SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6301
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 3, 2010
Title: An act relating to designation of urban growth areas outside the one hundred year floodplain by counties.
Brief Description: Concerning the designation of urban growth areas outside the hundred year floodplain by counties.
Sponsors: Senator Swecker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/04/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework for county and city governments in Washington. Enacted in 1990 and 1991, the GMA establishes numerous planning requirements for counties and cities obligated by mandate or choice to fully plan under the GMA (planning jurisdictions) and a reduced number of directives for all other counties and cities.
The GMA includes numerous requirements relating to the use or development of land in urban and rural areas. Among other requirements, counties that fully plan under the GMA (planning counties) must designate urban growth areas (UGAs) or areas within which urban growth must be encouraged and outside of which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature. UGAs should be located:
first, in areas already characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing public facility and service capabilities to serve such development;
second, in areas already characterized by a combination of both existing public facilities and services and any additional needed public facilities and services that are provided by either public or private sources; and
third, in the remaining portions of the urban growth area.
Planning counties and the cities within these counties must include within their UGAs areas and densities that are sufficient to permit the urban growth projected to occur in the county or city for the succeeding 20-year period.
Summary of Bill: Counties may, through a subarea planning process, designate new UGAs outside the 100-year floodplain if population is allocated for the UGAs, and the necessary urban levels of service can be provided and provisions for the services are included within a capital facilities, utilities, or other comprehensive plan element adopted by the county, even if the new UGAs do not meet the requirements that UGAs be located:
first, in areas already characterized by urban growth that have adequate existing public facility and service capabilities to serve such development;
second, in areas already characterized by a combination of both existing public facilities and services and any additional needed public facilities and services that are provided by either public or private sources; and
third, in the remaining portions of the urban growth area.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.