SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6599

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Government Operations, February 2, 1996

Title:  An act relating to county‑wide planning policies for interjurisdictional land‑use techniques.

Brief Description:  Adding a mandatory element of county‑wide planning policies for interjurisdictional land‑use techniques.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Winsley, Heavey, Sheldon, Hale, Snyder, Wood, McAuliffe, Finkbeiner, Rinehart, Pelz, Franklin and Smith.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/24/96, 2/2/96 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6599 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey and Winsley.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  Counties planning under the Growth Management Act must adopt countywide planning policies to ensure that city and county comprehensive plans are consistent.  There are a minimum of eight factors that must be addressed in the countywide planning policy.  There is no requirement to address the facilitation of land use planning tools which, by their nature, rely upon having an interjurisdictional scope to be maximally effective.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  By January 1, 1998, counties must adopt additions to their countywide plans that address interjurisdictional development and implementation within the county of land use planning tools such as transfer of development rights, clustering and a public benefit rating system.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill changes the placement of the provision within the countywide planning policy section; requires compliance by January 1, 1998; and substitutes public benefit rating system for wetland banking.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This is a great idea that may need more work to implement properly and effectively.

Testimony Against:  Wetland banking has not been proven to be successful.

Testified:  Numerous people.