Thurston County, WA’s Code of Ordinances allows landowners to apply to create a “Planned Rural Residential Development” (PRRD). PRRDs require the creation of a “resource parcel.” The size and use of the resource parcel varies by district. Between 75% and 85% of the land must be preserved either for agriculture or forest.
In general, Clustered/Conservation Subdivision ordinances like Thurston County’s allow or require dense clusters of residential units in one part of the proposed project area, in exchange for permanently preserving open space and natural features. The preservation of open space allows existing greenspace to continue to provide ecosystem services, including GHG capture and retention.