31.03.510 Upper Blue Mountain neighborhood.
(1) Description. [Policy No. 1] The Blue Mountain neighborhood includes those lands generally south of Emery Road, east of Siebert’s Creek and west of McDonnell Creek.
(2) Critical Areas. [Policy No. 2] McDonnell Creek and Siebert’s Creek have been designated as significant fish and wildlife habitat corridors and geologic hazardous areas. Development adjacent to these corridors shall protect the corridors through maintenance and enhancement of riparian vegetation, control of stormwater runoff, and low intensity land uses which cause minimal disturbance to fish and wildlife.
(3) Resource Lands.
(a) [Policy No. 3] Forest lands of long-term commercial significance have been designated throughout this neighborhood area. Ownership of forest lands is diverse: from the State of Washington to major private timber companies to individuals. Some of the State forest land is interspersed throughout the rural lands, and offers opportunities to demonstrate innovative forest management techniques.
(b) [Policy No. 4] Some of the forest lands have already been converted to residential uses through twenty (20) acre lot divisions prior to adoption of interim forest land conservation measures in 1992 (Blue Mountain Estates). As a result of this conversion, normal timber harvesting on adjacent parcels is becoming more difficult. Pressures to change the land use designation to densities exceeding what is normally compatible with adjoining forest land use (one home per 20 acres) will occur and should be avoided.
(4) Transportation. [Policy No. 5] The lower part of Blue Mountain Road has been rebuilt to County road standards. The road in the upper stretches of this planning area, however, is less than twenty (20) feet in width. Further development, such as land divisions and other traffic-generating development, should not be allowed unless the road meets minimum safety standards identified in this plan.
(5) Open Space and Greenbelts. [Policy No. 6] The State forest lands within this area provide valuable open space to this neighborhood. The forest lands must be assured, however, of continued ability to harvest timber.
(6) Public Services and Facilities. [Policy No. 7] Public services and facilities available to this area include PUD water system on the lower parts of Blue Mountain, solid waste transfer station, and volunteer fire station at R Corner. Extension of public services and facilities into this area is not expected due to lower residential densities.
(7) Land Use.
(a) [Policy No. 8] The land use pattern in this area is characterized by both commercial forest and low density rural residential uses. Residential densities should generally be Rural Very Low where area abuts the commercial forest lands. In those areas where significant five-acre tracts have already been developed, such as Gellor and Emery Road areas, rural low designations can be considered appropriate.
(b) [Policy No. 9] Higher residential densities for Blue Mountain Estates shall be discouraged, as increased traffic, stormwater runoff, fire danger and incompatibility with adjacent forest land use will not be able to be sufficiently minimized.