Comprehensive Planning

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The City's Vision: 2044


"Duvall is a close-knit and welcoming community that prides itself on its unique small-town charm that showcases its support for small businesses, agricultural community, indigenous heritage, culture, creativity, and respect for the natural environment and the wildlife that depends on it. Duvall remains a serene, family-friendly environment with tree-lined streets and abundant, interconnected parks and open spaces."

Small Town Feeling

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What is Comprehensive Planning?


Comprehensive planning is a long-term policy framework that cities use to guide future growth, development, and public investment decisions. It is both a vision-setting process and a regulatory tool, which is mandated by state law (Washington’s Growth Management Act). A comprehensive plan addresses multiple interconnected systems within a city, including:

 

  • Land use (where housing, businesses, parks, etc., should be located)
  • Housing (how to meet current and future housing needs)
  • Transportation (road, pedestrian, transit systems)
  • Capital facilities (water, sewer, schools, emergency services)
  • Economic development
  • Parks and recreation
  • Environmental protection
Why is Comprehensive Planning Important?
  1. Legal Framework: In Washington, development regulations must be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. Zoning, subdivision codes, and capital improvements must adhere to the established policies.
  2. Predictable Growth: It provides a predictable and transparent roadmap for how a city will grow, helping developers, residents, and agencies understand what is allowed and where.
  3. Public Participation: Comprehensive planning allows residents to shape their community’s future. It reflects collective values and priorities through outreach, surveys, and public hearings.
  4. Interagency Coordination: It aligns the city’s infrastructure and services with regional planning bodies (e.g., Puget Sound Regional Council), school districts, and transit agencies.
  5. Funding and Investment: A well-adopted comprehensive plan strengthens the city’s eligibility for state, regional, and federal funding tied to infrastructure, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.
  6. Resilience and Adaptation: It enables cities to plan proactively for climate change, natural hazards, economic shifts, and demographic trends.


Curious?


Here are some recent policy updates that the city has completed. Click on the title page that interests you to learn more!


Comp Plan Coverpage

Transportation Plan Coverpage

Capital Facilities Coverpage

PTOS Coverpage

HAP Coverpage