regenerative Living in Washington State

Our Philosophy

Regenerative living is about creating homes, farms, and communities that improve the land instead of degrading it. It combines ecological restoration, food production, resilient infrastructure, and responsible development while complying with state and local regulations.

Our goal is to help property owners legally develop projects that:

  • Restore soil health

  • Improve wildlife habitat

  • Produce food

  • Protect water resources

  • Reduce wildfire risk

  • Increase housing opportunities

  • Build long-term economic resilience

Understanding Washington Regulations

Washington is regulated by several layers of government.

Before developing property you should determine:

  • County zoning

  • Critical areas

  • Floodplain restrictions

  • Shoreline jurisdiction

  • Wetlands

  • Septic feasibility

  • Water availability

  • Access requirements

  • Fire code requirements

  • Building permits

  • Environmental review (SEPA where applicable)

Many rural projects are regulated primarily by the county rather than the state.

Washington's Growth Management Act (GMA) establishes the framework for land-use planning while allowing counties flexibility in how they implement rural development. Counties may allow innovative approaches such as clustering and conservation techniques when consistent with rural character.

Common Regenerative Development Features

Examples include:

  • Food forests

  • Silvopasture

  • Agroforestry

  • Market gardens

  • Microfarms

  • Rainwater harvesting (where allowed)

  • Swales and water infiltration

  • Wildlife corridors

  • Native habitat restoration

  • Pollinator meadows

  • Solar power

  • Compost systems

  • Greenhouses

  • Barns

  • Farm workshops

  • Shared community infrastructure

Each feature may have different permitting requirements depending on zoning.

Housing Options

Depending on county regulations and zoning, properties may be eligible for:

  • Single-family homes

  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

  • Farm worker housing

  • Tiny homes (if built to applicable codes)

  • Manufactured homes

  • Clustered rural development where authorized

  • Seasonal agricultural structures

Always verify local regulations before purchasing land.

Water

Water is often the biggest limiting factor.

Consider:

  • Existing wells

  • Well permits

  • Shared wells

  • Water rights

  • Rainwater systems

  • Irrigation needs

  • Stream buffers

  • Wetland protection

Septic

Before purchasing property:

  • Verify soils

  • Complete a septic feasibility study

  • Understand reserve drainfield requirements

  • Determine future expansion possibilities

Critical Areas

Development may be limited around:

  • Wetlands

  • Streams

  • Fish habitat

  • Steep slopes

  • Geologic hazard areas

  • Floodplains

  • Shorelines

These areas often require setbacks or additional studies.

Agriculture

Washington supports:

  • Market gardens

  • Livestock

  • Orchards

  • Vineyards

  • Agroforestry

  • Tree farming

  • Specialty crops

  • Conservation agriculture

Certain agricultural activities may receive regulatory exemptions or tax benefits depending on the property and use.

Conservation Programs

Property owners should investigate:

  • Conservation easements

  • USDA conservation programs

  • NRCS technical assistance

  • Farm Service Agency programs

  • Washington Conservation District programs

  • Current Use Taxation/Open Space programs

Planning a Regenerative Community

Successful projects usually begin with:

  1. Property analysis

  2. Zoning review

  3. Water evaluation

  4. Septic feasibility

  5. Environmental constraints

  6. Concept design

  7. County pre-application meeting

  8. Engineering

  9. Permitting

  10. Construction

Lewis County Resources

Lewis County offers:

  • Building permits

  • Planning review

  • Comprehensive Plan

  • Flood regulations

  • Smart Gov permit portal

  • Planning Commission information

  • Development regulations

  • Fee schedules

  • GIS mapping

The county has also published a Rural Planning Framework explaining how rural development can remain compatible with the Growth Management Act while protecting rural character.

Useful links:

Cowlitz County Resources

Cowlitz County provides:

  • Planning clearance

  • Land use review

  • Building permits

  • Environmental review

  • Development regulations

  • Zoning information

Useful link:

Washington State Resources

Essential references include:

Disclaimer

This website provides educational information and is not legal, engineering, or surveying advice. Land use regulations vary by county, zoning district, parcel characteristics, and project type. Always verify requirements with the appropriate local jurisdiction before purchasing land or beginning development