Environment and Land Use
A strong supporter of protecting our quality of life, Dave believes that a healthy environment is a key part of economic development. He strongly supports the Growth Management Act as the best way to plan for and manage growth.
Dave was the leader in the recent passage of urban residential design standards including:
- Requirements for tree retention and replacement
- New height regulations to reduce the impact of development on existing homes
- Incentives for using low impact development techniques to reduce water runoff
- An extensive menu of optional design elements to improve the variety and appearance of new homes
- Requirements to reduce the visual impact of garages
- Requirements for recreational open space
- Enhanced provisions for transit
Some of the specific land use and environmental initiatives he has supported include:
- New critical area regulations to protect water quality and habitat
- Preserving agricultural lands through transfer and purchase of development rights
- New restrictions on rural cluster developments to better protect rural areas
- Protecting water quality through better planning for surface water run-off
- Protecting endangered salmon through habitat and stream enhancement projects
A strong supporter of parks and open space, Dave recognizes the importance of preserving open, green spaces in our urban areas. He has worked with neighborhood groups to develop or purchase parks that will serve their needs.
Dave strongly believes that the county must work very closely with the cities in land use planning and development.
