Spatial aspects of the pressure for shoreline development: The example of puget sound

Abstract

This paper analyzes the 12‐county Puget Sound region in terms of population growth, rate of urbanization, changing occupational structures, and changing income patterns within and between the counties. The results are used to suggest spatial differences in the pressure for coastal development. Two spatial processes are identified which have been at the basis of various coastal use issues in the region: spread versus nodal development, and spatial domination or colonization. The effect of several cases of conflict upon spatial development is discussed, as is the impact of recent shorelines management legislation.