECONorthwest.
During this time, the County is requesting the following support from jurisdictions:
- Provide development (permit) data for 2013-2020 (see data collection template);
- Provide updated land use designation and zoning information (if applicable);
- Work with County staff to update development assumptions;
- Participate in the process to establish targets; and
- Review and comment on draft documents.
Pierce County also requests support from stakeholders in review of the draft report data and summaries as they become available.
Working Materials
- Methodology Review (AHBL/ ECONorthwest)
- Population, Housing, and Employment Historical Trends and Projections Report and Data (AHBL)
- Employment Density Survey (ECONorthwest)
- Redeveloped Lands Analysis (Pierce County)
- Presentations and Informational Materials
- DRAFT Development Data Summaries and Capacity Calculation Tables (Uploaded as Available)
- DRAFT Buildable Lands Inventory (Coming Soon)
Review Timeframe
Contact Information
Jessica Gwilt, Senior Planner | (253) 798-6924 | [email protected]
Dan Cardwell, Long Range Planning Supervisor | (253) 798-7039 | [email protected]