Building on a rural property? King County can help with the new guidelines

2005 Archived News

King County's Rural Stewardship Program is offering two evening drop-in sessions where rural residential property owners can bring their questions about how critical areas protections might affect their plans to build or expand their home.

"Rural landowners care about their land and the natural resources that surround them. They want to enjoy their land, be a good neighbor and make informed choices," said Katy Vanderpool, coordinator of the county's Rural Stewardship Program. "Our program provides free technical assistance and other tools to help landowners be the best stewards they can be. We look for opportunities for landowners to achieve their goals while protecting and even enhancing natural resources."

King County's Rural Stewardship staff will be available Jan. 17 and 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Preston Community Center to discuss specific properties and specific projects. There is no cost and appointments are not necessary.

Landowners who attend can learn what Rural Stewardship Planning can do for them and will also have a chance to discuss their unique property goals and explore whether a Rural Stewardship Plan would work for them.

A Rural Stewardship Plan is a long-term commitment to protect natural resources with site-specific protection and enhancement actions all rolled up into a comprehensive and site-specific management plan. It may allow a rural property owner to qualify for tax incentive programs, or to modify some buffer and clearing requirements and will simplify the permit process.

For more information, please visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/topics/cao/ or call Vanderpool, Rural Stewardship Program Coordinator, at 206-296-8362.