FAQs

What is a Comprehensive Land Use Plan?

A Comprehensive Land Use Plan is a roadmap for a community’s future. It will set long-term goals for land and resource use, to make the community vision a reality. These goals turn into actions, laws, and guidelines that affect decisions on key issues such as housing needs, critical areas, transportation, local economic development, jobs and services, and future land use mapping and zoning.
What is a community vision?

A community vision is a shared understanding of what a community wants to be like in the future, serving as a guide for strategic planning efforts and decision-making. It is a collaborative process where the community explores their aspirations and priorities for the future.
Will the 2027 Comprehensive Land Use Plan update previous plans and policies?

Yes. Over the past 50+ years, the Grays Harbor County Planning Commission and staff have developed documents that established the long-range planning policy for unincorporated Grays Harbor County (those areas outside of incorporated Cities) and guide Grays Harbor County zoning laws. The planning process will update old plans and policies and incorporate them into a Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Who is responsible for land use planning in incorporated versus unincorporated areas of the county?

Cities (incorporated areas) are responsible for land use planning, zoning, and development within their jurisdictions, while Grays Harbor County is responsible for all unincorporated areas. The Grays Harbor County Comprehensive Land Use Plan will not affect the current plans for the Cities.
What is the difference between a Comprehensive Plan land use designation and zoning?

Land use designations, which are determined by the Comprehensive Plan, are more general than zoning. Land use designations direct future land uses while zoning is a detailed set of regulations that specify things like allowable uses, building height, density and setbacks.

Land use designations identify the general types of uses, density of development, and the applicable zoning districts (Districts). Each land use designation may have several associated Districts. The Grays Harbor County Commissioners have divided unincorporated Grays Harbor County (areas outside of incorporated cities and towns) into several Zoning Districts, described on our Districts page.
How can residents participate in the process and provide input?
We want to hear from you! Community participation is critical for understanding what current conditions and trends exist in Grays Harbor County. Your input will allow the County to shape its long-term planning around community concerns, priorities, and visions for the future.

There are a variety of ways to participate:

In summer 2025, we will host in-person events, workshops, and an online survey. In early 2026, we will host an online open house. See the Schedule page for an overview where you can get engaged in the process.

Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about these opportunities.

You can always contact us with questions or comments by email at info@graysharbor2027compplan.com

Hosted By