Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Island County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Island County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Island County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Density Bonus Law

Island County's density bonus system (Island County Code section 17.03.180.E) rewards cluster development that preserves open space, critical areas and farm or forest land. Parcels of 20 to 40 acres in the Rural Zone can earn a 100 percent density bonus by dedicating 65 percent open space; 40 to 80 acres can earn 125 percent with 80 percent open space, all through a Planned Residential Development (PRD).

Island County Density Bonus for Cluster PRDs

Some Restrictions

Island County Code § 17.03.180.E

E.Density bonus system.1.The density bonus system is designed to provide incentives for cluster development in order to:a.Reserve opportunities for future urban development;b.Provide permanent preservation of open space, critical areas, wildlife habitat and natural lands; andc.Protect agricultural and forest resource lands.2.Bonus densities are as follows: Zone Maximum Density Bonus Minimum Ope...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Downtown Design Guide

Freeland's Village Core and other commercial areas follow a two-part design code: block design standards that cap block length at 400 feet and require mid-block pedestrian pathways, plus building design standards that mandate façade articulation, modulation and material rules for every non-residential, mixed-use and multi-family project.

Freeland Village Core Design Standards

Significant Restrictions

Island County Code §§ 17.06.400(A), 17.06.600(B)

17.06.400 - BLOCK DESIGN STANDARDS A.Purpose.1.To promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents by providing safe and convenient travel through the community that facilitates pedestrian movement and multi-modal travel options. (LU 2.3.4) ... 17.06.600 - BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS ... B.Applicability and compliance.1.The standards for the following apply to all non-residential, mixed-use, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Island County ordinances

See every category we cover for Island County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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