46529 Giles Rd, Darrington, WA 98241

Rural Diversification Zone

The intent and function of the Rural Diversification zone is to provide for the orderly use and development of the most isolated, outlying rural areas of the county and at the same time allow sufficient flexibility so that traditional rural land uses and activities can continue. These areas characteristically have only rudimentary public services and facilities, steep slopes and other natural conditions, which discourage intense development, and a resident population, which forms an extremely rural and undeveloped environment. The resident population of these areas is small and highly dispersed. The zone is intended to protect, maintain, and encourage traditional and appropriate rural land uses, particularly those which allow residents to earn a satisfactory living on their own land. The following guidelines apply: a minimum of restrictions shall be placed on traditional and appropriate rural land uses; the rural character of these outlying areas will be protected by carefully regulating the size, location, design, and timing of large-scale, intensive land use development; and; large residential lots shall be required with the intent of preserving a desirable rural lifestyle as well as preventing intensive urban- and suburban-density development, while also protecting the quality of ground and surface water supplies and other natural resources.