Carlsborg Urban Growth Area
Artistic depiction reflecting the potential future of Carlsborg WA. Created for Clallam County during the UGA process. This drawing and the ones below were meant to collectively represent and integrate the visions of the numerous individuals who provided their perspective on what living sustainably in Carlsborg could look like. Artist: Brian Borello
Clallam County’s Carlsborg Urban Growth Area Boundary Map
In December of 2000, Clallam County established the 560-acre Carlsborg Urban Growth Area. According to the Washington State Growth Management Act this “serves to designate a zoning area that directs substantial growth within its boundaries and preserves outlying areas for low-density usage such as rural residential and agricultural”.
Such designations are intended to assure that urban high-density residential, commercial and industrial developments occur in areas where government services and public facilities such as sidewalks, restrooms, sewer, community water, and storm water management are available.
The Carlsborg Community Advisory Council, a liaison group of local residents and business owners, was temporarily formed by the Clallam County Board of Commissioners to work along side them and help plan for the implementation of the UGA. A 20 year vision of Carlsborg was created.
In 2008, Carlsborg was found to be noncompliant with the Growth Management Act because there were no plans or funding for the necessary sewer facilities to support the UGA. As a result of this ruling, all new construction and development in Carlsborg was halted. The Carlsborg Community Advisory Council was reinstated.
After 4 years of disputing the Washington State Growth Management Hearings Board’s ruling while simultaneously working on the sewer and wastewater treatment plan, the moratorium was removed in June of 2012. Allowing for construction to resume in the Carlsborg UGA. The Carlsborg sewer project was completed in 2017.
During these times the Carlsborg Advisory Council assisted in creating the initial guidelines for land use, zoning, setbacks, and landscape ordinances. This vision also included creative depictions of future development. Including public restrooms, parks, sidewalks with trail connections for the increasing traffic and numbers of pedestrians. The Carlsborg Advisory Council last met in June of 2018 and was officially dissolved on November 30th, 2021.
Carlsborg is an unincorporated community. A hamlet without local government and falling under the jurisdiction of Clallam County. Services such as law enforcement, zoning, building permits, parks and street maintenance is all provided by the county. Now left without a designated Carlsborg liaison group to continue advising in the overall design and improvements, it is up to local residents and business owners to advocate for the previously established ‘Vision of Carlsborg’ as it continues to grow.
If you have options about the future vision of Carlsborg and are looking for a way to express yourself or get involved, Clallam County is a currently working on the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update due in December 2025. This plan provides a roadmap for future growth, character and development in the county. They invite you provide input and join in the conversation. More information is available on the county website.
