The greater Graham area in Pierce County has experienced a significant amount of growth during the past several decades. Some of this growth has been at the expense of the areas’ rural atmosphere. Pierce County and representatives from the community have identified a community vision, discussed issues and created policies that will assure sensible and appropriate levels of development within the plan area over the next 20 years.

The result of this work is the creation of a community plan that provides a framework for consistent land use standards in both the urban areas and in the outlying rural and natural resource lands. Higher density and intensity development is directed into urban areas, where it can be supported by urban level services and facilities. This also allows rural and natural resource areas to retain the low density, agricultural, and forested character that the community values.

General Description of the Plan Area

The Graham Community Plan area is located in south central Pierce County at the fringe of the County’s urban growth area limits. The plan area is bounded by the communities of Spanaway, Frederickson, and South Hill to the north. The northernmost limits range from 208th St. E. at the western edge up almost to 176th St. E. at SR-161 (Meridian Avenue). SR-7 (Mountain Highway) is located along the western boundary of the plan area and 352nd St. E. represents the southern boundary. The plan area extends as far east as the Puyallup River Valley. The intersection of 264th St. E. and SR-161 is roughly the geographic center of the plan area.

Download the plan. (1.2 MB)