Vision Statement
The greater Graham community, a vibrant, largely rural community, strives to enhance its country image while responding positively to the increasingly diverse needs and expectations of its citizens. It is a community that appreciates its history and maintains the best aspects of rural living -- safe and peaceful neighborhoods, small town friendliness, affordability, and an abundance of natural beauty highlighted by the splendor of Mount Rainier. It maintains its distinctive natural environment by preserving open space, greenbelts, lakes, streams, wetlands, and agricultural areas. Planned growth is designed to enhance the community's rural atmosphere while protecting natural resources, and incorporates a level of public infrastructure to meet current and future needs. A variety of transportation modes are interconnected within the community, operate efficiently, and provide convenient access to nearby urban areas. Businesses, schools, fire district, law enforcement, and other community services are recognized as an important part of the community's resource base. A compact and attractive town center serves as the focal point for commerce and community activities for all ages. Passive and active parks, trails, and recreational facilities are accessible throughout the community.

Land Use Element
The Land Use Element addresses the location and intensity of commercial, residential, and industrial uses within the community and establishes baseline conditions in the community regarding existing uses, densities, and development capacity within community and evaluates future needs. The element specifies recommended zoning, overlay and open space corridor changes and recommended policies related to general land uses, commercial development, and residential development. See Land Use Element Summary for an overview of what is contained in this element.

This element contains policies that are implemented by a new Pierce County Code Chapter 18A.24 Graham Zoning. The zoning changes address allowed uses within the various zones, residential densities and dimensions requirements such as building height and setbacks.

Community Character and Design Element
The Community Character and Design Element addresses community character, historic and cultural resources, design (commercial, residential, signs, etc.), viewsheds and other aesthetics. See Community Character and Design Element Summary for an overview of what is contained in this element.

This element contains policies that are implemented by new Pierce County Code Chapters 18B.180 Signs and 18J.80 Design Standards and Guidelines. Chapter 18J.80 Graham Design Standards and Guidelines establish commercial, civic, industrial, multi-family and urban residential design standards. Urban residential design standards contain many of the same elements as small lot design standards. The design standards prescribe requirements for building architecture, landscaping, parking lot design, circulation, building orientation, etc. Chapter 18B.180 Graham Signs establishes standards address the amount, placement, size, type and construction of signs.

Natural Environment Element
The Natural Environment Element examines the natural resources found in the area. The policies contained within this element address environmental concerns and guide future development with consideration of on-site environmental constraints and natural hazards. See Natural Environment Element Summary for an overview of what is contained in this element.

Economic Element
The Economic Element analyzes at the economy of the area and considers a myriad of opportunities to diversify the economic base. The policies within this element provide guidance on ways the community can enhance its economic environment. See Economic Element Summary for an overview of what is contained in this element.

Facilities and Services Element
The Facilities and Services Element addresses infrastructure and services needed to support the proposed land use growth and development. Infrastructure includes capital facilities such as roads, trails, sewage disposal, parks, and utility lines. The policies within the community plan identify the capital improvements that are necessary to support the plan (sewers, water, sidewalks, etc.) and discuss potential partnerships and sources for funding opportunities. See Facilities and Services Element Summary for an overview of what is contained in this element.

Plan Implementation
The plan also contains proposed actions, located at the end of each element, which serve to implement various plan policies. These actions are grouped into short-term, mid-term and long-term endeavors. Short term actions should occur immediately or within one year of plan adoption. Mid-term actions should be completed within 2-5 years. Long term actions should be completed within 5-10 years of plan adoption. The party or parties responsible for leading the effort to complete the action item is listed in parenthesis following the action. Actions are assigned to a lead entity or entities as the primary responsible party to complete. Examples include the Graham Land Use Advisory Commissions (LUAC), Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), Public Works & Utilities (PWU), Parks and Recreation (Parks), Economic Development (ED), Pierce County Sheriff, Pierce County Planning and Land Services (PALS) or other county departments or outside agencies and entities as noted.