In 1984, Island County adopted policies and regulations to protect critical areas. It was one of the first counties in Washington State to do so. Also that year, the County adopted for the first time permanent zoning regulations, dividing the county into rural, forest, agricultural and higher density residential zones.   

Responding to concerns regarding rapid urban development occurring throughout the State, the Legislature passed the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) in 1990, using, in part, the 1984 Island County regulations as a model.   

The Growth Management Act (GMA) required counties and cities to adopt comprehensive land use plans and development regulations to coordinate and manage growth and development, as well as protect the State's natural resources and critical areas. After several years of development, study and public input, the Island County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Island County Comprehensive Plan in September 1998 and the Island County Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), ICC Section 17.02.107, in October 1998.

Under the provisions of the GMA, local jurisdictions must designate and manage regulated critical areas. Development activities within, or adjacent to these critical areas, are required to comply with the provisions of local critical areas ordinances.

Planning & Community Development is the primary agency responsible for implementing the Critical Areas Ordinance.  However, Island County Health and Public Works, as well as a number of state agencies also play a significant role in administering these rules.  The provisions of the CAO apply to any land use or development within an area that meets the definitions and criteria for critical areas as established in the ordinance. All land use and development permit applications submitted to Island County PCD are reviewed for conformance with the provisions of the CAO.

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