Visual Quality and Aesthetic Resources

The natural beauty of the central Puget Sound region is considered one of its most valuable resources. To many people, the region is defined by its mountains, water, and abundant greenery. In addition to the natural beauty, developed areas also possess inherent aesthetic qualities characterized by visually diverse, stimulating views of rural landscapes, towns, cities, and prominent structures. The 1.6 million new residents and 1.1 million additional jobs envisioned by the VISION 2020 update between today and 2040 would affect the visual quality of the region in many ways. This chapter generally discusses possible impacts to the visual setting of the region from the four alternatives studied.