BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to implementing the recommendations of the governor's task force on regulatory reform on integrating growth management planning and environmental review; amending RCW 43.21C.075, 43.21C.031, 43.21C.110, 43.21C.080, 36.70A.140, 36.70A.300, 36.70A.330, 90.58.020, 90.58.030, 90.58.050, 90.58.060, 90.58.080, 90.58.090, 90.58.100, 90.58.120, 90.58.140, 90.58.180, 90.58.190, 34.05.461, 34.05.514, 36.70A.020, 36.70A.070, 36.70A.130, 36.70A.280, 36.70A.320, 82.02.090, 82.02.020, 82.46.010, 35.21.225, 35.43.042, 35.43.190, 35.92.010, 36.73.020, 36.94.220, 56.20.015, 57.08.010, 57.16.050, 36.70A.440, 36.70A.065, 58.17.070, 58.17.090, 58.17.092, 58.17.100, 58.17.330, 35.63.130, 35A.63.170, 36.70.970, 7.16.360, and 58.17.180; reenacting and amending RCW 36.70A.030, 36.70A.290, 36.88.010, and 56.08.010; adding new sections to chapter 36.70A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.21C RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.43 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 36.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 56.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 57.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.40 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.131 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 4.84 RCW; adding new chapters to Title 36 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 90 RCW; creating new sections; recodifying RCW 82.02.050, 82.02.060, 82.02.070, 82.02.080, 82.02.090, 82.02.100, 36.70A.065, and 36.70A.440; repealing RCW 90.58.145, 90.62.010, 90.62.020, 90.62.030, 90.62.040, 90.62.050, 90.62.060, 90.62.070, 90.62.080, 90.62.090, 90.62.100, 90.62.110, 90.62.120, 90.62.130, 90.62.900, 90.62.901, 90.62.904, 90.62.905, 90.62.906, 90.62.907, and 90.62.908; making an appropriation; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page #

PART I - PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.................... 2

PART II - PERMITTING.......................................... 84

PART III - APPEALS............................................ 114

PART IV - STUDY............................................... 123

PART V - MISCELLANEOUS........................................ 126

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes by this act that the growth management act is a fundamental building block of regulatory reform. The state and local governments have invested considerable resources in an act that should serve as the integrating framework for all other land-use related laws. The growth management act provides the means to effectively combine certainty for development decisions, reasonable environmental protection, long-range planning for cost-effective infrastructure, and orderly growth and development.

PART I - PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) In reviewing a development permit application and making a permit decision, a county or city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall rely on its adopted development regulations or in the absence of appropriate development regulations on the adopted comprehensive plan. A development permit application shall be approved, approved with conditions, or denied based on this review.

(2) At a minimum, adopted comprehensive plans and development regulations shall be relied on to determine:

(a) The type of land use permitted at the site, including uses that may be allowed under certain circumstances, such as planned unit developments and conditional and special uses, if the criteria for their approval have been satisfied;

(b) Density of residential development in urban growth areas; and

(c) System improvements, such as public facilities identified in the comprehensive plan, related to the proposed project and site, if the plan or development regulations provide for funding of these improvements as required by this chapter.

(3) During project review, the county or city is only required to determine whether the applicable items listed in subsection (2) of this section are defined in the development regulations applicable to the proposed project, or, if not defined in a development regulation adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW, then identified in the applicable elements of the comprehensive plan. During project review, the county or city shall not reexamine alternatives to or hear appeals on these items except for issues of code interpretation. As part of its project review process, a county or city shall provide a procedure for obtaining a code interpretation as provided in section 209 of this act.

(4) If the conditions of section 106 of this act are met, the requirements for environmental analysis and mitigation measures in development regulations and other applicable laws are presumed to provide adequate mitigation for the specific adverse environmental impacts to which the requirements apply.

(5) Permitting agencies shall continue to have the authority to approve, condition, or deny projects as provided in their development regulations adopted under this chapter and in their policies adopted under RCW 43.21C.060.

Specific project design and conditions relating to the character of development, such as the details of site plans, curb cuts, drainage swales, transportation demand management, the payment of impact fees, or other measures to mitigate a proposal's probable adverse environmental impacts, if applicable, shall be identified through project review.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 102. The legislature finds that during project review, a county or city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 is likely to discover the need to make various improvements in comprehensive plans and development regulations. There is no current requirement or process for applicants, citizens, or agency staff to ensure that these improvements are considered in the plan review process. The legislature also finds that in the past environmental review and permitting of proposed projects has been used to reopen and make land use planning decisions that should have been made through the comprehensive planning process, in part because agency staff and hearing examiners have not been able to ensure consideration of issues in the local planning process. The legislature further finds that, while plans and regulations should be improved and refined over time, it is unfair to penalize applicants that have submitted permit applications that meet current requirements. It is the intent of the legislature in enacting section 103 of this act to establish a means by which cities and counties will docket suggested plan amendments and ensure their consideration during the planning process.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 103. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) Project review shall be used to make individual project decisions, not land use planning decisions. If, during project review, a county or city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 identifies deficiencies in plans or regulations:

(a) The permitting process shall not be used as a comprehensive planning process;

(b) Project review shall continue; and

(2) Each county and city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall include in its development regulations a procedure for any interested person, including applicants, citizens, hearing examiners, and staff of other agencies, to suggest plan amendments. The suggested amendments shall be docketed and considered on at least a biennial basis.

(3) For purposes of this section, a deficiency in a comprehensive plan or development regulation refers to the absence of required or potentially desirable contents of a comprehensive plan or development regulation. It does not refer to whether a development regulation addresses a project's probable site-specific adverse environmental impacts which the permitting agency could mitigate in the normal project review process.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 104. Given the hundreds of jurisdictions and agencies in the state, the legislature finds that it is essential to have a uniform overall approach for applicants, citizens, land use and environmental professionals, elected and nonelected officials, and hearing examiners and other review bodies to use when evaluating whether a project meets the requirements of chapter 36.70A RCW. The legislature further finds that this uniform approach corresponds to existing project review practices and will not place a burden on applicants or local government. The legislature intends in adopting section 105 of this act for this approach to be largely a code-checking exercise for most projects, which are simple or routine, while complex projects may require more analysis.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 105. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) A proposed project's consistency with a county's or a city's development regulations adopted under this chapter, or, in the absence of applicable development regulations, the appropriate elements of the comprehensive plan, shall be determined by consideration of the type of land use, the level of development, infrastructure, including public facilities and public services needed to serve the development, and the character of development, such as design and development standards.

(2) For purposes of this section, the term "consistency" shall include all terms used in this chapter to refer to performance in accordance with this chapter, including but not limited to compliance, conformity, and consistency.

(3) Nothing in this section requires documentation, dictates an agency's procedures for considering consistency, or limits a unit of government from asking more specific or related questions with respect to any of the four main categories listed in this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 106. A new section is added to chapter 43.21C RCW to read as follows:

(1) The legislature finds that a wide range of environmental subjects and impacts have been addressed by counties, cities, and towns in comprehensive plans and development regulations adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW, and by the state and federal government in environmental rules and laws. These plans, regulations, rules, and laws often provide environmental analysis and mitigation measures for project actions without the need for an environmental impact statement or further project mitigation. When existing plans, regulations, rules, or laws provide environmental analysis and mitigation measures for the specific adverse environmental impacts of proposed projects, these requirements should be integrated with, and should not be duplicated by, environmental review under this chapter. The legislature reaffirms that a primary role of environmental review under this chapter is to focus on the gaps and overlaps that may exist, taking into account the other laws and requirements. Review of project actions in counties, cities, and towns planning under RCW 36.70A.040 should integrate environmental review with project review and not use this chapter to substitute for other land use planning and environmental requirements.

(2) In reviewing a project action, a county, city, or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall presume that requirements for environmental analysis, protection, and mitigation measures in development regulations, comprehensive plans, and other applicable local, state, or federal laws and rules provide adequate analysis of and mitigation for the specific adverse environmental impacts to which the requirements apply, and shall not conduct environmental analysis or impose mitigation under this chapter if the following has occurred:

(a)(i) The local government has considered the probable adverse environmental impacts of the proposed action and has determined that these impacts are adequately addressed by the development regulations or other applicable requirements of the comprehensive plan, subarea plan element of the comprehensive plan, or other local, state, or federal rules or laws; and

(ii) The local government has based or conditioned its approval on compliance with these requirements or mitigation measures.

(b) If the requirements of (a) of this subsection are not satisfied for some or all of the probable adverse environmental impacts of the project action, environmental review under this chapter shall be limited to those impacts and their effect on and relationship with other impacts, if any, consistent with the intent of this section, and shall be subject to the provisions of RCW 43.21C.060.

(3) For a county, city, or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040, project review shall not require additional environmental analysis or mitigation if the comprehensive plans, subarea plans, or development regulations already address a project’s probable site-specific adverse environmental impacts, as determined under subsection (2) of this section. If a comprehensive plan, subarea plan, or development regulation adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW does not address a project’s probable site-specific adverse environmental impacts, project review shall be integrated with environmental analysis under this chapter.

(4) The addressing of impacts in a comprehensive plan, subarea plan, or development regulation shall include but not be limited to the adoption or designation of levels of service, land use designations, or development standards.

(5) In deciding whether a specific adverse environmental impact has been addressed by an existing rule or law of another agency with jurisdiction with environmental expertise with regard to a specific environmental impact, the local government shall consult with that agency and may expressly defer to that agency. In making this deferral, the local government shall base or condition its project approval on compliance with these other existing rules or laws.

Sec. 107. RCW 43.21C.075 and 1994 c 253 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Because a major purpose of this chapter is to combine environmental considerations with public decisions, any appeal brought under this chapter shall be linked to a specific governmental action. The State Environmental Policy Act provides a basis for challenging whether governmental action is in compliance with the substantive and procedural provisions of this chapter. The State Environmental Policy Act is not intended to create a cause of action unrelated to a specific governmental action.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by this section:

(a) Appeals under this chapter shall be of the governmental action together with its accompanying environmental determinations.

(b) Appeals of environmental determinations made (or lacking) under this chapter shall be commenced within the time required to appeal the governmental action which is subject to environmental review.

(3) If an agency has a procedure for appeals of agency environmental determinations made under this chapter, such procedure:

(a) Shall not allow more than one agency appeal proceeding on a procedural determination (the adequacy of a determination of significance/nonsignificance or of a final environmental impact statement)((~~, consistent with any state statutory requirements for appeals to local legislative bodies~~)). The appeal proceeding on a determination of significance((~~/nonsignificance~~)) may occur before the agency's final decision on a proposed action. Such an appeal shall also be allowed for a determination of significance/nonsignificance which may be issued by the agency after supplemental review;

(b) Shall consolidate an appeal of procedural issues and of substantive determinations made under this chapter (such as a decision to require particular mitigation measures or to deny a proposal) with a hearing or appeal on the underlying governmental action by providing for a single simultaneous ((~~appeal of an~~)) hearing before one hearing officer or body to consider the agency decision on a proposal and any environmental determinations made under this chapter, with the exception of the ((~~threshold determination~~)) appeal, if any, of a determination of significance as provided in (a) of this subsection ((~~or an appeal to the local legislative authority under RCW 43.21C.060 or other applicable state statutes~~));

(c) Shall provide for the preparation of a record for use in any subsequent appeal proceedings, and shall provide for any subsequent appeal proceedings to be conducted on the record, consistent with other applicable law. An adequate record consists of findings and conclusions, testimony under oath, and taped or written transcript. An electronically recorded transcript will suffice for purposes of review under this subsection; and

(d) Shall provide that procedural determinations made by the responsible official shall be entitled to substantial weight.

(4) If a person aggrieved by an agency action has the right to judicial appeal and if an agency has an appeal procedure, such person shall, prior to seeking any judicial review, use such agency procedure if any such procedure is available, unless expressly provided otherwise by state statute.

(5) RCW 43.21C.080 establishes an optional "notice of action" procedure which, if used, imposes a time period for appealing decisions under this chapter. Some statutes and ordinances contain time periods for challenging governmental actions which are subject to review under this chapter, such as various local land use approvals (the "underlying governmental action"). This section does not modify any such time periods. ((This section governs when a judicial appeal must be brought under this chapter where a "notice of action" is used, and/or where there is another time period which is required by statute or ordinance for challenging the underlying governmental action.)) In this subsection, the term "appeal" refers to a judicial appeal only.

(a) If there is a time period for appealing the underlying governmental action, appeals under this chapter shall be commenced within ((~~thirty days~~)) such time period. The agency shall give official notice stating the date and place for commencing an appeal. ((If there is an agency proceeding under subsection (3) of this section, the appellant shall, prior to commencing a judicial appeal, submit to the responsible official a notice of intent to commence a judicial appeal. This notice of intent shall be given within the time period for commencing a judicial appeal on the underlying governmental action.))

(b) If there is no time period for appealing the underlying governmental action, and a notice of action under RCW 43.21C.080 ((~~may be used. If a notice of action~~)) is used, ((~~judicial~~)) appeals shall be commenced within the time period specified by RCW 43.21C.080((~~, unless there is a time period for appealing the underlying governmental action in which case (a) of this subsection shall apply.~~

~~(c) Notwithstanding RCW 43.21C.080(1), if there is a time period for appealing the underlying governmental action, a notice of action may be published within such time period~~)).

(6)(a) Judicial review of an appeal decision made by an agency under ((~~RCW 43.21C.075(5)~~)) subsection (5) of this section shall be on the record, consistent with other applicable law.

(b) A taped or written transcript may be used. If a taped transcript is to be reviewed, a record shall identify the location on the taped transcript of testimony and evidence to be reviewed. Parties are encouraged to designate only those portions of the testimony necessary to present the issues raised on review, but if a party alleges that a finding of fact is not supported by evidence, the party should include in the record all evidence relevant to the disputed finding. Any other party may designate additional portions of the taped transcript relating to issues raised on review. A party may provide a written transcript of portions of the testimony at the party's own expense or apply to that court for an order requiring the party seeking review to pay for additional portions of the written transcript.

(c) Judicial review under this chapter shall without exception be of the governmental action together with its accompanying environmental determinations.

(7) Jurisdiction over the review of determinations under this chapter in an appeal before an agency or superior court shall upon consent of the parties be transferred in whole or part to the shorelines hearings board. The shorelines hearings board shall hear the matter and sign the final order expeditiously. The superior court shall certify the final order of the shorelines hearings board and said certified final order may only be appealed to an appellate court. In the case of an appeal under this chapter regarding a project or other matter that is also the subject of an appeal to the shorelines hearings board under chapter 90.58 RCW, the shorelines hearings board shall have sole jurisdiction over both the appeal under this section and the appeal under chapter 90.58 RCW, shall consider them together, and shall issue a final order within one hundred eighty days as provided in RCW 90.58.180.

(8) For purposes of this section and RCW 43.21C.080, the words "action", "decision", and "determination" mean substantive agency action including any accompanying procedural determinations under this chapter (except where the word "action" means "appeal" in RCW 43.21C.080(2) and (3)). The word "action" in this section and RCW 43.21C.080 does not mean a procedural determination by itself made under this chapter. The word "determination" includes any environmental document required by this chapter and state or local implementing rules. The word "agency" refers to any state or local unit of government. Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, the word "appeal" refers to administrative, legislative, or judicial appeals.

(9) The court in its discretion may award reasonable attorney's fees of up to one thousand dollars in the aggregate to the prevailing party, including a governmental agency, on issues arising out of this chapter if the court makes specific findings that the legal position of a party is frivolous and without reasonable basis.

Sec. 108. RCW 43.21C.031 and 1983 c 117 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) An environmental impact statement (the detailed statement required by RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)) shall be prepared on proposals for legislation and other major actions having a probable significant, adverse environmental impact. The environmental impact statement may be combined with the recommendation or report on the proposal or issued as a separate document. Actions categorically exempt under RCW 43.21C.110(1)(a) do not require environmental review or the preparation of an environmental impact statement under this chapter. In a county, city, or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040, a planned action, as provided for in subsection (2) of this section, does not require a threshold determination or the preparation of an environmental impact statement under this chapter, but is subject to environmental review and mitigation as provided in section 106 of this act.

An environmental impact statement is required to analyze only those probable adverse environmental impacts which are significant. Beneficial environmental impacts may be discussed. The responsible official shall consult with agencies and the public to identify such impacts and limit the scope of an environmental impact statement. The subjects listed in RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) need not be treated as separate sections of an environmental impact statement. Discussions of significant short-term and long-term environmental impacts, significant irrevocable commitments of natural resources, significant alternatives including mitigation measures, and significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated should be consolidated or included, as applicable, in those sections of an environmental impact statement where the responsible official decides they logically belong.

(2)(a) For purposes of this section, a planned action means one or more types of project action that:

(i) Are designated planned actions by an ordinance or resolution by a county, city, or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040;

(ii) Have had the significant impacts adequately addressed in an environmental impact statement prepared in conjunction with (A) a comprehensive plan adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW, or (B) a fully contained community, a master planned resort, a master planned development, a phased project, or other development;

(iii) Are subsequent or implementing proposals for the projects listed in (a)(ii) of this subsection;

(iv) Are located within an urban growth area, as defined in RCW 36.70A.030;

(v) Are not essential public facilities, as defined in RCW 36.70A.200; and

(vi) Are consistent with a comprehensive plan adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW.

(b) A county, city, or town shall limit planned actions to certain types of development or to specific geographical areas that are less extensive than the jurisdictional boundaries of the county, city, or town.

Sec. 109. RCW 43.21C.110 and 1983 c 117 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be the duty and function of the department of ecology((~~, which may utilize proposed rules developed by the environmental policy commission~~)):

(1) To adopt and amend thereafter rules of interpretation and implementation of this chapter ((~~(the state environmental policy act of 1971)~~)), subject to the requirements of chapter 34.05 RCW, for the purpose of providing uniform rules and guidelines to all branches of government including state agencies, political subdivisions, public and municipal corporations, and counties. The proposed rules shall be subject to full public hearings requirements associated with rule promulgation. Suggestions for modifications of the proposed rules shall be considered on their merits, and the department shall have the authority and responsibility for full and appropriate independent promulgation and adoption of rules, assuring consistency with this chapter as amended and with the preservation of protections afforded by this chapter. The rule making powers authorized in this section shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following phases of interpretation and implementation of this chapter ((~~(the state environmental policy act of 1971)~~)):

(a) Categories of governmental actions which are not to be considered as potential major actions significantly affecting the quality of the environment, including categories pertaining to applications for water right permits pursuant to chapters 90.03 and 90.44 RCW. Actions that are included as categorically exempt may not be conditioned or denied under this chapter. The types of actions included as categorical exemptions in the rules shall be limited to those types which are not major actions significantly affecting the quality of the environment. The rules shall provide for certain circumstances where actions which potentially are categorically exempt require environmental review.

(b) Rules for criteria and procedures applicable to the determination of when an act of a branch of government is a major action significantly affecting the quality of the environment for which a detailed statement is required to be prepared pursuant to RCW 43.21C.030.

(c) Rules and procedures applicable to the preparation of detailed statements and other environmental documents, including but not limited to rules for timing of environmental review, obtaining comments, data and other information, and providing for and determining areas of public participation which shall include the scope and review of draft environmental impact statements.

(d) Scope of coverage and contents of detailed statements assuring that such statements are simple, uniform, and as short as practicable; statements are required to analyze only reasonable alternatives and probable adverse environmental impacts which are significant, and may analyze beneficial impacts.

(e) Rules and procedures for public notification of actions taken and documents prepared.

(f) Definition of terms relevant to the implementation of this chapter including the establishment of a list of elements of the environment. Analysis of environmental considerations under RCW 43.21C.030(2) may be required only for those subjects listed as elements of the environment (or portions thereof). The list of elements of the environment shall consist of the "natural" and "built" environment. The elements of the built environment shall consist of public services and utilities (such as water, sewer, schools, fire and police protection), transportation, environmental health (such as explosive materials and toxic waste), and land and shoreline use (including housing, and a description of the relationships with land use and shoreline plans and designations, including population).

(g) Rules for determining the obligations and powers under this chapter of two or more branches of government involved in the same project significantly affecting the quality of the environment.

(h) Methods to assure adequate public awareness of the preparation and issuance of detailed statements required by RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).

(i) To prepare rules for projects setting forth the time limits within which the governmental entity responsible for the action shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(j) Rules for utilization of a detailed statement for more than one action and rules improving environmental analysis of nonproject proposals and encouraging better interagency coordination and integration between this chapter and other environmental laws.

(k) Rules relating to actions which shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter in situations of emergency.

(l) Rules relating to the use of environmental documents in planning and decision making and the implementation of the substantive policies and requirements of this chapter, including procedures for appeals under this chapter.

(m) Rules and procedures that provide for the integration of environmental review with project review as provided in section 106 of this act. The rules and procedures shall be jointly developed with the department of community, trade, and economic development and shall be applicable to the preparation of environmental documents for actions in counties, cities, and towns planning under RCW 36.70A.040. The rules and procedures shall also include criteria to analyze the consistency of project actions, including planned actions, with development regulations adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW, or in the absence of applicable development regulations, the appropriate elements of a comprehensive plan or subarea plan adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW. Ordinances or procedures adopted by a county, city, or town to implement the provisions of section 106 of this act prior to the effective date of rules adopted pursuant to this subsection (1)(m) shall continue to be effective until the adoption of any new or revised ordinances or procedures that may be required. If any revisions are required by RCW 43.21C.120 as a result of rules adopted pursuant to this subsection (1)(m), those revisions shall be within the limits specified in RCW 43.21C.120.

(2) In exercising its powers, functions, and duties under this section, the department may:

(a) Consult with the state agencies and with representatives of science, industry, agriculture, labor, conservation organizations, state and local governments and other groups, as it deems advisable; and

(b) Utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the services, facilities, and information (including statistical information) of public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals, in order to avoid duplication of effort and expense, overlap, or conflict with similar activities authorized by law and performed by established agencies.

(3) Rules adopted pursuant to this section shall be subject to the review procedures of chapter 34.05 RCW ((~~34.05.538 and 34.05.240~~)).

Sec. 110. RCW 43.21C.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 278 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Notice of any action taken by a governmental agency may be publicized by the acting governmental agency, the applicant for, or the proponent of such action, in substantially the form as set forth in subsection (3) of this section and in the following manner:

(a) By publishing notice on the same day of each week for two consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the area where the property which is the subject of the action is located;

(b) By filing notice of such action with the department of ecology at its main office in Olympia prior to the date of the last newspaper publication; and

(c) Except for those actions which are of a nonproject nature, by one of the following methods which shall be accomplished prior to the date of ((~~last~~)) first newspaper publication;

(i) Mailing to the latest recorded real property owners, as shown by the records of the county treasurer, who share a common boundary line with the property upon which the project is proposed through United States mail, first class, postage prepaid.

(ii) Posting of the notice in a conspicuous manner on the property upon which the project is to be constructed.

(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection and RCW 43.21C.075(5)(a), any action to set aside, enjoin, review, or otherwise challenge any such governmental action for which notice is given as provided in subsection (1) of this section on grounds of noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be commenced within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date of last newspaper publication of the notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, or be barred((~~: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That~~)).

(b) The time period within which an action shall be commenced shall be ((~~ninety~~)) twenty-one days (i) for projects to be performed by a governmental agency or to be performed under government contract, or (ii) for thermal power plant projects((~~: PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)).

(c) Any subsequent governmental action on the proposal for which notice has been given as provided in subsection (1) of this section shall not be set aside, enjoined, reviewed, or otherwise challenged on grounds of noncompliance with the provisions of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(a) through (h) unless there has been a substantial change in the proposal between the time of the first governmental action and the subsequent governmental action, or unless the action now being considered was identified in an earlier detailed statement or declaration of nonsignificance as being one which would require further environmental evaluation.

((~~(b)~~)) (d) Any action to challenge a subsequent governmental action based upon any provisions of this chapter shall be commenced within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date of last newspaper publication of the subsequent governmental action except (i) for projects to be performed by a governmental agency or to be performed under governmental contract, or (ii) for thermal power plant projects which shall be challenged within ((~~ninety~~)) twenty-one days from the date of last newspaper publication of the subsequent governmental action, or be barred.

(3) The form for such notice of action shall be ((~~issued~~)) established by the department of ecology by rule and shall be made available by the governmental agency taking an action subject to being publicized pursuant to this section, by the county auditor, and/or the city clerk to the project applicant or proposer. ((~~The form of such notice shall be substantially as follows:~~

~~NOTICE OF ACTION BY~~

~~. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~~

~~(Government agency or entity)~~

~~Pursuant to the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW, notice is hereby given that:~~

~~The . . . . . . . . . (Government agency or entity) did on . . . . . . (date), take the action described below.~~

Any action to set aside, enjoin, review, or otherwise challenge such action on the grounds of noncompliance with the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW (State Environmental Policy Act) shall be commenced within . . . . days or be barred.

~~The action taken by . . . . . . . . . (Government agency or entity), notice of which is hereby given, was as follows:~~

~~(1) . . . . . . . . . (Here insert description of action taken such as: Adoption Ordinance No. . . . .; Issued Building Permit; Approved preliminary (or final) plat, etc.)~~

~~(2) . . . . . . . . . (Here insert brief description of the complete project or proposal.)~~

~~(3) Said action pertained to property commonly known as:~~

~~.................................................................~~

~~(Sufficient description to locate property, but complete legal description not required)~~

~~(4) Pertinent documents may be examined during regular business hours at the office of: . . . . . . located at:~~

~~.................................................................~~

~~(Location, including room number)~~

~~.................................................................~~

~~(Name of government agency, proponent, or applicant giving notice)~~

~~Filed by ........................................................~~

~~(Signature of individual and capacity in which such individual is signing)~~))

Sec. 111. RCW 36.70A.030 and 1994 c 307 s 2 and 1994 c 257 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Adopt a comprehensive land use plan" means to enact a new comprehensive land use plan or to update an existing comprehensive land use plan.

(2) "Agricultural land" means land primarily devoted to the commercial production of horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, vegetable, or animal products or of berries, grain, hay, straw, turf, seed, Christmas trees not subject to the excise tax imposed by RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, finfish in upland hatcheries, or livestock, and that has long-term commercial significance for agricultural production.

(3) "City" means any city or town, including a code city.

(4) "Comprehensive land use plan," "comprehensive plan," or "plan" means a generalized coordinated land use policy statement of the governing body of a county or city that is adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(5) "Critical areas" include the following areas and ecosystems: (a) Wetlands; (b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; (c) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; (d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas.

(6) "Department" means the department of community, trade, and economic development.

(7) ((~~For purposes of RCW 36.70A.065 and 36.70A.440,~~)) "Development permit application" means any application for a development proposal for a use that could be permitted under a plan adopted pursuant to this chapter and is consistent with the underlying land use and zoning, including but not limited to building permits, subdivisions, substantial development permits under chapter 90.58 RCW, binding site plans, planned unit developments, variances, conditional uses or other applications pertaining to land uses, but shall not include ((~~rezones,~~)) proposed amendments to comprehensive plans or the adoption or amendment of development regulations. An application for a rezone of a specific parcel or parcels of property that is authorized by a comprehensive plan or subarea plan that is in effect on the date of application is a development permit application.

(8) "Development regulations" means ((~~any~~)) the controls placed on development or land use activities by a county or city, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical areas ordinances, shoreline master programs, official controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances together with any amendments thereto. Development regulations do not include decisions to approve a development permit application, even though such decisions may be expressed in a resolution or ordinance of the legislative body of the county or city.

(9) "Forest land" means land primarily devoted to growing trees for long-term commercial timber production on land that can be economically and practically managed for such production, including Christmas trees subject to the excise tax imposed under RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, and that has long-term commercial significance. In determining whether forest land is primarily devoted to growing trees for long-term commercial timber production on land that can be economically and practically managed for such production, the following factors shall be considered: (a) The proximity of the land to urban, suburban, and rural settlements; (b) surrounding parcel size and the compatibility and intensity of adjacent and nearby land uses; (c) long-term local economic conditions that affect the ability to manage for timber production; and (d) the availability of public facilities and services conducive to conversion of forest land to other uses.

(10) "Geologically hazardous areas" means areas that because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events, are not suited to the siting of commercial, residential, or industrial development consistent with public health or safety concerns.

(11) "Long-term commercial significance" includes the growing capacity, productivity, and soil composition of the land for long-term commercial production, in consideration with the land's proximity to population areas, and the possibility of more intense uses of the land.

(12) "Minerals" include gravel, sand, and valuable metallic substances.

(13) "Public facilities" include streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, parks and recreational facilities, and schools.

(14) "Public services" include fire protection and suppression, law enforcement, public health, education, recreation, environmental protection, and other governmental services.

(15) "Urban growth" refers to growth that makes intensive use of land for the location of buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a degree as to be incompatible with the primary use of such land for the production of food, other agricultural products, or fiber, or the extraction of mineral resources. When allowed to spread over wide areas, urban growth typically requires urban governmental services. "Characterized by urban growth" refers to land having urban growth located on it, or to land located in relationship to an area with urban growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth.

(16) "Urban growth areas" means those areas designated by a county pursuant to RCW 36.70A.110.

(17) "Urban governmental services" include those governmental services historically and typically delivered by cities, and include storm and sanitary sewer systems, domestic water systems, street cleaning services, fire and police protection services, public transit services, and other public utilities associated with urban areas and normally not associated with nonurban areas.

(18) "Wetland" or "wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities. ((~~However,~~)) Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas created to mitigate conversion of wetlands((~~, if permitted by the county or city~~)).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 112. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) In designating and protecting critical areas under this chapter, counties and cities shall include the best available science in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. In addition, counties and cities shall give special consideration to conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fisheries.

(2) If it determines that advice from scientific or other experts is necessary or will be of substantial assistance in reaching its decision, a growth management hearings board may retain scientific or other expert advice to assist in reviewing a petition under RCW 36.70A.290 that involves critical areas.

Sec. 113. RCW 36.70A.140 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

Each county and city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations implementing such plans. The procedures shall provide for broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public meetings after effective notice, provision for open discussion, communication programs, information services, and consideration of and response to public comments. In enacting legislation in response to the board's decision pursuant to RCW 36.70A.300 declaring part or all of a comprehensive plan or development regulation invalid, the county or city shall provide for public participation that is appropriate and effective under the circumstances presented by the board's order. Errors in exact compliance with the established program and procedures shall not render the comprehensive land use plan or development regulations invalid if the spirit of the program and procedures is observed.

Sec. 114. RCW 36.70A.300 and 1991 sp.s. c 32 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The board shall issue a final order within one hundred eighty days of receipt of the petition for review, or, when multiple petitions are filed, within one hundred eighty days of receipt of the last petition that is consolidated. Such a final order shall be based exclusively on whether or not a state agency, county, or city is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, chapter 90.58 RCW as it relates to adoption or amendment of shoreline master programs, or chapter 43.21C RCW as it relates to plans, development regulations, and amendments thereto, adopted under RCW 36.70A.040 or chapter 90.58 RCW. In the final order, the board shall either: (a) Find that the state agency, county, or city is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or chapter 90.58 RCW as it relates to the adoption or amendment of shoreline master programs; or (b) find that the state agency, county, or city is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or chapter 90.58 RCW as it relates to the adoption or amendment of shoreline master programs, in which case the board shall remand the matter to the affected state agency, county, or city and specify a reasonable time not in excess of one hundred eighty days within which the state agency, county, or city shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(2) A finding of noncompliance and an order of remand shall not affect the validity of comprehensive plans and development regulations during the period of remand, unless the board's final order also:

(a) Includes a determination, supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law, that the continued validity of the plan or regulation would substantially interfere with the fulfillment of the goals of this chapter; and

(b) Specifies the particular part or parts of the plan or regulation that are determined to be invalid, and the reasons for their invalidity.

(3) A determination of invalidity shall:

(a) Be prospective in effect and shall not extinguish rights that vested under state or local law before the date of the board's order; and

(b) Subject any development application that would otherwise vest after the date of the board's order to the legislation that both is enacted in response to the order of remand and determined by the board pursuant to RCW 36.70A.330 to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(4) If the ordinance that adopts a plan or development regulation under this chapter includes a savings clause intended to revive prior policies or regulations in the event the new plan or regulations are determined to be invalid, the board shall determine under subsection (2) of this section whether the prior policies or regulations are valid during the period of remand.

(5) Any party aggrieved by a final decision of the hearings board may appeal the decision as provided in RCW 34.05.514 to ((~~Thurston county~~)) superior court within thirty days of the final order of the board.

Sec. 115. RCW 36.70A.330 and 1991 sp.s. c 32 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) After the time set for complying with the requirements of this chapter under RCW 36.70A.300(1)(b) has expired, or at an earlier time upon the motion of a county or city subject to a determination of invalidity under RCW 36.70A.300, the board((~~, on its own motion or motion of the petitioner,~~)) shall set a hearing for the purpose of determining whether the state agency, county, or city is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

(2) The board shall conduct a hearing and issue a finding of compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter. A person with standing to challenge the legislation enacted in response to the board's final order may participate in the hearing along with the petitioner and the state agency, city, or county. A hearing under this subsection shall be given the highest priority of business to be conducted by the board, and a finding shall be issued within forty-five days of the filing of the motion under subsection (1) of this section with the board.

(3) If the board finds that the state agency, county, or city is not in compliance, the board shall transmit its finding to the governor. The board may recommend to the governor that the sanctions authorized by this chapter be imposed. The board shall also reconsider its final order and decide:

(a) If a determination of invalidity has been made, whether such a determination should be rescinded or modified under the standards in RCW 36.70A.300(2); or

(b) If no determination of invalidity has been made, whether one now should be made under the standards in RCW 36.70A.300(2).

The board shall schedule additional hearings as appropriate pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

Sec. 116. RCW 90.58.020 and 1992 c 105 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds that the shorelines of the state are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources and that there is great concern throughout the state relating to their utilization, protection, restoration, and preservation. In addition it finds that ever increasing pressures of additional uses are being placed on the shorelines necessitating increased coordination in the management and development of the shorelines of the state. The legislature further finds that much of the shorelines of the state and the uplands adjacent thereto are in private ownership; that unrestricted construction on the privately owned or publicly owned shorelines of the state is not in the best public interest; and therefore, coordinated planning is necessary in order to protect the public interest associated with the shorelines of the state while, at the same time, recognizing and protecting private property rights consistent with the public interest. There is, therefor, a clear and urgent demand for a planned, rational, and concerted effort, jointly performed by federal, state, and local governments, to prevent the inherent harm in an uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state's shorelines.

It is the policy of the state to provide for the management of the shorelines of the state by planning for and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses. This policy is designed to insure the development of these shorelines in a manner which, while allowing for limited reduction of rights of the public in the navigable waters, will promote and enhance the public interest. This policy contemplates protecting against adverse effects to the public health, the land and its vegetation and wildlife, and the waters of the state and their aquatic life, while protecting generally public rights of navigation and corollary rights incidental thereto.

The legislature declares that the interest of all of the people shall be paramount in the management of shorelines of state-wide significance. The department, in adopting guidelines for shorelines of state-wide significance, and local government, in developing master programs for shorelines of state-wide significance, shall give preference to uses in the following order of preference which:

(1) Recognize and protect the state-wide interest over local interest;

(2) Preserve the natural character of the shoreline;

(3) Result in long term over short term benefit;

(4) Protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline;

(5) Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shorelines;

(6) Increase recreational opportunities for the public in the shoreline;

(7) Provide for any other element as defined in RCW 90.58.100 deemed appropriate or necessary.

In the implementation of this policy the public's opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of natural shorelines of the state shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible consistent with the overall best interest of the state and the people generally. To this end uses shall be preferred which are consistent with control of pollution and prevention of damage to the natural environment, or are unique to or dependent upon use of the state's shoreline. Alterations of the natural condition of the shorelines of the state, in those limited instances when authorized, shall be given priority for single family residences and their appurtenant structures, ports, shoreline recreational uses including but not limited to parks, marinas, piers, and other improvements facilitating public access to shorelines of the state, industrial and commercial developments which are particularly dependent on their location on or use of the shorelines of the state and other development that will provide an opportunity for substantial numbers of the people to enjoy the shorelines of the state. Alterations of the natural condition of the shorelines and ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands of the state shall be recognized by the department. Shorelines and ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands of the state shall be appropriately classified and these classifications shall be revised when circumstances warrant regardless of whether the change in circumstances occurs through man-made causes or natural causes. Any areas resulting from alterations of the natural condition of the shorelines and ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands of the state no longer meeting the definition of "shorelines of the state" shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 90.58 RCW.

Permitted uses in the shorelines of the state shall be designed and conducted in a manner to minimize, insofar as practical, any resultant damage to the ecology and environment of the shoreline area and any interference with the public's use of the water.

Sec. 117. RCW 90.58.030 and 1987 c 474 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions and concepts apply:

(1) Administration:

(a) "Department" means the department of ecology;

(b) "Director" means the director of the department of ecology;

(c) "Local government" means any county, incorporated city, or town which contains within its boundaries any lands or waters subject to this chapter;

(d) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, organization, cooperative, public or municipal corporation, or agency of the state or local governmental unit however designated;

(e) "Hearing board" means the shoreline hearings board established by this chapter.

(2) Geographical:

(a) "Extreme low tide" means the lowest line on the land reached by a receding tide;

(b) "Ordinary high water mark" on all lakes, streams, and tidal water is that mark that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to vegetation as that condition exists on June 1, 1971, as it may naturally change thereafter, or as it may change thereafter in accordance with permits issued by a local government or the department: PROVIDED, That in any area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the ordinary high water mark adjoining salt water shall be the line of mean higher high tide and the ordinary high water mark adjoining fresh water shall be the line of mean high water;

(c) "Shorelines of the state" are the total of all "shorelines" and "shorelines of state-wide significance" within the state;

(d) "Shorelines" means all of the water areas of the state, including reservoirs, and their associated ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands, together with the lands underlying them; except (i) shorelines of state-wide significance; (ii) shorelines on segments of streams upstream of a point where the mean annual flow is twenty cubic feet per second or less and the wetlands associated with such upstream segments; and (iii) shorelines on lakes less than twenty acres in size and wetlands associated with such small lakes;

(e) "Shorelines of state-wide significance" means the following shorelines of the state:

(i) The area between the ordinary high water mark and the western boundary of the state from Cape Disappointment on the south to Cape Flattery on the north, including harbors, bays, estuaries, and inlets;

(ii) Those areas of Puget Sound and adjacent salt waters and the Strait of Juan de Fuca between the ordinary high water mark and the line of extreme low tide as follows:

(A) Nisqually Delta‑-from DeWolf Bight to Tatsolo Point,

(B) Birch Bay‑-from Point Whitehorn to Birch Point,

(D) Skagit Bay and adjacent area‑-from Brown Point to Yokeko Point, and

(E) Padilla Bay‑-from March Point to William Point;

(iii) Those areas of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and adjacent salt waters north to the Canadian line and lying seaward from the line of extreme low tide;

(iv) Those lakes, whether natural, artificial, or a combination thereof, with a surface acreage of one thousand acres or more measured at the ordinary high water mark;

(v) Those natural rivers or segments thereof as follows:

(A) Any west of the crest of the Cascade range downstream of a point where the mean annual flow is measured at one thousand cubic feet per second or more,

(B) Any east of the crest of the Cascade range downstream of a point where the annual flow is measured at two hundred cubic feet per second or more, or those portions of rivers east of the crest of the Cascade range downstream from the first three hundred square miles of drainage area, whichever is longer;

(vi) Those ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands associated with (i), (ii), (iv), and (v) of this subsection (2)(e);

(f) "((~~Wetlands~~)) Shorelands" or "((~~wetland~~)) shoreland areas" means those lands extending landward for two hundred feet in all directions as measured on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark; floodways and contiguous floodplain areas landward two hundred feet from such floodways; and all ((~~marshes, bogs, swamps,~~)) wetlands and river deltas associated with the streams, lakes, and tidal waters which are subject to the provisions of this chapter; the same to be designated as to location by the department of ecology((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). Any county or city may determine that portion of a one-hundred-year-flood plain to be included in its master program as long as such portion includes, as a minimum, the floodway and the adjacent land extending landward two hundred feet therefrom;

(g) "Floodway" means those portions of the area of a river valley lying streamward from the outer limits of a watercourse upon which flood waters are carried during periods of flooding that occur with reasonable regularity, although not necessarily annually, said floodway being identified, under normal condition, by changes in surface soil conditions or changes in types or quality of vegetative ground cover condition. The floodway shall not include those lands that can reasonably be expected to be protected from flood waters by flood control devices maintained by or maintained under license from the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state;

(h) "Wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas to mitigate the conversion of other wetlands.

(3) Procedural terms:

(a) "Guidelines" means those standards adopted to implement the policy of this chapter for regulation of use of the shorelines of the state prior to adoption of master programs. Such standards shall also provide criteria to local governments and the department in developing master programs;

(b) "Master program" shall mean the comprehensive use plan for a described area, and the use regulations together with maps, diagrams, charts, or other descriptive material and text, a statement of desired goals, and standards developed in accordance with the policies enunciated in RCW 90.58.020;

(c) "State master program" is the cumulative total of all master programs approved or adopted by the department of ecology;

(d) "Development" means a use consisting of the construction or exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel, or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or any project of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying lands subject to this chapter at any state of water level;

(e) "Substantial development" shall mean any development of which the total cost or fair market value exceeds two thousand five hundred dollars, or any development which materially interferes with the normal public use of the water or shorelines of the state; except that the following shall not be considered substantial developments for the purpose of this chapter:

(i) Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire, or elements;

(ii) Construction of the normal protective bulkhead common to single family residences;

(iii) Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements;

(iv) Construction and practices normal or necessary for farming, irrigation, and ranching activities, including agricultural service roads and utilities on ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands, and the construction and maintenance of irrigation structures including but not limited to head gates, pumping facilities, and irrigation channels((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). A feedlot of any size, all processing plants, other activities of a commercial nature, alteration of the contour of the ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands by leveling or filling other than that which results from normal cultivation, shall not be considered normal or necessary farming or ranching activities. A feedlot shall be an enclosure or facility used or capable of being used for feeding livestock hay, grain, silage, or other livestock feed, but shall not include land for growing crops or vegetation for livestock feeding and/or grazing, nor shall it include normal livestock wintering operations;

(v) Construction or modification of navigational aids such as channel markers and anchor buoys;

(vi) Construction on ((~~wetlands~~)) shorelands by an owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of a single family residence for his own use or for the use of his family, which residence does not exceed a height of thirty-five feet above average grade level and which meets all requirements of the state agency or local government having jurisdiction thereof, other than requirements imposed pursuant to this chapter;

(vii) Construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of single and multiple family residences, the cost of which does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars;

(viii) Operation, maintenance, or construction of canals, waterways, drains, reservoirs, or other facilities that now exist or are hereafter created or developed as a part of an irrigation system for the primary purpose of making use of system waters, including return flow and artificially stored ground water for the irrigation of lands;

(ix) The marking of property lines or corners on state owned lands, when such marking does not significantly interfere with normal public use of the surface of the water;

(x) Operation and maintenance of any system of dikes, ditches, drains, or other facilities existing on September 8, 1975, which were created, developed, or utilized primarily as a part of an agricultural drainage or diking system((;

(xi) Any action commenced prior to December 31, 1982, pertaining to (A) the restoration of interim transportation services as may be necessary as a consequence of the destruction of the Hood Canal bridge, including, but not limited to, improvements to highways, development of park and ride facilities, and development of ferry terminal facilities until a new or reconstructed Hood Canal bridge is open to traffic; and (B) the reconstruction of a permanent bridge at the site of the original Hood Canal bridge)).

Sec. 118. RCW 90.58.050 and 1971 ex.s. c 286 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

This chapter establishes a cooperative program of shoreline management between local government and the state. Local government shall have the primary responsibility for initiating the planning required by this chapter and administering the regulatory program consistent with the policy and provisions of this chapter. The department shall act primarily in a supportive and review capacity with ((~~primary~~)) an emphasis on providing assistance to local government and on insuring compliance with the policy and provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 119. RCW 90.58.060 and 1971 ex.s. c 286 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((~~Within one hundred twenty days from June 1, 1971,~~)) The department shall ((~~submit to local governments proposed~~)) periodically review and adopt guidelines consistent with RCW 90.58.020, containing the elements specified in RCW 90.58.100 for:

(a) Development of master programs for regulation of the uses of shorelines; and

(b) Development of master programs for regulation of the uses of shorelines of state-wide significance.

(2) Before adopting or amending guidelines under this section, the department shall provide an opportunity for public review and comment as follows:

(a) The department shall mail copies of the proposal to all cities, counties, and federally recognized Indian tribes, and to any other person who has requested a copy, and shall publish the proposed guidelines in the Washington state register. Comments shall be submitted in writing to the department within sixty days from ((~~receipt of such proposed guidelines, local governments shall submit to the department in writing proposed changes, if any, and comments upon the proposed guidelines.~~

(3) Thereafter and within one hundred twenty days from the submission of such proposed guidelines to local governments, the department, after review and consideration of the comments and suggestions submitted to it, shall resubmit final proposed guidelines.

~~(4) Within sixty days thereafter public hearings shall be held by~~)) the date the proposal has been published in the register.

(b) The department ((~~in Olympia and Spokane, at which interested public and private parties shall have the opportunity~~)) shall hold at least four public hearings on the proposal in different locations throughout the state to provide a reasonable opportunity for residents in all parts of the state to present statements and views on the proposed guidelines. Notice of ((~~such~~)) the hearings shall be published at least once in each of the three weeks immediately preceding the hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation in each county of the state. If an amendment to the guidelines addresses an issue limited to one geographic area, the number and location of hearings may be adjusted consistent with the intent of this subsection to assure all parties a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment. The department shall accept written comments on the proposal during the sixty-day public comment period and for seven days after the final public hearing.

(c) At the conclusion of the public comment period, the department shall review the comments received and modify the proposal consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The proposal shall then be published for adoption pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.

((~~(5) Within ninety days following such public hearings, the department at a public hearing to be held in Olympia shall adopt guidelines.~~)) (3) The department may propose amendments to the guidelines not more than once each year. At least once every five years the department shall conduct a review of the guidelines pursuant to the procedures outlined in subsection (2) of this section.

Sec. 120. RCW 90.58.080 and 1974 ex.s. c 61 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Local governments ((~~are directed with regard to shorelines of the state within their various jurisdictions as follows:~~

(1) To complete within eighteen months after June 1, 1971, a comprehensive inventory of such shorelines. Such inventory shall include but not be limited to the general ownership patterns of the lands located therein in terms of public and private ownership, a survey of the general natural characteristics thereof, present uses conducted therein and initial projected uses thereof;

~~(2) To~~)) shall develop or amend, within twenty-four months after the adoption of guidelines as provided in RCW 90.58.060, a master program for regulation of uses of the shorelines of the state consistent with the required elements of the guidelines adopted by the department.

Sec. 121. RCW 90.58.090 and 1971 ex.s. c 286 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A master program((~~s or segments thereof~~)), segment of a master program, or an amendment to a master program shall become effective when ((~~adopted or~~)) approved by the department ((~~as appropriate~~)). Within the time period provided in RCW 90.58.080, each local government shall have submitted a master program, either totally or by segments, for all shorelines of the state within its jurisdiction to the department for review and approval.

(2) Upon receipt of a proposed master program or amendment, the department shall:

(a) Provide notice to and opportunity for written comment by all interested parties of record as a part of the local government review process for the proposal and to all persons, groups, and agencies that have requested in writing notice of proposed master programs or amendments generally or for a specific area, subject matter, or issue. The comment period shall be at least thirty days, unless the department determines that the level of complexity or controversy involved supports a shorter period;

(b) In the department's discretion, conduct a public hearing during the thirty-day comment period in the jurisdiction proposing the master program or amendment;

(c) Within fifteen days after the close of public comment, request the local government to review the issues identified by the public, interested parties, groups, and agencies and provide a written response as to how the proposal addresses the identified issues;

(d) Within thirty days after receipt of the local government response pursuant to (c) of this subsection, make written findings and conclusions regarding the consistency of the proposal with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines, provide a response to the issues identified in (c) of this subsection, and either approve the proposal as submitted, recommend specific changes necessary to make the proposal approvable, or deny approval of the proposal in those instances where no alteration of the proposal appears likely to accomplish the purposes for which it was submitted and the requirements of this chapter. The written findings and conclusions shall be provided to the local government, all interested persons, parties, groups, and agencies of record on the proposal;

(e) If the department recommends changes to the proposed master program or amendment, within thirty days after the department mails the written findings and conclusions to the local government, the local government may:

(i) Agree to the proposed changes. The receipt by the department of the written notice of agreement constitutes final action by the department approving the amendment; or

(ii) Submit an alternative proposal. If, in the opinion of the department, the alternative is consistent with the purpose and intent of the changes originally submitted by the department and with this chapter it shall approve the changes and provide written notice to all recipients of the written findings and conclusions. If the department determines the proposal is not consistent with the purpose and intent of the changes proposed by the department, the department may resubmit the proposal for public and agency review pursuant to this section or reject the proposal.

((~~(1) As to those segments of the master program relating to shorelines, they shall be approved by~~))

(3) The department shall approve the segment of a master program relating to shorelines unless it determines that the submitted segments are not consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines. ((If approval is denied, the department shall state within ninety days from the date of submission in detail the precise facts upon which that decision is based, and shall submit to the local government suggested modifications to the program to make it consistent with said policy and guidelines. The local government shall have ninety days after it receives recommendations from the department to make modifications designed to eliminate the inconsistencies and to resubmit the program to the department for approval. Any resubmitted program shall take effect when and in such form and content as is approved by the department.

~~(2) As to~~)) (4) The department shall approve those segments of the master program relating to shorelines of state-wide significance ((the department shall have full authority following review and evaluation of the submission by local government to develop and adopt an alternative to the local government's proposal if in the department's opinion the program submitted does not)) only after determining the program provides the optimum implementation of the policy of this chapter to satisfy the state-wide interest. ((If the submission by local government is not approved, the department shall suggest modifications to the local government within ninety days from receipt of the submission. The local government shall have ninety days after it receives said modifications to consider the same and resubmit a master program to the department. Thereafter, the department shall adopt the resubmitted program or, if the department determines that said program does not provide for optimum implementation, it may develop and adopt an alternative as hereinbefore provided.)) If the department does not approve a segment of a local government master program relating to a shoreline of state-wide significance, the department may develop and by rule adopt an alternative to the local government’s proposal.

((~~(3)~~)) (5) In the event a local government has not complied with the requirements of RCW 90.58.070 it may thereafter upon written notice to the department elect to adopt a master program for the shorelines within its jurisdiction, in which event it shall comply with the provisions established by this chapter for the adoption of a master program for such shorelines.

Upon approval of such master program by the department it shall supersede such master program as may have been adopted by the department for such shorelines.

(6) A master program or amendment to a master program takes effect when and in such form as approved or adopted by the department. The department shall maintain a record of each master program, the action taken on any proposal for adoption or amendment of the master program, and any appeal of the department's action. The department's approved document of record constitutes the official master program.

Sec. 122. RCW 90.58.100 and 1992 c 105 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The master programs provided for in this chapter, when adopted ((~~and~~)) or approved by the department((~~, as appropriate,~~)) shall constitute use regulations for the various shorelines of the state. In preparing the master programs, and any amendments thereto, the department and local governments shall to the extent feasible:

(a) Utilize a systematic interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts;

(b) Consult with and obtain the comments of any federal, state, regional, or local agency having any special expertise with respect to any environmental impact;

(c) Consider all plans, studies, surveys, inventories, and systems of classification made or being made by federal, state, regional, or local agencies, by private individuals, or by organizations dealing with pertinent shorelines of the state;

(d) Conduct or support such further research, studies, surveys, and interviews as are deemed necessary;

(e) Utilize all available information regarding hydrology, geography, topography, ecology, economics, and other pertinent data;

(f) Employ, when feasible, all appropriate, modern scientific data processing and computer techniques to store, index, analyze, and manage the information gathered.

(2) The master programs shall include, when appropriate, the following:

(a) An economic development element for the location and design of industries, transportation facilities, port facilities, tourist facilities, commerce and other developments that are particularly dependent on their location on or use of the shorelines of the state;

(b) A public access element making provision for public access to publicly owned areas;

(c) A recreational element for the preservation and enlargement of recreational opportunities, including but not limited to parks, tidelands, beaches, and recreational areas;

(d) A circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the shoreline use element;

(e) A use element which considers the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the use on shorelines and adjacent land areas for housing, business, industry, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, recreation, education, public buildings and grounds, and other categories of public and private uses of the land;

(f) A conservation element for the preservation of natural resources, including but not limited to scenic vistas, aesthetics, and vital estuarine areas for fisheries and wildlife protection;

(g) An historic, cultural, scientific, and educational element for the protection and restoration of buildings, sites, and areas having historic, cultural, scientific, or educational values;

(h) An element that gives consideration to the state-wide interest in the prevention and minimization of flood damages; and

(i) Any other element deemed appropriate or necessary to effectuate the policy of this chapter.

(3) The master programs shall include such map or maps, descriptive text, diagrams and charts, or other descriptive material as are necessary to provide for ease of understanding.

(4) Master programs will reflect that state-owned shorelines of the state are particularly adapted to providing wilderness beaches, ecological study areas, and other recreational activities for the public and will give appropriate special consideration to same.

(5) Each master program shall contain provisions to allow for the varying of the application of use regulations of the program, including provisions for permits for conditional uses and variances, to insure that strict implementation of a program will not create unnecessary hardships or thwart the policy enumerated in RCW 90.58.020. Any such varying shall be allowed only if extraordinary circumstances are shown and the public interest suffers no substantial detrimental effect. The concept of this subsection shall be incorporated in the rules adopted by the department relating to the establishment of a permit system as provided in RCW 90.58.140(3).

(6) Each master program shall contain standards governing the protection of single family residences and appurtenant structures against damage or loss due to shoreline erosion. The standards shall govern the issuance of substantial development permits for shoreline protection, including structural methods such as construction of bulkheads, and nonstructural methods of protection. The standards shall provide for methods which achieve effective and timely protection against loss or damage to single family residences and appurtenant structures due to shoreline erosion. The standards shall provide a preference for permit issuance for measures to protect single family residences occupied prior to January 1, 1992, where the proposed measure is designed to minimize harm to the shoreline natural environment.

Sec. 123. RCW 90.58.120 and 1989 c 175 s 182 are each amended to read as follows:

All rules, regulations, ((~~master programs,~~)) designations, and guidelines, issued by the department, and master programs and amendments adopted by the department pursuant to RCW 90.58.070(2) or 90.58.090(4) shall be adopted or approved in accordance with the provisions of RCW 34.05.310 through 34.05.395 insofar as such provisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. In addition:

(1) Prior to the ((~~approval or~~)) adoption by the department of a master program, or portion thereof pursuant to RCW 90.58.070(2) or 90.58.090(4), at least one public hearing shall be held in each county affected by a program or portion thereof for the purpose of obtaining the views and comments of the public. Notice of each such hearing shall be published at least once in each of the three weeks immediately preceding the hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county in which the hearing is to be held.

(2) All guidelines, regulations, designations, or master programs adopted or approved under this chapter shall be available for public inspection at the office of the department or the appropriate county ((~~auditor~~)) and city ((~~clerk~~)). The terms "adopt" and "approve" for purposes of this section, shall include modifications and rescission of guidelines.

Sec. 124. RCW 90.58.140 and 1992 c 105 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A development shall not be undertaken on the shorelines of the state unless it is consistent with the policy of this chapter and, after adoption or approval, as appropriate, the applicable guidelines, rules, or master program.

(2) A substantial development shall not be undertaken on shorelines of the state without first obtaining a permit from the government entity having administrative jurisdiction under this chapter.

A permit shall be granted:

(a) From June 1, 1971, until such time as an applicable master program has become effective, only when the development proposed is consistent with: (i) The policy of RCW 90.58.020; and (ii) after their adoption, the guidelines and rules of the department; and (iii) so far as can be ascertained, the master program being developed for the area;

(b) After adoption or approval, as appropriate, by the department of an applicable master program, only when the development proposed is consistent with the applicable master program and ((~~the provisions of~~)) this chapter ((~~90.58 RCW~~)).

(3) The local government shall establish a program, consistent with rules adopted by the department, for the administration and enforcement of the permit system provided in this section. The administration of the system so established shall be performed exclusively by the local government.

(4) Except as otherwise specifically provided in subsection ((~~(13)~~)) (11) of this section, the local government shall require notification of the public of all applications for permits governed by any permit system established pursuant to subsection (3) of this section by ensuring that((:

(a) A notice of such an application is published at least once a week on the same day of the week for two consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper of general circulation within the area in which the development is proposed; and

~~(b) Additional~~)) notice of ((~~such an~~)) the application is given by at least one of the following methods:

((~~(i)~~)) (a) Mailing of the notice to the latest recorded real property owners as shown by the records of the county assessor within at least three hundred feet of the boundary of the property upon which the substantial development is proposed;

((~~(ii)~~)) (b) Posting of the notice in a conspicuous manner on the property upon which the project is to be constructed; or

((~~(iii)~~)) (c) Any other manner deemed appropriate by local authorities to accomplish the objectives of reasonable notice to adjacent landowners and the public.

The notices shall include a statement that any person desiring to submit written comments concerning an application, or desiring to receive ((~~a copy~~)) notification of the final ((~~order~~)) decision concerning an application as expeditiously as possible after the issuance of the ((~~order~~)) decision, may submit the comments or requests for ((~~orders~~)) decisions to the local government within thirty days of the last date the notice is to be published pursuant to ((~~subsection (a) of~~)) this subsection. The local government shall forward, in a timely manner following the issuance of ((~~an order~~)) a decision, a copy of the ((~~order~~)) decision to each person who submits a request for the ((~~order~~)) decision.

If a hearing is to be held on an application, notices of such a hearing shall include a statement that any person may submit oral or written comments on an application at the hearing.

(5) The system shall include provisions to assure that construction pursuant to a permit will not begin or be authorized until ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date the final order was filed as provided in subsection (6) of this section; or until all review proceedings are terminated if the proceedings were initiated within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date of filing as defined in subsection (6) of this section except as follows:

(a) In the case of any permit issued to the state of Washington, department of transportation, for the construction and modification of SR 90 (I-90) on or adjacent to Lake Washington, the construction may begin after thirty days from the date of filing, and the permits are valid until December 31, 1995;

(b) If a permit is granted by the local government and (i) the granting of the permit is appealed to the shorelines hearings board within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days of the date of filing, (ii) the hearings board approves the granting of the permit by the local government or approves a portion of the substantial development for which the local government issued the permit, and (iii) an appeal for judicial review of the hearings board decision is filed pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW((~~, the permittee~~)) construction may be commenced thirty days after the date of the appeal of the board's decision is filed. The appellant may request, within ten days of the filing of the appeal with the court, a hearing before the court to determine whether construction ((~~may begin~~)) pursuant to the permit approved by the hearings board or to a revised permit issued pursuant to the order of the hearings board should begin. If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the court finds that construction pursuant to such a permit would ((~~not~~)) involve a significant, irreversible damaging of the environment, the court ((~~may allow~~)) shall prohibit the permittee ((~~to begin~~)) from commencing the construction pursuant to the approved or revised permit ((as the court deems appropriate. The court may require the permittee to post bonds, in the name of the local government that issued the permit, sufficient to remove the substantial development or to restore the environment if the permit is ultimately disapproved by the courts, or to alter the substantial development if the alteration is ultimately ordered by the courts)) until all review proceedings are final. Construction pursuant to a permit revised at the direction of the hearings board may begin only on that portion of the substantial development for which the local government had originally issued the permit, and construction pursuant to such a revised permit on other portions of the substantial development may not begin until after all review proceedings are terminated. In such a hearing before the court, the burden of proving whether the construction may involve significant irreversible damage to the environment and demonstrating whether such construction would or would not be appropriate is on the appellant;

(c) ((If a permit is granted by the local government and the granting of the permit is appealed directly to the superior court for judicial review pursuant to the proviso in RCW 90.58.180(1), the permittee may request the court to remand the appeal to the shorelines hearings board, in which case the appeal shall be so remanded and construction pursuant to such a permit shall be governed by the provisions of subsection (b) of this subsection or may otherwise begin after review proceedings before the hearings board are terminated if judicial review is not thereafter requested pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW;

~~(d)~~)) If the permit is for a substantial development meeting the requirements of subsection ((~~(13)~~)) (11) of this section, construction pursuant to that permit may not begin or be authorized until ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date the final order was filed as provided in subsection (6) of this section.

If a permittee begins construction pursuant to subsections (a), (b), or (c)((~~, or (d)~~)) of this subsection, the construction is begun at the permittee's own risk. If, as a result of judicial review, the courts order the removal of any portion of the construction or the restoration of any portion of the environment involved or require the alteration of any portion of a substantial development constructed pursuant to a permit, the permittee is barred from recovering damages or costs involved in adhering to such requirements from the local government that granted the permit, the hearings board, or any appellant or intervener.

(6) Any ruling on an application for a permit under the authority of this section, whether it is an approval or a denial, shall, concurrently with the transmittal of the ruling to the applicant, be filed with the department and the attorney general. With regard to a permit other than a permit governed by subsection ((~~(12)~~)) (10) of this section, "date of filing" as used herein means the date of actual receipt by the department. With regard to a permit for a variance or a conditional use, "date of filing" means the date a decision of the department rendered on the permit pursuant to subsection ((~~(12)~~)) (10) of this section is transmitted by the department to the local government. The department shall notify in writing the local government and the applicant of the date of filing.

(7) Applicants for permits under this section have the burden of proving that a proposed substantial development is consistent with the criteria that must be met before a permit is granted. In any review of the granting or denial of an application for a permit as provided in RCW 90.58.180 (1) and (2), the person requesting the review has the burden of proof.

(8) Any permit may, after a hearing with adequate notice to the permittee and the public, be rescinded by the issuing authority upon the finding that a permittee has not complied with conditions of a permit. If the department is of the opinion that noncompliance exists, the department shall provide written notice to the local government and the permittee. If the department is of the opinion that the noncompliance continues to exist thirty days after the date of the notice, and the local government has taken no action to rescind the permit, the department may petition the hearings board for a rescission of the permit upon written notice of the petition to the local government and the permittee if the request by the department is made to the hearings board within fifteen days of the termination of the thirty-day notice to the local government.

(9) The holder of a certification from the governor pursuant to chapter 80.50 RCW shall not be required to obtain a permit under this section.

(10) ((A permit shall not be required for any development on shorelines of the state included within a preliminary or final plat approved by the applicable state agency or local government before April 1, 1971, if:

~~(a) The final plat was approved after April 13, 1961, or the preliminary plat was approved after April 30, 1969; and~~

~~(b) The development is completed within two years after June 1, 1971.~~

(11) The applicable state agency or local government is authorized to approve a final plat with respect to shorelines of the state included within a preliminary plat approved after April 30, 1969, and before April 1, 1971: PROVIDED, That any substantial development within the platted shorelines of the state is authorized by a permit granted pursuant to this section, or does not require a permit as provided in subsection (10) of this section, or does not require a permit because of substantial development occurred before June 1, 1971.

~~(12)~~)) Any permit for a variance or a conditional use by local government under approved master programs must be submitted to the department for its approval or disapproval.

((~~(13)~~)) (11)(a) An application for a substantial development permit for a limited utility extension or for the construction of a bulkhead or other measures to protect a single family residence and its appurtenant structures from shoreline erosion shall be subject to the following procedures:

(i) The public comment period under subsection (4) of this section shall be twenty days. The notice provided under subsection (4) of this section shall state the manner in which the public may obtain a copy of the local government decision on the application no later than two days following its issuance;

(ii) The local government shall issue its decision to grant or deny the permit within twenty-one days of the last day of the comment period specified in (i) of this subsection; and

(iii) If there is an appeal of the decision to grant or deny the permit to the local government legislative authority, the appeal shall be finally determined by the legislative authority within thirty days.

(b) For purposes of this section, a limited utility extension means the extension of a utility service that:

(i) Is categorically exempt under chapter 43.21C RCW for one or more of the following: Natural gas, electricity, telephone, water, or sewer;

(ii) Will serve an existing use in compliance with this chapter; and

(iii) Will not extend more than twenty-five hundred linear feet within the shorelines of the state.

Sec. 125. RCW 90.58.180 and 1994 c 253 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person aggrieved by the granting, denying, or rescinding of a permit on shorelines of the state pursuant to RCW 90.58.140 may seek review from the shorelines hearings board by filing a ((~~request for the same~~)) petition for review within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days of the date of filing as defined in RCW 90.58.140(6).

((~~Concurrently with~~)) Within seven days of the filing of any ((~~request~~)) petition for review with the board as provided in this section pertaining to a final ((~~order~~)) decision of a local government, the requestor shall ((~~file a copy~~)) serve copies of ((~~his or her request with~~)) the petition on the department and the attorney general. ((If it appears to the department or the attorney general that the requestor has valid reasons to seek review, either the department or the attorney general may certify the request within thirty days after its receipt to the shorelines hearings board following which the board shall then, but not otherwise, review the matter covered by the requestor. The failure to obtain such certification shall not preclude the requestor from obtaining a review in the superior court under any right to review otherwise available to the requestor.)) The department and the attorney general may intervene to protect the public interest and insure that the provisions of this chapter are complied with at any time within fifteen days from the date of the receipt by the department or the attorney general of a copy of the ((~~request~~)) petition for review filed pursuant to this section. The shorelines hearings board shall ((~~initially~~)) schedule review proceedings on ((~~such requests~~)) the petition for review without regard as to whether ((~~such requests have or have not been certified or as to whether~~)) the period for the department or the attorney general to intervene has or has not expired((, unless such review is to begin within thirty days of such scheduling. If at the end of the thirty day period for certification neither the department nor the attorney general has certified a request for review, the hearings board shall remove the request from its review schedule)).

(2) The department or the attorney general may obtain review of any final ((~~order~~)) decision granting a permit, or granting or denying an application for a permit issued by a local government by filing a written ((~~request~~)) petition with the shorelines hearings board and the appropriate local government within ((~~thirty~~)) twenty-one days from the date the final ((~~order~~)) decision was filed as provided in RCW 90.58.140(6).

(3) The review proceedings authorized in subsections (1) and (2) of this section are subject to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW pertaining to procedures in adjudicative proceedings. Judicial review of such proceedings of the shorelines hearings board is governed by chapter 34.05 RCW. The board shall issue its decision on the appeal authorized under subsections (1) and (2) of this section within one hundred eighty days after the date the petition is filed with the board or a petition to intervene is filed by the department or the attorney general, whichever is later. The time period may be waived by the parties or may be extended by the board for a period of thirty days upon a showing of good cause.

(4) ((~~A local government may appeal to the shorelines hearings board~~)) Any person may appeal any rules, regulations, or guidelines adopted or approved by the department within thirty days of the date of the adoption or approval. The board shall make a final decision within sixty days following the hearing held thereon.

((~~If the board~~)) (5) The board shall find the rule, regulation, or guideline to be valid and enter a final decision to that effect unless it determines that the rule, regulation, or guideline:

(a) Is clearly erroneous in light of the policy of this chapter; or

(b) Constitutes an implementation of this chapter in violation of constitutional or statutory provisions; or

(d) Was developed without fully considering and evaluating all material submitted to the department ((~~by the local government~~)) during public review and comment; or

(e) Was not adopted in accordance with required procedures((;)).

(6) If the board makes a determination under subsection (5) (a) through (e) of this section, it shall enter a final decision declaring the rule, regulation, or guideline invalid, remanding the rule, regulation, or guideline to the department with a statement of the reasons in support of the determination, and directing the department to adopt, after a thorough consultation with the affected local government and any other interested party, a new rule, regulation, or guideline consistent with the board's decision. ((~~Unless the board makes one or more of the determinations as hereinbefore provided, the board shall find the rule, regulation, or guideline to be valid and enter a final decision to that effect.~~

~~(5) Rules, regulations, and guidelines~~)) (7) A decision of the board on the validity of a rule, regulation, or guideline shall be subject to review in superior court, if authorized pursuant to ((RCW 34.05.570(2). No review shall be granted by a superior court on petition from a local government unless the local government shall first have obtained review under subsection (4) of this section and the petition for court review is)) chapter 34.05 RCW. A petition for review of the decision of the shorelines hearings board on a rule, regulation, or guideline shall be filed within ((~~three months~~)) thirty days after the date of final decision by the shorelines hearings board.

Sec. 126. RCW 90.58.190 and 1989 c 175 s 184 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((The department and each local government shall periodically review any master programs under its jurisdiction and make such adjustments thereto as are necessary. Any adjustments proposed by a local government to its master program shall be forwarded to the department for review. The department shall approve, reject, or propose modification to the adjustment. If the department either rejects or proposes modification to the master program adjustment, it shall provide substantive written comments as to why the proposal is being rejected or modified.)) The appeal of the department’s decision to adopt a master program or amendment pursuant to RCW 90.58.070(2) or 90.58.090(4) is governed by RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598.

(2)(a) The department's decision to approve, reject, or modify a proposed master program or amendment adopted by a local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall be appealed to the growth management hearings board with jurisdiction over the local government. The appeal shall be initiated by filing a petition as provided in RCW 36.70A.250 through 36.70A.320.

(b) If the appeal to the growth management hearings board concerns shorelines, the growth management hearings board shall review the proposed master program or amendment for compliance with the requirements of this chapter and chapter 36.70A RCW, the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines, and chapter 43.21C RCW as it relates to the adoption of master programs and amendments under chapter 90.58 RCW.

(c) If the appeal to the growth management hearings board concerns a shoreline of state-wide significance, the board shall uphold the decision by the department unless the board, by clear and convincing evidence, determines that the decision of the department is inconsistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines.

(d) The appellant has the burden of proof in all appeals to the growth management hearings board under this subsection.

(e) Any party aggrieved by a final decision of a growth management hearings board under this subsection may appeal the decision to superior court as provided in RCW 36.70A.300.

(3)(a) Any local government aggrieved by the department's decision to approve, reject, or modify a proposed master program or master program ((~~adjustment~~)) amendment adopted by a local government not planning under RCW 36.70A.040 may appeal the department's decision by filing a petition to the shorelines hearings board within thirty days of the date of the department’s written notice to the local government of the department’s decision to approve, reject, or modify a proposed master program or master program amendment as provided in RCW 90.58.090(2).

(b) In an appeal relating to shorelines, the shorelines hearings board shall review the proposed master program or master program ((~~adjustment~~)) amendment and, after full consideration of the presentations of the local government and the department, shall determine the validity of the local government's ((~~adjustment~~)) master program or amendment in light of the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines.

(c) In an appeal relating to shorelines of state-wide significance, the shorelines hearings board shall uphold the decision by the department unless ((~~a local government shall~~)) the board determines, by clear and convincing evidence ((~~and argument, persuade the board~~)) that the decision of the department is inconsistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and the applicable guidelines.

(d) Review by the shorelines hearings board shall be considered an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act. The aggrieved local government shall have the burden of proof in all such reviews.

(e) Whenever possible, the review by the shorelines hearings board shall be heard within the county where the land subject to the proposed master program or master program ((~~adjustment~~)) amendment is primarily located. The department and any local government aggrieved by a final decision of the hearings board may appeal the decision to ((~~the~~)) superior court ((~~of Thurston county~~)) as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) A master program amendment shall become effective after the approval of the department or after the decision of the shorelines hearings board to uphold the master program or master program ((~~adjustment~~)) amendment, provided that the board may remand the master program or master program adjustment to the local government or the department for modification prior to the final adoption of the master program or master program ((~~adjustment~~)) amendment.

Sec. 127. RCW 34.05.461 and 1989 c 175 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section:

(a) If the presiding officer is the agency head or one or more members of the agency head, the presiding officer may enter an initial order if further review is available within the agency, or a final order if further review is not available;

(b) If the presiding officer is a person designated by the agency to make the final decision and enter the final order, the presiding officer shall enter a final order; and

(c) If the presiding officer is one or more administrative law judges, the presiding officer shall enter an initial order.

(2) With respect to agencies exempt from chapter 34.12 RCW or an institution of higher education, the presiding officer shall transmit a full and complete record of the proceedings, including such comments upon demeanor of witnesses as the presiding officer deems relevant, to each agency official who is to enter a final or initial order after considering the record and evidence so transmitted.

(3) Initial and final orders shall include a statement of findings and conclusions, and the reasons and basis therefor, on all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, including the remedy or sanction and, if applicable, the action taken on a petition for a stay of effectiveness. Any findings based substantially on credibility of evidence or demeanor of witnesses shall be so identified. Findings set forth in language that is essentially a repetition or paraphrase of the relevant provision of law shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying evidence of record to support the findings. The order shall also include a statement of the available procedures and time limits for seeking reconsideration or other administrative relief. An initial order shall include a statement of any circumstances under which the initial order, without further notice, may become a final order.

(4) Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence of record in the adjudicative proceeding and on matters officially noticed in that proceeding. Findings shall be based on the kind of evidence on which reasonably prudent persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs. Findings may be based on such evidence even if it would be inadmissible in a civil trial. However, the presiding officer shall not base a finding exclusively on such inadmissible evidence unless the presiding officer determines that doing so would not unduly abridge the parties' opportunities to confront witnesses and rebut evidence. The basis for this determination shall appear in the order.

(5) Where it bears on the issues presented, the agency's experience, technical competency, and specialized knowledge may be used in the evaluation of evidence.

(6) If a person serving or designated to serve as presiding officer becomes unavailable for any reason before entry of the order, a substitute presiding officer shall be appointed as provided in RCW 34.05.425. The substitute presiding officer shall use any existing record and may conduct any further proceedings appropriate in the interests of justice.

(7) The presiding officer may allow the parties a designated time after conclusion of the hearing for the submission of memos, briefs, or proposed findings.

(8)(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection, initial or final orders shall be served in writing within ninety days after conclusion of the hearing or after submission of memos, briefs, or proposed findings in accordance with subsection (7) of this section unless this period is waived or extended for good cause shown.

(b) This subsection does not apply to the final order of the shorelines hearings board on appeal under RCW 90.58.180(3).

(9) The presiding officer shall cause copies of the order to be served on each party and the agency.

Sec. 128. RCW 34.05.514 and 1994 c 257 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section ((~~and RCW 36.70A.300(3)~~)), proceedings for review under this chapter shall be instituted by filing a petition in the superior court, at the petitioner's option, for (a) Thurston county, (b) the county of the petitioner's residence or principal place of business, or (c) in any county where the property owned by the petitioner and affected by the contested decision is located.

(2) For proceedings involving institutions of higher education, the petition shall be filed either in the county in which the principal office of the institution involved is located or in the county of a branch campus if the action involves such branch.

Sec. 129. RCW 36.70A.020 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The following goals are adopted to guide the development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations of those counties and cities that are required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040. The following goals are not listed in order of priority and shall be used exclusively for the purpose of guiding the development of comprehensive plans and development regulations:

(1) Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.

(2) Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low-density development.

(3) Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans.

(4) Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of the population of this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.

(5) Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, public services, and public facilities.

(6) Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.

(7) Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.

(8) Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries, including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses.

(9) Open space and recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks.

(10) Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water.

(11) Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts.

(12) Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards.

(13) Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures, that have historical or archaeological significance.

(14) Shorelines of the state. See RCW 90.58.030.

Sec. 130. RCW 36.70A.070 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

The comprehensive plan of a county or city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall consist of a map or maps, and descriptive text covering objectives, principles, and standards used to develop the comprehensive plan. The plan shall be an internally consistent document and all elements shall be consistent with the future land use map. A comprehensive plan shall be adopted and amended with public participation as provided in RCW 36.70A.140.

Each comprehensive plan shall include a plan, scheme, or design for each of the following:

(1) A land use element designating the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of land, where appropriate, for agriculture, timber production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, public utilities, public facilities, and other land uses. The land use element shall include population densities, building intensities, and estimates of future population growth. The land use element shall provide for protection of the quality and quantity of ground water used for public water supplies. Where applicable, the land use element shall review drainage, flooding, and storm water run-off in the area and nearby jurisdictions and provide guidance for corrective actions to mitigate or cleanse those discharges that pollute waters of the state, including Puget Sound or waters entering Puget Sound.

(2) A housing element recognizing the vitality and character of established residential neighborhoods that: (a) Includes an inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs; (b) includes a statement of goals, policies, and objectives for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing; (c) identifies sufficient land for housing, including, but not limited to, government-assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multifamily housing, and group homes and foster care facilities; and (d) makes adequate provisions for existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community.

(3) A capital facilities plan element consisting of: (a) An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities; (b) a forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities; (c) the proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities; (d) at least a six-year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes; and (e) a requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are coordinated and consistent.

(4) A utilities element consisting of the general location, proposed location, and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities, including, but not limited to, electrical lines, telecommunication lines, and natural gas lines.

(5) Counties shall include a rural element including lands that are not designated for urban growth, agriculture, forest, or mineral resources. The rural element shall permit land uses that are compatible with the rural character of such lands and provide for a variety of rural densities.

(6) A transportation element that implements, and is consistent with, the land use element. The transportation element shall include the following subelements:

(a) Land use assumptions used in estimating travel;

(b) Facilities and services needs, including:

(i) An inventory of air, water, and land transportation facilities and services, including transit alignments, to define existing capital facilities and travel levels as a basis for future planning;

(ii) Level of service standards for all arterials and transit routes to serve as a gauge to judge performance of the system. These standards should be regionally coordinated;

(iii) Specific actions and requirements for bringing into compliance any facilities or services that are below an established level of service standard;

(iv) Forecasts of traffic for at least ten years based on the adopted land use plan to provide information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future growth;

(v) Identification of system expansion needs and transportation system management needs to meet current and future demands;

(i) An analysis of funding capability to judge needs against probable funding resources;

(ii) A multiyear financing plan based on the needs identified in the comprehensive plan, the appropriate parts of which shall serve as the basis for the six-year street, road, or transit program required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795 for public transportation systems;

(iii) If probable funding falls short of meeting identified needs, a discussion of how additional funding will be raised, or how land use assumptions will be reassessed to ensure that level of service standards will be met;

(d) Intergovernmental coordination efforts, including an assessment of the impacts of the transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of adjacent jurisdictions;

(e) Demand-management strategies.

After adoption of the comprehensive plan by jurisdictions required to plan or who choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040, local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances which prohibit development approval if the development causes the level of service on a transportation facility to decline below the standards adopted in the transportation element of the comprehensive plan, unless transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent with the development. These strategies may include increased public transportation service, ride sharing programs, demand management, and other transportation systems management strategies. For the purposes of this subsection (6) "concurrent with the development" shall mean that improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or that a financial commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years.

The transportation element described in this subsection, and the six-year plans required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795 for public transportation systems, must be consistent.

(7) A shoreline element, consisting of the comprehensive use plan segment of the shoreline master program adopted by the city or county and approved by the department of ecology pursuant to chapter 90.58 RCW.

Sec. 131. RCW 36.70A.130 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Each comprehensive land use plan and development regulations shall be subject to continuing evaluation and review by the county or city that adopted them.

Any amendment or revision to a comprehensive land use plan shall conform to this chapter, and any change to development regulations shall be consistent with and implement the comprehensive plan.

(2) Each county and city shall establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures whereby proposed amendments or revisions of the comprehensive plan are considered by the governing body of the county or city no more frequently than once every year. All proposals shall be considered by the governing body concurrently so the cumulative effect of the various proposals can be ascertained. However, a county or city may adopt amendments or revisions to its comprehensive plan that conform with this chapter whenever an emergency exists after appropriate public participation.

(3) Each county that designates urban growth areas under RCW 36.70A.110 shall review, at least every ten years, its designated urban growth area or areas, and the densities permitted within both the incorporated and unincorporated portions of each urban growth area. In conjunction with this review by the county, each city located within an urban growth area shall review the densities permitted within its boundaries, and the extent to which the urban growth occurring within the county has located within each city and the unincorporated portions of the urban growth areas. The county comprehensive plan designating urban growth areas, and the densities permitted in the urban growth areas by the comprehensive plans of the county and each city located within the urban growth areas, shall be revised to accommodate the urban growth projected to occur in the county for the succeeding twenty-year period.

Sec. 132. RCW 36.70A.280 and 1994 c 249 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A growth management hearings board shall hear and determine only those petitions alleging either:

(a) That a state agency((,)) or any county((,)) or city planning under this chapter is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, chapter 90.58 RCW as it relates to the adoption of shoreline master programs or amendments thereto, or chapter 43.21C RCW as it relates to plans, development regulations, or amendments, adopted under RCW 36.70A.040 or chapter 90.58 RCW; or

(b) That the twenty-year growth management planning population projections adopted by the office of financial management pursuant to RCW 43.62.035 should be adjusted.

(2) A petition may be filed only by the state, a county or city that plans under this chapter, a person who has either appeared before the county or city regarding the matter on which a review is being requested or is certified by the governor within sixty days of filing the request with the board, or a person qualified pursuant to RCW 34.05.530.

(3) For purposes of this section "person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or unit thereof, or public or private organization or entity of any character.

(4) When considering a possible adjustment to a growth management planning population projection prepared by the office of financial management, a board shall consider the implications of any such adjustment to the population forecast for the entire state.

The rationale for any adjustment that is adopted by a board must be documented and filed with the office of financial management within ten working days after adoption.

If adjusted by a board, a county growth management planning population projection shall only be used for the planning purposes set forth in this chapter and shall be known as a "board adjusted population projection". None of these changes shall affect the official state and county population forecasts prepared by the office of financial management, which shall continue to be used for state budget and planning purposes.

Sec. 133. RCW 36.70A.290 and 1994 c 257 s 2 and 1994 c 249 s 26 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) All requests for review to a growth management hearings board shall be initiated by filing a petition that includes a detailed statement of issues presented for resolution by the board.

(2) All petitions relating to whether or not an adopted comprehensive plan, development regulation, or permanent amendment thereto, is in compliance with the goals and requirements of this chapter or chapter 90.58 or 43.21C RCW must be filed within sixty days after publication by the legislative bodies of the county or city.

(a) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, the date of publication for a city shall be the date the city publishes the ordinance, or summary of the ordinance, adopting the comprehensive plan or development regulations, or amendment thereto, as is required to be published.

(b) Promptly after adoption, a county shall publish a notice that it has adopted the comprehensive plan or development regulations, or amendment thereto.

Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, for purposes of this section the date of publication for a county shall be the date the county publishes the notice that it has adopted the comprehensive plan or development regulations, or amendment thereto.

(c) For local governments planning under RCW 36.70A.040, promptly after approval or disapproval of a local government’s shoreline master program or amendment thereto by the department of ecology as provided in RCW 90.58.090, the local government shall publish a notice that the shoreline master program or amendment thereto has been approved or disapproved by the department of ecology. For purposes of this section, the date of publication for the adoption or amendment of a shoreline master program is the date the local government publishes notice that the shoreline master program or amendment thereto has been approved or disapproved by the department of ecology.

(3) Unless the board dismisses the petition as frivolous or finds that the person filing the petition lacks standing, the board shall, within ten days of receipt of the petition, set a time for hearing the matter.

(4) The board shall base its decision on the record developed by the city, county, or the state and supplemented with additional evidence if the board determines that such additional evidence would be necessary or of substantial assistance to the board in reaching its decision.

(5) The board, shall consolidate, when appropriate, all petitions involving the review of the same comprehensive plan or the same development regulation or regulations.

Sec. 134. RCW 36.70A.320 and 1991 sp.s. c 32 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, comprehensive plans and development regulations, and amendments thereto, adopted under this chapter are presumed valid upon adoption. In any petition under this chapter, the board, after full consideration of the petition, shall determine whether there is compliance with the requirements of this chapter. In making its determination, the board shall consider the criteria adopted by the department under RCW 36.70A.190(4). The board shall find compliance unless it finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the state agency, county, or city erroneously interpreted or applied this chapter.

(2) The shoreline element of a comprehensive plan and the applicable development regulations adopted by a county or city shall take effect as provided in chapter 90.58 RCW.

Sec. 135. RCW 82.02.090 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 48 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following definitions shall apply ((~~in RCW 82.02.050 through 82.02.090~~)) throughout this chapter:

(1) "Development" means any proposed change in use of land for which review of environmental impacts is required under chapter 43.21C RCW, any proposed construction or expansion of a building, structure, or use, or any proposed change in use of a building or structure.

(2) "Development activity" means any construction or expansion of a building, structure, or use, any change in use of a building or structure, or any changes in the use of land, that creates additional demand and need for public facilities.

((~~(2)~~)) (3) "Development approval" means any written authorization from a county, city, or town which authorizes the commencement of development activity.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) "Environmental analysis" means review under chapter 43.21C RCW of environmental impacts of an action required or authorized by chapter 36.70A RCW.

(5) "Environmental analysis fees" means a payment of money imposed on development as a condition of development approval to pay for environmental analysis needed to establish the system capacity projected to accommodate implementation of a comprehensive plan adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW.

(6) "Impact fee" means a payment of money imposed upon development as a condition of development approval to pay for public facilities needed to serve new growth and development, and that is reasonably related to the new development that creates additional demand and need for public facilities, that is a proportionate share of the cost of the public facilities, and that is used for facilities that reasonably benefit the new development. "Impact fee" does not include a reasonable permit or application fee.

((~~(4)~~)) (7) "Owner" means the owner of record of real property, although when real property is being purchased under a real estate contract, the purchaser shall be considered the owner of the real property if the contract is recorded.

((~~(5)~~)) (8) "Proportionate share" means that portion of the cost of public facility improvements that are reasonably related to the service demands and needs of new development.

((~~(6)~~)) (9) "Project improvements" mean site improvements and facilities that are planned and designed to provide service for a particular development project and that are necessary for the use and convenience of the occupants or users of the project, and are not system improvements. No improvement or facility included in a capital facilities plan approved by the governing body of the county, city, or town shall be considered a project improvement.

((~~(7)~~)) (10) "Public facilities" means the following capital facilities owned or operated by government entities: (a) Public streets and roads; (b) publicly owned parks, open space, and recreation facilities; (c) school facilities; and (d) fire protection facilities in jurisdictions that are not part of a fire district.

((~~(8)~~)) (11) "Service area" means a geographic area defined by a county, city, town, or intergovernmental agreement in which a defined set of public facilities provide service to development within the area. Service areas shall be designated on the basis of sound planning or engineering principles.

((~~(9)~~)) (12) "System capacity" means the capacity of a county, city, or town to accommodate new development determined by the limiting capacities of specific natural or built systems identified in the comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to RCW 36.70A.040.

(13) "System improvements" mean public facilities that are included in the capital facilities plan and are designed to provide service to service areas within the community at large, in contrast to project improvements.

Sec. 136. RCW 82.02.020 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except only as expressly provided in RCW 67.28.180 and 67.28.190 and the provisions of chapter 82.14 RCW, the state preempts the field of imposing taxes upon retail sales of tangible personal property, the use of tangible personal property, parimutuel wagering authorized pursuant to RCW 67.16.060, conveyances, and cigarettes, and no county, town, or other municipal subdivision shall have the right to impose taxes of that nature. Except as provided in ((~~RCW 82.02.050 through 82.02.090~~)) this chapter, ((no)) a county, city, town, or other municipal corporation shall not impose any tax, fee, or charge, either direct or indirect, on the construction or reconstruction of residential buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, or on any other building or building space or appurtenance thereto, or on the development, subdivision, classification, or reclassification of land. However, this section does not preclude dedications of land or easements within the proposed development or plat which the county, city, town, or other municipal corporation can demonstrate are reasonably necessary as a direct result of the proposed development or plat to which the dedication of land or easement is to apply.

(2) This section does not prohibit voluntary agreements with ((~~counties, cities, towns~~)) a county, city, town, or other municipal corporation((s)) that allows a payment in lieu of a dedication of land or to mitigate a direct impact that has been identified as a consequence of a proposed development, subdivision, or plat. A local government shall not use such voluntary agreements for local off-site transportation improvements within the geographic boundaries of the area or areas covered by an adopted transportation program authorized by chapter 39.92 RCW. Any such voluntary agreement is subject to the following provisions:

((~~(1)~~)) (a) The payment shall be held in a reserve account and may only be expended to fund a capital improvement agreed upon by the parties to mitigate the identified, direct impact;

((~~(2)~~)) (b) The payment shall be expended in all cases within five years of collection; and

((~~(3)~~)) (c) Any payment not so expended shall be refunded with interest at the rate applied to judgments to the property owners of record at the time of the refund; however, if the payment is not expended within five years due to delay attributable to the developer, the payment shall be refunded without interest.

((No)) (3) A county, city, town, or other municipal corporation shall not require any payment as part of such a voluntary agreement which the county, city, town, or other municipal corporation cannot establish is reasonably necessary as a direct result of the proposed development or plat.

(4)(a) Nothing in this section prohibits cities, towns, counties, or other municipal corporations from collecting reasonable fees from an applicant for a permit or other governmental approval to cover the cost to the city, town, county, or other municipal corporation of processing applications, inspecting and reviewing plans, or preparing detailed statements required by chapter 43.21C RCW.

(b) This section does not limit the existing authority of any county, city, town, or other municipal corporation to impose special assessments on property specifically benefitted thereby in the manner prescribed by law.

(c) Nothing in this section prohibits counties, cities, or towns from imposing or permits counties, cities, or towns to impose water, sewer, natural gas, drainage utility, and drainage system charges((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). No such charge ((~~shall~~)) may exceed the proportionate share of such utility or system's capital costs which the county, city, or town can demonstrate are attributable to the property being charged((~~: PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)). These provisions shall not be interpreted to expand or contract any existing authority of counties, cities, or towns to impose such charges.

(d) Nothing in this section prohibits a transportation benefit district from imposing fees or charges authorized in RCW 36.73.120 nor prohibits the legislative authority of a county, city, or town from approving the imposition of such fees within a transportation benefit district.

(e) Nothing in this section prohibits counties, cities, or towns from imposing transportation impact fees authorized pursuant to chapter 39.92 RCW.

(f) Nothing in this section prohibits counties, cities, or towns from requiring property owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants under RCW 59.18.440 and 59.18.450.

(5) This section does not apply to special purpose districts formed and acting pursuant to Titles 54, 56, 57, or 87 RCW, nor is the authority conferred by these titles affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 137. (1) A county, city, or town that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 may impose environmental analysis fees on development to partially finance the environmental analysis upon which the system capacity forecast in the county’s, city’s, or town’s comprehensive plan is based.

(2) Environmental analysis fees shall be proportionate to the amount of system capacity or capacities projected to be consumed by the new development.

(3) Environmental analysis fees shall be collected and spent only for the costs of environmental analysis upon which the system capacity forecast in a comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070 is based.

(4) Environmental analysis fees shall not be used to recover more than seventy-five percent of the costs previously incurred by a county, city, or town for environmental analysis required to establish the system capacity forecast in a comprehensive plan.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 138. A county, city, or town in its ordinance establishing environmental analysis fees shall:

(1) Include a schedule of environmental analysis fees based upon a formula or other method of calculating such fees. The formula or calculation shall incorporate at least the following:

(a) The amount of system capacity to be used by the new development;

(b) The total cost of environmental analysis required to establish the system capacity forecast in the comprehensive plan; and

(c) The amount of the total cost of environmental analysis allocated to each capacity element used to determine the amount of the fee.

(2) Allow the county, city, or town to adjust the standard fee at the time the fee is imposed to consider unusual circumstances in specific cases to ensure that environmental analysis fees are imposed fairly.

(3) Not assess or collect environmental analysis fees to recover costs of environmental analysis that have already been fully recovered through environmental impact fees or through other sources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 139. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) As of the effective date of this section, twenty-nine counties and two hundred eight cities are conducting comprehensive planning under the growth management act, chapter 36.70A RCW, which together comprise over ninety percent of the state's population;

(b) Comprehensive plans for many of the jurisdictions were due by July 1, 1994, and the remaining jurisdictions must complete plans under due dates ranging from October 1994 to September 1997;

(c) Concurrently with these comprehensive planning activities, local governments must conduct several other planning requirements under the growth management act, such as the adoption of capital facilities plans, urban growth areas, and development regulations;

(d) Local governments must also comply with the state environmental policy act, chapter 43.21C RCW, in the development of comprehensive plans;

(e) The combined activities of comprehensive planning and the state environmental policy act present a serious fiscal burden upon local governments;

(f) This fiscal burden will be experienced over a relatively short period of time, whereas the benefits of growth management and environmental protection achieved through the comprehensive plans will accrue to each area over a much longer period in the future; and

(g) The revenues from fees assessed at the time of local government approval of projects that are consistent with the comprehensive plan may provide the basis for local governments to issue bonds in order to provide the early funding necessary to carry out their comprehensive planning and accompanying environmental analysis responsibilities.

(2) Therefore it is the intent of the legislature by adopting section 140 of this act to:

(a) Authorize local governments carrying out responsibilities under the growth management act to issue evidence of indebtedness to provide for the financing for such activities, subject to applicable indebtedness limitations; and

(b) Authorize local governments to assess a fee at the time of review of projects proposed within the comprehensive plan area, to provide a source of repayment of the revenue bonds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 140. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) A local government may issue obligations by use of bonds, notes, or other evidence of obligation, including but not limited to, loans from the federal or state governments to fund the development of a comprehensive plan, subarea plan, or development regulations the city, town, or county is required to prepare under the growth management act, chapter 36.70A RCW.

(2) A local government may incur obligations pursuant to this section only if it:

(a) Prepares an environmental impact statement under the state environmental policy act that is integrated as part of the plan or regulations and addresses impacts and alternatives in sufficient detail to allow the environmental impact statement to be adopted in whole or in part by a nongovernmental applicant for a development within the geographic area covered by the statement;

(b) Includes in the comprehensive plan or development regulations mechanisms to monitor the usefulness of the environmental analysis to subsequent development permit applications in areas covered by the plan or regulations; and

(c) Provides at least twenty-five percent of the funding for the planning and environmental review from another source of funds.

(3) A local government issuing an obligation pursuant to this section may declare the obligation to be:

(a) A general obligation which pledges the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the issuer;

(b) A revenue obligation payable solely from moneys other than taxes deposited in a special fund for payment of the obligation; or

(4) No evidence of indebtedness issued for the purposes of this section shall have a maturity in excess of ten years. The governing body of the city, town, or county shall by resolution determine for each revenue bond issue the amount, date, form, terms, conditions, denominations, maximum fixed or variable interest rate or rates, maturity or maturities, redemption rights, registration privileges, manner of execution, manner of sale, callable provisions, if any, and covenants including the refunding of existing revenue bonds. Facsimile signatures may be used on the bonds and any coupons. Refunding revenue bonds may be issued in the same manner as revenue bonds are issued.

Sec. 141. RCW 82.46.010 and 1994 c 272 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The legislative authority of any county or city shall identify in the adopted budget the capital projects funded in whole or in part from the proceeds of the tax authorized in this section, and shall indicate that such tax is intended to be in addition to other funds that may be reasonably available for such capital projects.

(2) The legislative authority of any county or any city may impose an excise tax on each sale of real property in the unincorporated areas of the county for the county tax and in the corporate limits of the city for the city tax at a rate not exceeding one-quarter of one percent of the selling price. The revenues from this tax shall be used by any city or county with a population of five thousand or less and any city or county that does not plan under RCW 36.70A.040 for any capital purpose identified in a capital improvements plan and local capital improvements, including those listed in RCW 35.43.040.

After April 30, 1992, revenues generated from the tax imposed under this subsection in counties over five thousand population and cities over five thousand population that are required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall be used ((~~solely~~)):

(a) For financing capital projects specified in a capital facilities plan element of a comprehensive plan and housing relocation assistance under RCW 59.18.440 and 59.18.450; or

(b) For funding the cost of environmental review required by chapter 43.21C RCW of a comprehensive plan or subarea plan element adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW consistent with the requirements of section 106 of this act, RCW 43.21C.031, or sections 137, 138, or 140(2) of this act.

((~~However,~~)) (3) Revenues (a) pledged by such counties and cities to debt retirement prior to April 30, 1992, may continue to be used for that purpose until the original debt for which the revenues were pledged is retired, or (b) committed prior to April 30, 1992, by such counties or cities to a project may continue to be used for that purpose until the project is completed.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) In lieu of imposing the tax authorized in RCW 82.14.030(2), the legislative authority of any county or any city may impose an additional excise tax on each sale of real property in the unincorporated areas of the county for the county tax and in the corporate limits of the city for the city tax at a rate not exceeding one-half of one percent of the selling price.

((~~(4)~~)) (5) Taxes imposed under this section shall be collected from persons who are taxable by the state under chapter 82.45 RCW upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the unincorporated areas of the county or within the corporate limits of the city, as the case may be.

((~~(5)~~)) (6) Taxes imposed under this section shall comply with all applicable rules, regulations, laws, and court decisions regarding real estate excise taxes as imposed by the state under chapter 82.45 RCW.

((~~(6)~~)) (7) As used in this section, "city" means any city or town and "capital project" means those public works projects of a local government for planning, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repair, replacement, rehabilitation, or improvement of streets; roads; highways; sidewalks; street and road lighting systems; traffic signals; bridges; domestic water systems; storm and sanitary sewer systems; parks; recreational facilities; law enforcement facilities; fire protection facilities; trails; libraries; administrative and/or judicial facilities; river and/or waterway flood control projects by those jurisdictions that, prior to June 11, 1992, have expended funds derived from the tax authorized by this section for such purposes; and, until December 31, 1995, housing projects for those jurisdictions that, prior to June 11, 1992, have expended or committed to expend funds derived from the tax authorized by this section or the tax authorized by RCW 82.46.035 for such purposes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 142. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

The growth management planning and environmental review loan fund is hereby established in the state treasury. Moneys may be placed in the fund from the proceeds of bond sales, tax revenues, budget transfers, federal appropriations, gifts, or any other lawful source. Moneys in the fund may be spent only after appropriation. Moneys in the fund shall be used to make low-interest loans to local governments for the purposes set forth in section 106 of this act, RCW 43.21C.031, section 137, 138, or 140(2) of this act. Loans from the fund shall be made by loan agreement under chapter 39.69 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 143. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department of community, trade, and economic development shall provide management services for the fund created by section 142 of this act. The department by rule shall establish procedures for fund management.

(2) A local government applicant must be making substantial progress towards compliance with the requirements of chapter 36.70A RCW in order to qualify for financial assistance from the fund established pursuant to section 142 of this act. A local government that is more than six months out of compliance with a requirement of this chapter is deemed not to be making substantial progress towards compliance.

(3) The department by loan agreement may permit a deferred payment on the principal repayment of any loan for a period not to exceed two years. Interest shall continue to accrue during this period.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 144. Capitalization of the growth management planning and environmental review loan fund shall be made by:

(1) A transfer of four million dollars from the public works assistance account; and

(2) A transfer of two million dollars from the transportation fund.

Sec. 145. RCW 35.21.225 and 1989 c 53 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislative authority of a city may establish one or more transportation benefit districts within a city for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding any city street, county road, or state highway improvement that is (1) consistent with state, regional, and local transportation plans, (2) necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable congestion levels attributable to economic growth, and (3) partially funded by local government or private developer contributions, or a combination of such contributions. Such transportation improvements shall be owned by the city of jurisdiction if located in an incorporated area, by the county of jurisdiction if located in an unincorporated area, or by the state in cases where the transportation improvement is or becomes a state highway; and all such transportation improvements shall be administered as other public streets, roads, and highways. The district may include any area within the corporate limits of another city if that city has agreed to the inclusion pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The district may include any unincorporated area if the county legislative authority has agreed to the inclusion pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The agreement shall specify the area and such other powers as may be granted to the benefit district.

The members of the city legislative authority, acting ex officio and independently, shall compose the governing body of the district. The city treasurer shall act as the ex officio treasurer of the district: PROVIDED, That where a transportation benefit district includes any unincorporated area or portion of another city, the district may be governed as provided in an interlocal agreement adopted pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The electors of the district shall all be registered voters residing within the district. For the purposes of this section, the term "city" means both cities and towns.

A city may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of transportation improvements that will be incorporated into or used as a public street, road, or highway, under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the city. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the city causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 146. RCW 35.43.042 and 1969 ex.s. c 258 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever the legislative authority of any city or town has provided pursuant to law for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, purchase, condemnation and purchase, addition to, repair, or renewal of the whole or any portion of a:

(1) System for providing the city or town and the inhabitants thereof with water, which system includes as a whole or as a part thereof water mains, hydrants or appurtenances which are authorized subjects for local improvements under RCW 35.43.040(13) or other law; or a

(2) System for providing the city or town with sewerage and storm or surface water disposal, which system includes as a whole or as a part thereof drains, sewers or sewer appurtenances which are authorized subjects for local improvements under RCW 35.43.040(7) or other law; or

(3) Off-street parking facilities; and

Has further provided in accordance with any applicable provisions of the Constitution or statutory authority for the issuance and sale of revenue bonds to pay the cost of all or a portion of any such system, such legislative authority shall have the authority to establish utility local improvement districts, and to levy special assessments on all property specially benefited by any such local improvement to pay in whole or in part the damages or costs of any local improvements so provided for.

The initiation and formation of such utility local improvement districts and the levying, collection and enforcement of assessments shall be in the manner and subject to the same procedures and limitations as are now or hereafter provided by law for the initiation and formation of local improvement districts in cities and towns and the levying, collection and enforcement of assessments pursuant thereto.

It must be specified in any petition or resolution initiating the formation of such a utility local improvement district in a city or town and in the ordinance ordered pursuant thereto, that the assessments shall be for the sole purpose of payment into such revenue bond fund as may be specified by the legislative authority for the payment of revenue bonds issued to defray the cost of such system or facilities or any portion thereof as provided for in this section.

Assessments in any such utility local improvement district may be made on the basis of special benefits up to but not in excess of the total cost of the local improvements portion of any system or facilities payable by issuance of revenue bonds. No warrants or bonds shall be issued in any such utility local improvement district, but the collection of interest and principal on all assessments in such utility local improvement district, when collected, shall be paid into any such revenue bond fund.

When in the petition or resolution for establishment of a local improvement district and in the ordinance ordered pursuant thereto, it is specified or provided that the assessments shall be for the sole purpose of payment into a revenue bond fund for the payment of revenue bonds, then the local improvement district shall be designated a "utility local improvement district".

The provisions of chapters 35.45, 35.47 and 35.48 RCW shall have no application to utility local improvement districts created under authority of this section.

A city or town may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of systems or facilities that will be used by the general public or incorporated into or used as part of a public utility system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the city or town. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the city or town causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 147. RCW 35.43.190 and 1987 c 242 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

All local improvements, the funds for the making of which are derived in whole or in part from assessments upon property specially benefited shall be made by contract on competitive bids or by contract made pursuant to section 148 of this act whenever the estimated cost of such improvement including the cost of materials, supplies, labor, and equipment will exceed the sum of five thousand dollars. The city, town, or public corporation may reject any and all bids. The city, town, or public corporation itself may make the local improvements if all the bids received exceed by ten percent preliminary cost estimates prepared by an independent consulting engineer or registered professional engineer retained for that purpose by the city, town, or public corporation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 148. A new section is added to chapter 35.43 RCW to read as follows:

The legislative authority of any city, town, or public corporation may make all or any part of the improvements to be paid for in whole or in part by assessment upon property specifically benefited by contract with any owner or owners of property located within the district, formed in accordance with RCW 35.43.080. The total cost of the improvements under the contract shall not exceed the preliminary cost estimates for such improvements prepared by an independent consulting engineer or registered professional engineer retained for that purpose by the city, town, or public corporation, by more than fifty-three percent. The contract shall be void if the owners of the property within the district subject to fifty percent or more of the total cost of the improvements object in writing within thirty days after written notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, of the terms of the contract and the preliminary costs estimates for such improvements are provided to each owner in the district. The contract may provide for the acquisition by the city or town of the improvement by payment to the owners of the costs of the construction and related costs from the proceeds of bonds issued by the district, from assessments paid to the district as appropriate, or by a credit in the amount of such costs against future assessments assessed against such property under the district. The contract shall provide that all local improvements constructed by owners shall be approved and accepted by the city or town as facilities of the municipality before payment to the owners is authorized. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the city, town, or public corporation causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 149. RCW 35.92.010 and 1991 c 347 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

A city or town may construct, condemn and purchase, purchase, acquire, add to, alter, maintain and operate waterworks, within or without its limits, for the purpose of furnishing the city and its inhabitants, and any other persons, with an ample supply of water for all purposes, public and private, including water power and other power derived therefrom, with full power to regulate and control the use, distribution, and price thereof: PROVIDED, That the rates charged must be uniform for the same class of customers or service. Such waterworks may include facilities for the generation of electricity as a byproduct and such electricity may be used by the city or town or sold to an entity authorized by law to distribute electricity. Such electricity is a byproduct when the electrical generation is subordinate to the primary purpose of water supply.

In classifying customers served or service furnished, the city or town governing body may in its discretion consider any or all of the following factors: The difference in cost of service to the various customers; location of the various customers within and without the city or town; the difference in cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and replacement of the various parts of the system; the different character of the service furnished various customers; the quantity and quality of the water furnished; the time of its use; the achievement of water conservation goals and the discouragement of wasteful water use practices; capital contributions made to the system including, but not limited to, assessments; and any other matters which present a reasonable difference as a ground for distinction. No rate shall be charged that is less than the cost of the water and service to the class of customers served.

For such purposes any city or town may take, condemn and purchase, purchase, acquire, and retain water from any public or navigable lake or watercourse, surface or ground, and, by means of aqueducts or pipe lines, conduct it to the city or town; and it may erect and build dams or other works across or at the outlet of any lake or watercourse in this state for the purpose of storing and retaining water therein up to and above high water mark; and for all the purposes of erecting such aqueducts, pipe lines, dams, or waterworks or other necessary structures in storing and retaining water, or for any of the purposes provided for by this chapter, the city or town may occupy and use the beds and shores up to the high water mark of any such watercourse or lake, and acquire the right by purchase, or by condemnation and purchase, or otherwise, to any water, water rights, easements or privileges named in this chapter, or necessary for any of said purposes, and the city or town may acquire by purchase or condemnation and purchase any properties or privileges necessary to be had to protect its water supply from pollution. Should private property be necessary for any such purposes or for storing water above high water mark, the city or town may condemn and purchase, or purchase and acquire such private property. For the purposes of waterworks which include facilities for the generation of electricity as a byproduct, nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a city or town that does not own or operate an electric utility system to condemn electric generating, transmission, or distribution rights or facilities of entities authorized by law to distribute electricity, or to acquire such rights or facilities without the consent of the owner.

A city or town may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of waterworks that will be incorporated into or used as part of a public utility system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the city or town. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the city or town causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 150. A new section is added to chapter 36.32 RCW to read as follows:

RCW 36.32.240, 36.32.250, and 36.32.260 do not apply to contracts with the owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of public facilities or systems that will be incorporated into or used as part of public systems under the county's authority pursuant to RCW 36.73.020, 36.88.010, or 36.94.220.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 151. A new section is added to chapter 36.32 RCW to read as follows:

The county legislative authority may make all or any part of the improvements to be paid for in whole or in part by assessment upon property specifically benefited by contract with any owner or owners of property located within the county benefit or improvement district pursuant to RCW 36.73.020, 36.88.010, or 36.94.220. The total cost of the improvements under the contract shall not exceed the preliminary cost estimates for such improvements prepared by an independent consulting engineer or registered professional engineer retained for that purpose by the county, by more than fifty-three percent. The contract shall be void if the owners of the property within the county benefit or improvement district subject to fifty percent or more of the total cost of the improvements object in writing within thirty days after written notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, of the terms of the contract and the preliminary costs estimates for such improvements are provided to each owner of property specifically benefited in the county benefit or improvement district. The contract may provide for the acquisition by the county of the improvement by payment to the owners of the costs of the construction and related costs from the proceeds of bonds issued by the benefit or improvement district, from assessments paid to the benefit or improvement district as appropriate, or by a credit in the amount of such costs against future assessments assessed against such property under the benefit or improvement district. The contract shall provide that all local improvements constructed by owners shall be approved and accepted by the county as facilities of the county before payment to the owners is authorized. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the county causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 152. RCW 36.73.020 and 1989 c 53 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislative authority of a county may establish one or more transportation benefit districts within the county for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding any city street, county road, or state highway improvement, which may include right of way improvements, including but not limited to landscaping, lighting, irrigation, cable, and power line improvements, within or without the district that is (1) consistent with state, regional, and local transportation plans, (2) necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable congestion levels attributable to economic growth, and (3) partially funded by local government or private developer contributions, or a combination of such contributions. Such transportation improvements shall be owned by the county of jurisdiction if located in an unincorporated area, by the city of jurisdiction if located in an incorporated area, or by the state in cases where the transportation improvement is or becomes a state highway; and all such transportation improvements shall be administered and maintained as other public streets, roads, and highways. The district may not include any area within the corporate limits of a city unless the city legislative authority has agreed to the inclusion pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The agreement shall specify the area and such powers as may be granted to the benefit district.

The members of the county legislative authority, acting ex officio and independently, shall compose the governing body of the district: PROVIDED, That where a transportation benefit district includes any portion of an incorporated city, town, or another county, the district may be governed as provided in an interlocal agreement adopted pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The county treasurer shall act as the ex officio treasurer of the district. The electors of the district shall all be registered voters residing within the district. For purposes of this section, the term "city" means both cities and towns.

A county may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of transportation improvements that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the county. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the county causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 153. RCW 36.88.010 and 1985 c 400 s 3 and 1985 c 369 s 7 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

All counties have the power to create county road improvement districts for the acquisition of rights of way and improvement of county roads, existing private roads that will become county roads as a result of this improvement district process and, with the approval of the state department of transportation, state highways; for the construction or improvement of necessary drainage facilities, bulkheads, retaining walls, and other appurtenances therefor, bridges, culverts, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, escalators, or moving sidewalks; and for the draining or filling of drainage potholes or swamps. Such counties have the power to levy and collect special assessments against the real property specially benefited thereby for the purpose of paying the whole or any part of the cost of such acquisition of rights of way, construction, or improvement.

A county may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of roads and related facilities authorized under this section that will be incorporated into or become public roads under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the county. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the county causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 154. RCW 36.94.220 and 1981 c 313 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A county shall have the power to establish utility local improvement districts and local improvement districts within the area of a sewerage and/or water general plan and to levy special assessments under a mode of annual installments extending over a period not exceeding twenty years on all property specially benefited by any local improvement on the basis of the special benefits to pay in whole or in part the damages or costs of any improvements ordered in such county.

(2) Utility local improvement districts and local improvement districts may include territory within a city or town only with the written consent of the city or town, but if the local district is formed before such area is included within the city or town, no such consent shall be necessary. Utility local improvement districts and local improvement districts used to provide sewerage disposal systems may include territory within a sewer district or within a water district providing sewerage disposal systems only with the written consent of the sewer district or such a water district, but if the local district is formed before such area is included within the sewer district or such a water district, no consent is necessary. Utility local improvement districts and local improvement districts used to provide water systems may include territory within a water district or within a sewer district providing water systems only with the written consent of the water district or such a sewer district, but if the local district is formed before such area is included within the water district or such a sewer district, no consent is necessary.

(3) The levying, collection, and enforcement of all public assessments hereby authorized shall be in the manner now and hereafter provided by law for the levying, collection, and enforcement of local improvement assessments by cities and towns, insofar as the same shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. In addition, the county shall file the preliminary assessment roll at the time and in the manner prescribed in RCW 35.50.005. The duties devolving upon the city treasurer under such laws are imposed upon the county treasurer for the purposes of this chapter. The mode of assessment shall be in the manner to be determined by the county legislative authority by ordinance or resolution. As an alternative to equal annual assessment installments of principal provided for cities and towns, a county legislative authority may provide for the payment of such assessments in equal annual installments of principal and interest. Assessments in any local district may be made on the basis of special benefits up to but not in excess of the total cost of any sewerage and/or water improvement made with respect to that local district and the share of any general sewerage and/or water facilities allocable to that district. In utility local improvement districts, assessments shall be deposited into the revenue bond fund or general obligation bond fund established for the payment of bonds issued to pay such costs which bond payments are secured in part by the pledge of assessments, except pending the issuance and sale of such bonds, assessments may be deposited in a fund for the payment of such costs. In local improvement districts, assessments shall be deposited into a fund for the payment of such costs and local improvement bonds issued to finance the same or into the local improvement guaranty fund as provided by applicable statute.

A county may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of sewer or water systems that will be incorporated into or used as part of a public water or sewer system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the legislative authority of the county. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the county causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

Sec. 155. RCW 56.08.010 and 1989 c 389 s 2 and 1989 c 308 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

A sewer district may acquire by purchase or by condemnation and purchase all lands, property rights, water, and water rights, both within and without the district, necessary for its purposes. A sewer district may lease real or personal property necessary for its purposes for a term of years for which such leased property may reasonably be needed where in the opinion of the board of sewer commissioners such property may not be needed permanently or substantial savings to the district can be effected thereby. The right of eminent domain shall be exercised in the same manner and by the same procedure as provided for cities and towns, insofar as consistent with the provisions of this title, except that all assessments or reassessment rolls required to be filed by eminent domain commissioners or commissioners appointed by the court shall be prepared and filed by the district, and the duties devolving upon the city treasurer shall be imposed upon the county treasurer for the purposes hereof. A sewer district may construct, condemn and purchase, add to, maintain, and operate systems of sewers for the purpose of furnishing the district and inhabitants thereof with an adequate system of sewers for all uses and purposes, public and private, including but not limited to on-site sewage disposal facilities, approved septic tanks or approved septic tank systems, other facilities and systems for the collection, interception, treatment, and disposal of wastewater, and for the control of pollution from wastewater and for the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of surface and underground waters, facilities for the drainage of storm or surface waters, public highways, streets, and roads with full authority to regulate the use and operation thereof and the service rates to be charged and may construct, acquire, or own buildings and other necessary district facilities. Such sewage facilities may include facilities which result in combined sewage disposal, treatment, or drainage and electric generation, provided that the electricity generated thereby is a byproduct of the system of sewers. Such electricity may be used by the sewer district or sold to any entity authorized by law to distribute electricity. Such electricity is a byproduct when the electrical generation is subordinate to the primary purpose of sewage disposal, treatment, or drainage. For such purposes a district may conduct sewage throughout the district and throughout other political subdivisions within the district, and construct and lay sewer pipe along and upon public highways, roads, and streets, within and without the district, and condemn and purchase or acquire land and rights of way necessary for such sewer pipe. A district may erect sewage treatment plants, within or without the district, and may acquire by purchase or condemnation, properties or privileges necessary to be had to protect any lakes, rivers, or watercourses and also other areas of land from pollution, from its sewers or its sewage treatment plant. For the purposes of sewage facilities which include facilities which result in combined sewage disposal, treatment, or drainage and electric generation where the electric generation is a byproduct, nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a district to condemn electric generating, transmission, or distribution rights or facilities of entities authorized by law to distribute electricity, or to acquire such rights or facilities without the consent of the owner. A district may charge property owners seeking to connect to the district system of sewers, as a condition to granting the right to so connect, in addition to the cost of such connection, such reasonable connection charge as the board of commissioners shall determine to be proper in order that such property owners shall bear their equitable share of the cost of such system. For purposes of calculating a connection charge, the board of commissioners shall determine the pro rata share of the cost of existing facilities and facilities planned for construction within the next ten years and contained in an adopted comprehensive plan and other costs borne by the district which are directly attributable to the improvements required by property owners seeking to connect to the system. The cost of existing facilities shall not include those portions of the system which have been donated or which have been paid for by grants.

The connection charge may include interest charges applied from the date of construction of the sewer system until the connection, or for a period not to exceed ten years, whichever is shorter, at a rate commensurate with the rate of interest applicable to the district at the time of construction or major rehabilitation of the sewer system, or at the time of installation of the sewer lines to which the property owner is seeking to connect.

A district may permit payment of the cost of connection and the reasonable connection charge to be paid with interest in installments over a period not exceeding fifteen years. The county treasurer may charge and collect a fee of three dollars per parcel for each year for the treasurer's services. Such fees shall be a charge to be included as part of each annual installment, and shall be credited to the county current expense fund by the county treasurer. A district may compel all property owners within the sewer district located within an area served by the district system of sewers to connect their private drain and sewer systems with the district system under such penalty as the sewer commissioners shall prescribe by resolution. The district may for such purpose enter upon private property and connect the private drains or sewers with the district system and the cost thereof shall be charged against the property owner and shall be a lien upon property served.

Revenues from connection charges excluding permit fees are to be considered payments in aid of construction as defined by department of revenue rule.

A sewer district may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of sewer systems that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public sewer system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the board of commissioners. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the sewer district causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 156. A new section is added to chapter 56.08 RCW to read as follows:

RCW 56.08.070 does not apply to contracts with the owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of sewer systems that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public sewer system pursuant to RCW 56.08.010, so long as the procedures of section 148 of this act are followed.

Sec. 157. RCW 56.20.015 and 1983 c 167 s 159 are each amended to read as follows:

In addition to all of the powers and authorities set forth in Title 56 RCW, any sewer district ((~~shall have~~)) has all of the powers of cities as set forth in RCW 35.43.184, 35.43.186, and section 148 of this act and chapter 35.44 RCW. Sewer districts may also exercise all of the powers permitted to a water district under Title 57 RCW, except that a sewer district may not exercise water district powers in any area within its boundaries which is part of an existing district which previously shall have been duly authorized to exercise water district powers in such area without the consent by resolution of the board of commissioners of such district.

A sewer district shall have the power to issue general obligation bonds for water system purposes: PROVIDED, That a proposition to authorize general obligation bonds payable from excess tax levies for water system purposes pursuant to chapters 57.16 and 57.20 RCW shall be submitted to all of the qualified voters within that part of the sewer district which is not contained within another existing district duly authorized to exercise water district powers, and the taxes to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds approved by such voters shall be levied only upon all of the taxable property within such part of the sewer district. Such bonds may also be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW.

Sec. 158. RCW 57.08.010 and 1994 c 81 s 81 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) A water district may acquire by purchase or condemnation, or both, all property and property rights and all water and water rights, both within and without the district, necessary for its purposes.

(b) A water district may lease real or personal property necessary for its purposes for a term of years for which such leased property may reasonably be needed where in the opinion of the board of water commissioners such property may not be needed permanently or substantial savings to the district can be effected thereby.

(c) The right of eminent domain shall be exercised in the same manner and by the same procedure as provided for cities and towns, insofar as consistent with the provisions of this title, except that all assessment rolls to be prepared and filed by eminent domain commissioners or commissioners appointed by the court shall be prepared and filed by the water district, and the duties devolving upon the city treasurer are hereby imposed upon the county treasurer.

(d) A water district may construct, condemn and purchase, purchase, add to, maintain, and supply waterworks to furnish the district and inhabitants thereof, and any city or town therein and any other persons, both within and without the district, with an ample supply of water for all uses and purposes public and private with full authority to regulate and control the use, content, distribution, and price thereof in such a manner as is not in conflict with general law and may construct, acquire, or own buildings and other necessary district facilities. Where a customer connected to the district's system uses the water on an intermittent or transient basis, a district may charge for providing water service to such a customer, regardless of the amount of water, if any, used by the customer.

(e) A water district contiguous to Canada may contract with a Canadian corporation for the purchase of water and for the construction, purchase, maintenance, and supply of waterworks to furnish the district and inhabitants thereof and residents of Canada with an ample supply of water under terms approved by the board of commissioners. Such waterworks may include facilities which result in combined water supply and electric generation, provided that the electricity generated thereby is a byproduct of the water supply system.

(f) Such electricity may be used by the water district or sold to any entity authorized by law to distribute electricity. Such electricity is a byproduct when the electrical generation is subordinate to the primary purpose of water supply.

(g) For such purposes, a water district may take, condemn and purchase, purchase, acquire, and retain water from any public or navigable lake, river, or watercourse, or any underflowing water and, by means of aqueducts or pipe line conduct the same throughout such water district and any city or town therein and carry it along and upon public highways, roads, and streets, within and without such district.

(h) For the purpose of constructing or laying aqueducts or pipe lines, dams, or waterworks or other necessary structures in storing and retaining water or for any other lawful purpose such water district may occupy the beds and shores up to the high water mark of any such lake, river, or other watercourse, and may acquire by purchase or condemnation such property or property rights or privileges as may be necessary to protect its water supply from pollution.

(i) For the purposes of waterworks which include facilities for the generation of electricity as a byproduct, nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a water district to condemn electric generating, transmission, or distribution rights or facilities of entities authorized by law to distribute electricity, or to acquire such rights or facilities without the consent of the owner.

(2) A water district may purchase and take water from any municipal corporation.

(3) A water district may fix rates and charges for water supplied and may charge property owners seeking to connect to the district's water supply system, as a condition to granting the right to so connect, in addition to the cost of such connection, such reasonable connection charge as the board of commissioners shall determine to be proper in order that such property owners shall bear their equitable share of the cost of such system.

(a) For purposes of calculating a connection charge, the board of commissioners shall determine the pro rata share of the cost of existing facilities and facilities planned for construction within the next ten years and contained in an adopted comprehensive plan and other costs borne by the district which are directly attributable to the improvements required by property owners seeking to connect to the system. The cost of existing facilities shall not include those portions of the system which have been donated or which have been paid for by grants.

(b) The connection charge may include interest charges applied from the date of construction of the water system until the connection, or for a period not to exceed ten years, whichever is shorter, at a rate commensurate with the rate of interest applicable to the district at the time of construction or major rehabilitation of the water system, or at the time of installation of the water lines to which the property owner is seeking to connect.

(4)(a) A district may permit payment of the cost of connection and the reasonable connection charge to be paid with interest in installments over a period not exceeding fifteen years. The county treasurer may charge and collect a fee of three dollars for each year for the treasurer's services. Such fees shall be a charge to be included as part of each annual installment, and shall be credited to the county current expense fund by the county treasurer.

(b) Revenues from connection charges excluding permit fees are to be considered payments in aid of construction as defined by department of revenue rule.

(5) A district may operate and maintain a park or recreational facilities on real property that it owns or in which it has an interest that is not immediately necessary for its purposes.

If such park or recreational facilities are operated by a person other than the district, including a corporation, partnership, or other business enterprise, the person shall indemnify and hold harmless the district for any injury or damage caused by the action of the person.

(6) A water district may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of waterworks that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public water system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the board of commissioners. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the water district causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 159. A new section is added to chapter 57.08 RCW to read as follows:

RCW 57.08.050 does not apply to contracts with the owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of waterworks that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public waterworks system pursuant to RCW 57.08.010, so long as the procedures of section 148 of this act are followed.

Sec. 160. RCW 57.16.050 and 1987 c 169 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A district may establish local improvement districts within its territory; levy special assessments under the mode of annual installments extending over a period not exceeding twenty years, on all property specially benefited by a local improvement, on the basis of special benefits to pay in whole or in part the damage or costs of any improvements ordered in the district; and issue local improvement bonds in the local improvement district to be repaid by the collection of special assessments. Such bonds may be of any form, including bearer bonds or registered bonds as provided in RCW 39.46.030. The levying, collection and enforcement of such special assessments and issuance of bonds shall be as provided for the levying, collection, and enforcement of special assessments and the issuance of local improvement district bonds by cities and towns insofar as consistent herewith. The duties devolving upon the city or town treasurer are hereby imposed upon the county treasurer of the county in which the real property is located for the purposes hereof. The mode of assessment shall be determined by the water commissioners by resolution. When in the petition or resolution for the establishment of a local improvement district, and in the approved comprehensive plan or approved amendment thereto or plan providing for additions and betterments to the original plan, previously adopted, it is provided that, except as set forth in this section, the special assessments shall be for the sole purpose of payment into the revenue bond fund for the payment of revenue bonds, then the local improvement district shall be designated as a "utility local improvement district." No warrants or bonds shall be issued in a utility local improvement district, but the collection of interest and principal on all special assessments in the utility local improvement district shall be paid into the revenue bond fund, except that special assessments paid before the issuance and sale of bonds may be deposited in a fund for the payment of costs of improvements in the utility local improvement district.

(2) Such bonds may also be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW.

(3) A district may contract with an owner or developer of real estate for the construction or improvement of waterworks that will be incorporated into or used as part of the public water system under terms approved by the owner or developer and the board of commissioners. Any work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that the district causes to be performed by an owner or developer of real estate through a contract under this section shall comply with chapter 39.12 RCW.

(4) In addition to all of the powers and authorities set forth in this title, any water district has all of the powers of cities as set forth in RCW 35.43.184, 35.43.186, and section 148 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 161. Sections 137 and 138 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 36 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 162. RCW 82.02.050, 82.02.060, 82.02.070, 82.02.080, 82.02.090, and 82.02.100 are each recodified as sections within the new chapter created in section 161 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 163. RCW 90.58.145 and 1979 ex.s. c 84 s 4 are each repealed.

PART II - PERMITTING

NEW SECTION. Sec. 201. The legislature finds and declares the following:

(1) As the number of environmental laws and development regulations has increased for land uses and development, so has the number of required local land use permits, each with its own separate approval process.

(2) The increasing number of local and state land use permits and separate environmental review processes required by agencies has generated continuing potential for conflict, overlap, and duplication between the various permit and review processes.

(3) This regulatory burden has significantly added to the cost and time needed to obtain local and state land use permits and has made it difficult for the public to know how and when to provide timely comments on land use proposals that require multiple permits and have separate environmental review processes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 202. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Closed record appeal" means an appeal to a local government body or officer, including the legislative body, following an open record hearing and a decision by the body or officer on a development permit application when the appeal is on the record with no or limited new evidence or information allowed to be submitted and only appeal argument allowed.

(2) "Development permit" or "development permit application" means any land use or environmental permit or license required from a local government for a project action, including but not limited to building permits, subdivisions, binding site plans, planned unit developments, conditional uses, shoreline substantial development permits, site-specific rezones not requiring a comprehensive plan amendment, and other land use applications, but does not include proposed amendments to comprehensive plans or the adoption or amendment of development regulations.

(3) "Development regulations" means the controls placed on development or land use activities by a local government, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical areas ordinances, shoreline master programs, official controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances, together with any amendments, but does not include decisions to approve a development permit application, even though such decisions may be expressed in a resolution or ordinance of the legislative body of the local government.

(4) "Local government" means a county, city, or town.

(5) "Open record hearing" means a hearing conducted by a hearing body or officer of the local government that creates a record through testimony and submission of evidence and information, whether the hearing is open to members of the general public for purposes of hearing public comments prior to a decision on a development permit application or is limited to those filing an appeal of a staff decision.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 203. Not later than December 31, 1996, each local government shall provide by ordinance or resolution for review of development permit applications to achieve the following objectives:

(1) Combine the environmental review process, both procedural and substantive, with the procedure for review of development permits;

(2) Except as provided in RCW 43.21C.075(3), provide for no more than one open record hearing and one closed record appeal; and

(3) Require a uniform twenty-one day appeal period for judicial appeals as provided in section 306 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 204. Not later than December 31, 1996, each local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish by ordinance, resolution, or rule an integrated and consolidated development permit process that includes the following required elements:

(1) A notice of completion to the applicant as required by RCW 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act);

(2) A notice of application to the public and agencies with jurisdiction as required by section 208 of this act;

(3) With the exception of a determination of significance, which shall be issued in advance of the agency decision or recommendation on the project action as provided in chapter 43.21C RCW, a single report by the decision maker that combines the local government's threshold determination, if required under chapter 43.21C RCW, with the agency's decision or recommendation on all development permits included in the consolidated permit review and also includes any mitigation required pursuant to the development regulations or the agency's authority under RCW 43.21C.060;

(4) Except as provided in section 211 of this act, the consolidation into a single review process of all development permits requested by an applicant for part or all of a project action, including no more than one consolidated open record hearing before a single hearing body or officer;

(5) Except for the appeal of a determination of significance as provided in RCW 43.21C.075, if a local government elects to provide an appeal of its threshold determinations or development permit decisions, the local government shall provide for no more than one consolidated open record hearing before a single hearing body or officer. The local government need not provide for any further appeal. If a closed record appeal is provided, the appeal shall be on the record before a single decision-making body or officer;

(6) A notice of decision as required by section 210 of this act and issued within the time period provided in RCW 36.70A.065 (as recodified by this act) and section 207 of this act; and

(7) Any other provisions not inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter or chapter 43.21C RCW.

Sec. 205. RCW 36.70A.440 and 1994 c 257 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~Each city and county~~)) (1) Within twenty-eight days after receiving a development permit application, a local government planning pursuant to RCW 36.70A.040 shall((~~, within twenty working days of receiving a development permit application as defined in RCW 36.70A.030(7),~~)) mail or provide in person a written notice to the applicant, stating either:

(a) That the application is complete; or

(b) That the application is incomplete and what is necessary to make the application complete.

(2)(a) An application shall be deemed complete under this section if the local government does not provide written notice to the applicant that the application is incomplete as provided in subsection (1)(b) of this section.

(b) Within ten days after an applicant has submitted to a local government additional information identified by the local government as being necessary for a complete application, the local government shall notify the applicant whether the application is complete or what additional information is necessary.

(3) To the extent known by the ((~~city or county~~)) local government, the ((~~notice~~)) local government shall identify other agencies of local, state, or federal governments that may have jurisdiction over some aspect of the application.

Sec. 206. RCW 36.70A.065 and 1994 c 257 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Development regulations adopted pursuant to RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish time periods consistent with section 207 of this act for local government actions on specific development permit applications and provide timely and predictable procedures to determine whether a completed development permit application meets the requirements of those development regulations. Such development regulations shall specify the contents of a completed development permit application necessary for the application of such time periods and procedures.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 207. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, a local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall issue its notice of final decision within one hundred twenty days after the local government notifies the applicant for a project that the application is complete, as provided in RCW 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act). In determining the number of days that have elapsed after the local government has notified the applicant that the application is complete, the following periods shall be excluded:

(a) Any period during which the applicant has been requested by the local government to correct plans, perform required studies, or provide additional required information. The period shall be calculated from the date the local government notifies the applicant of the need for additional information until the earlier of the date the local government determines whether the additional information satisfies the request for information or ten days after the date the information has been provided to the local government. If the local government determines the information is insufficient, it shall notify the applicant of the deficiencies;

(b) Any period during which an environmental impact statement is being prepared following a determination of significance pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW, if the local government by ordinance or resolution has established time periods for completion of environmental impact statements, or if the local government and the applicant in writing agree to a time period for completion of an environmental impact statement; and

(c) A period, not to exceed sixty days, to consider and decide closed record appeals, unless the parties voluntarily agree to extend the period.

(2) The time limits established by subsection (1) of this section do not apply if a development permit:

(a) Requires an amendment to the comprehensive plan or a development regulation;

(b) Involves a new fully contained community as provided in RCW 36.70A.350, a master planned resort as provided in RCW 36.70A.360, or the siting of an essential public facility as provided in RCW 36.70A.200; or

(c) Requires substantial revisions to the project proposal, in which case the time period shall start from the date at which the revised project application is determined to be complete under RCW 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act).

(3) A development permit application is complete for purposes of this section when it meets the procedural submission requirements of the local government and is sufficient for continued processing even though additional information may be required or project modifications may be undertaken subsequently. The determination of completeness shall not preclude the local government from requesting additional information or studies either at the time of the notice of completeness or subsequently if new information is required or substantial changes in the proposed action occur.

(4) The notice of completeness may include the following as optional information:

(a) A preliminary determination of those development regulations that will be used for project mitigation;

(b) A preliminary determination of consistency, as provided under section 105 of this act; or

(5) A local government may require the applicant for a development permit to designate a single person or entity to receive notice required by this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 208. (1) Not later than December 31, 1996, a local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall provide a notice of application to the public and the departments and agencies with jurisdiction as provided in this section.

(2) The notice of application shall include the following:

(a) The date of application;

(b) The proposed project action and the development permits included in the application and, if applicable, any studies requested under RCW 36.70A.065 (as recodified by this act) or section 207 of this act;

(c) The identification of other development or related permits not included in the application to the extent known by the local government;

(d) A public comment period of not less than fourteen nor more than twenty-eight days following the date of notice of application, and statements of the right of any person to request a copy of the decision once made and any appeal rights;

(e) The date for open record hearing, if applicable and scheduled at the date of notice of the application;

(f) A statement of the preliminary determination, if one has been made at the time of notice, of those development regulations that will be used for project mitigation and of consistency as provided in section 105 of this act; and

(g) Any other information determined appropriate by the local government, including the optional information required in section 207(4) of this act.

(3) If an open record hearing is required for the requested development permits, the notice of application shall be provided at least fourteen days prior to the open record hearing.

(4) A local government shall use reasonable methods to give the notice of application to the public and agencies with jurisdiction and may use its existing notice procedures. A local government may use different types of notice for different categories of development permits or types or project actions. Examples of reasonable methods to inform the public are:

(a) Posting the property for site-specific proposals;

(b) Publishing notice in the newspaper of general circulation in the local government or general area where the proposal is located;

(c) Notifying public or private groups with known interest in a certain proposal or in the type of proposal being considered;

(d) Notifying the news media;

(e) Placing notices in appropriate regional or neighborhood newspapers or trade journals;

(f) Publishing notice in agency newsletters or sending notice to agency mailing lists, either general lists or lists for specific proposals or subject areas; and

(g) Mailing to neighboring property owners.

(5) A notice of application shall not be required for development permits that are categorically exempt under chapter 43.21C RCW, unless an open record hearing is required.

(6) The local government may not issue its threshold determination or issue a decision or recommendation on a development permit until expiration of the public comment period. Comments shall be as specific as possible. If an agency with jurisdiction or a member of the public does not respond with written comments within the public comment period, the local government shall assume that such agency or person has no objection to the proposed development permit if the procedures of this section have been met.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 209. (1) Each local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall establish a permit review process that provides for the integrated and consolidated review and decision on two or more development permits relating to a proposed project action, including a single application review and approval process covering all development permits requested by an applicant for all or part of a project action and a designated permit coordinator. If an applicant elects the consolidated permit review process, the notice of completion, notice of application, and notice of final decision must include all development permits being reviewed through the consolidated permit review process.

(2) Consolidated permit review may provide different procedures for different categories of development permits, but if a project action requires development permits from more than one category, the local government shall provide for consolidated permit review with a single open record hearing and no more than one closed record appeal. Each local government shall determine which development permits are subject to an open record hearing and a closed record appeal. Examples of categories of development permits include but are not limited to:

(a) Categorically exempt proposals, such as variances, lot boundary adjustments, and certain construction permits, which require no environmental review or public notice;

(b) Administrative permits that require environmental review, but no open record hearing except on appeal;

(d) Permits that require environmental review and a decision by the local government legislative body.

(3) A local government is not required to provide for appeals. If provided, an appeal must be filed within fourteen days after notice of the decision being appealed. The applicant for a development permit is deemed to be a participant in any comment period, open record hearing, and closed record appeal.

(4) A local government may provide by ordinance or resolution for the same or a different decision maker or hearing body or officer for different categories of development permits. In the case of consolidated development permit review, the local government shall specify which decision makers shall make the decision or recommendation, conduct the hearing, or decide the appeal to ensure that consolidated permit review occurs as provided in this section. The consolidated permit review may combine an open record public hearing with an open record appeal hearing. In such cases, the local government by ordinance or resolution shall specify which development permits, if any, shall be subject to a closed record appeal.

(5) Each local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall adopt procedures for administrative interpretation of its development regulations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 210. A local government planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall provide a notice of decision, which may be a copy of the report, recommendation, or decision, to the applicant and to any person requesting notice of the decision prior to the rendering of the decision. The local government may publish or otherwise provide for additional notice of its decision.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 211. A local government by ordinance or resolution may exclude the following development permits from the provisions of RCW 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act), 36.70A.065 (as recodified by this act), sections 204, and 207 through 210 of this act:

(1) Variances, lot line or boundary adjustments, short subdivision approval, building and other construction permits categorically exempt from environmental review or similar administrative approvals; and

(2) Landmark designations, street vacations, or other approvals relating to the use of public areas or facilities, or other development permits that the local government by ordinance or resolution has determined present special circumstances that warrant a review process different from that provided in RCW 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act), 36.70A.065 (as recodified by this act), sections 204, and 207 through 210 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 212. A local government not planning under RCW 36.70A.040 or any other local agency may incorporate some or all of the provisions of sections 204 and 207 through 210 of this act and RCW 36.70A.065 and 36.70A.440 (as recodified by this act) into its procedures for review of development permits or other project actions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 213. (1) Each local government is encouraged to adopt further project review provisions to provide prompt, coordinated review and ensure accountability to applicants and the public, including expedited review for development permits for projects that are consistent with adopted development regulations and within the capacity of system-wide infrastructure improvements.

(2) Nothing in this chapter is intended or shall be construed to prevent a local government from requiring by rule, ordinance, or resolution a preapplication conference or meeting, design review, or hearing on some or all proposed projects to obtain public comments on scoping or a draft environmental impact statement pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW and its applicable rules.

(3) Each local government is encouraged to develop a system of professional certification whereby qualified engineers or other professionals certify an application's compliance with adopted development regulations for the purpose of expediting or eliminating certain aspects of agency review of compliance with those regulations.

(4) Each local government shall adopt procedures to monitor and enforce permit decisions and conditions.

(5) Nothing in this chapter modifies any independent statutory authority for a government agency to appeal a development permit issued by a local government.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 214. A new section is added to chapter 64.40 RCW to read as follows:

A local government is not liable for damages under this chapter due to the local government’s failure to make a final decision within the time limits established in section 207 of this act.

Sec. 215. RCW 58.17.070 and 1981 c 293 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

A preliminary plat of proposed subdivisions and dedications of land shall be submitted for approval to the ((~~legislative body of the~~)) city, town, or county within which the plat is situated.

Unless an applicant for preliminary plat approval requests otherwise, a preliminary plat shall be processed simultaneously with applications for rezones, variances, planned unit developments, site plan approvals, and similar quasi-judicial or administrative actions to the extent that procedural requirements applicable to these actions permit simultaneous processing.

Sec. 216. RCW 58.17.090 and 1981 c 293 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an application for preliminary plat approval the administrative officer charged by ordinance with responsibility for administration of regulations pertaining to platting and subdivisions shall provide public notice and set a date for a public hearing. Except as provided in section 208 of this act, at a minimum, notice of the hearing shall be given in the following manner:

((~~(1)~~)) (a) Notice shall be published not less than ten days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the county and a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the real property which is proposed to be subdivided is located; and

((~~(2)~~)) (b) Special notice of the hearing shall be given to adjacent landowners by any other reasonable method local authorities deem necessary. Adjacent landowners are the owners of real property, as shown by the records of the county assessor, located within three hundred feet of any portion of the boundary of the proposed subdivision. If the owner of the real property which is proposed to be subdivided owns another parcel or parcels of real property which lie adjacent to the real property proposed to be subdivided, notice under this subsection (1)(b) shall be given to owners of real property located within three hundred feet of any portion of the boundaries of such adjacently located parcels of real property owned by the owner of the real property proposed to be subdivided.

(2) All hearings shall be public. All hearing notices shall include a description of the location of the proposed subdivision. The description may be in the form of either a vicinity location sketch or a written description other than a legal description.

Sec. 217. RCW 58.17.092 and 1988 c 168 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

Any notice made under chapter 58.17 or 36.--- (sections 201 through 204 and 207 through 213 of this act) RCW that identifies affected property may identify this affected property without using a legal description of the property including, but not limited to, identification by an address, written description, vicinity sketch, or other reasonable means.

Sec. 218. RCW 58.17.100 and 1981 c 293 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

If a city, town or county has established a planning commission or planning agency in accordance with state law or local charter, such commission or agency shall review all preliminary plats and make recommendations thereon to the city, town or county legislative body to assure conformance of the proposed subdivision to the general purposes of the comprehensive plan and to planning standards and specifications as adopted by the city, town or county. Reports of the planning commission or agency shall be advisory only: PROVIDED, That the legislative body of the city, town or county may, by ordinance, assign to such commission or agency, or any department official or group of officials, such administrative functions, powers and duties as may be appropriate, including the holding of hearings, and recommendations for approval or disapproval of preliminary plats of proposed subdivisions.

Such recommendation shall be submitted to the legislative body not later than fourteen days following action by the hearing body. Upon receipt of the recommendation on any preliminary plat the legislative body shall at its next public meeting set the date for the public meeting where it shall consider the recommendations of the hearing body and may adopt or reject the recommendations of such hearing body based on the record established at the public hearing. If, after considering the matter at a public meeting, the legislative body deems a change in the planning commission's or planning agency's recommendation approving or disapproving any preliminary plat is necessary, ((~~the change of the recommendation shall not be made until~~)) the legislative body shall ((~~conduct a public hearing and thereupon~~)) adopt its own recommendations and approve or disapprove the preliminary plat. ((Such public hearing may be held before a committee constituting a majority of the legislative body. If the hearing is before a committee, the committee shall report its recommendations on the matter to the legislative body for final action.))

Every decision or recommendation made under this section shall be in writing and shall include findings of fact and conclusions to support the decision or recommendation.

A record of all public meetings and public hearings shall be kept by the appropriate city, town or county authority and shall be open to public inspection.

Sole authority to approve final plats, and to adopt or amend platting ordinances shall reside in the legislative bodies.

Sec. 219. RCW 58.17.330 and 1994 c 257 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) As an alternative to those provisions of this chapter requiring a planning commission to hear and issue recommendations for plat approval, the county or city legislative body may adopt a hearing examiner system and shall specify by ordinance the legal effect of the decisions made by the examiner. ((~~Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section,~~)) The legal effect of such decisions shall include one of the following:

(a) The decision may be given the effect of a recommendation to the legislative body;

(b) The decision may be given the effect of an administrative decision appealable within a specified time limit to the legislative body; or

The legislative authority shall prescribe procedures to be followed by a hearing examiner.

(2) ((The legislative body shall specify the legal effect of a hearing examiner's procedural determination under the state environmental policy act, as defined in RCW 43.21C.075(3)(a). It may have the effect under subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section, or may be given the effect of a final decision of the legislative body.

~~(3)~~)) Each final decision of a hearing examiner shall be in writing and shall include findings and conclusions, based on the record, to support the decision. Each final decision of a hearing examiner, unless a longer period is mutually agreed to by the applicant and the hearing examiner, shall be rendered within ten working days following conclusion of all testimony and hearings.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 220. The legislature finds that the lack of certainty in the approval of development projects can result in a waste of public and private resources, escalate housing costs for consumers and discourage the commitment to comprehensive planning which would make maximum efficient use of resources at the least economic cost to the public. Assurance to a development project applicant that upon government approval the project may proceed in accordance with existing policies and regulations, and subject to conditions of approval, all as set forth in a development agreement, will strengthen the public planning process, encourage private participation and comprehensive planning, and reduce the economic costs of development. Further, the lack of public facilities and services is a serious impediment to development of new housing and commercial uses. Project applicants and local governments may include provisions and agreements whereby applicants are reimbursed over time for financing public facilities. It is the intent of the legislature by sections 221 through 225 of this act to allow local governments and owners and developers of real property to enter into development agreements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 221. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

(1) A county or city may enter into a development agreement with a person having ownership or control of real property within its jurisdiction. A city may enter into a development agreement for real property outside its boundaries as part of a proposed annexation or a service agreement. A development agreement must set forth the development standards and other provisions that shall apply to and govern and vest the development, use, and mitigation of the development of the real property for the duration specified in the agreement.

(2) Sections 220 through 223 of this act do not affect the validity of a contract rezone, concomitant agreement, annexation agreement, or other agreement in existence on the effective date of sections 220 through 223 of this act, or adopted under separate authority, that includes some or all of the development standards provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "development standards" includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Project elements such as permitted uses, residential densities, and nonresidential densities and intensities or building sizes;

(b) The amount and payment of impact fees imposed or agreed to in accordance with chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 137 and 138 of this act) or any other applicable provisions of state law, other financial contributions by the property owner, inspection fees, or dedications;

(d) Design standards such as maximum heights, setbacks, drainage and water quality requirements, landscaping, and other development features;

(e) Affordable housing;

(f) Parks and open space preservation;

(g) Phasing;

(h) Review procedures and standards for implementing decisions;

(i) A build-out or vesting period for applicable standards; and

(j) Any other appropriate development requirement or procedure.

(4) The execution of a development agreement is a proper exercise of county and city police power and contract authority. A development agreement may obligate a party to fund or provide services, infrastructure, or other facilities. A development agreement shall reserve authority to impose new or different regulations to the extent required by a serious threat to public health and safety.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 222. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

Unless amended or terminated, a development agreement is enforceable during its term by a party. A development agreement and the development standards in the agreement govern during the term of the agreement, or for all or that part of the build-out period specified in the agreement, and may not be subject to an amendment to a zoning ordinance or development standard or regulation or a new zoning ordinance or development standard or regulation adopted after the effective date of the agreement. A permit or approval issued by the county or city after the execution of the development agreement must be consistent with the development agreement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 223. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

A development agreement may be recorded with the real property records of the county in which the property is located. During the term of the development agreement, the agreement is binding on and will inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors, including a city that assumes jurisdiction through incorporation or annexation of the area covering the property covered by the development agreement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 224. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:

A county or city shall only approve a development agreement by ordinance or resolution after a public hearing. The county or city legislative body or a planning commission, hearing examiner, or other body designated by the legislative body to conduct the public hearing may conduct the hearing. If the development agreement relates to a development permit application, the provisions of chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 301 through 314 of this act) shall apply to the appeal of the decision on the development agreement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 225. Nothing in sections 220 through 224 of this act is intended to authorize local governments to impose impact fees, inspection fees, or dedications or to require any other financial contributions or mitigation measures except as expressly authorized by other applicable provisions of state law.

Sec. 226. RCW 35.63.130 and 1994 c 257 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) As an alternative to those provisions of this chapter relating to powers or duties of the planning commission to hear and report on any proposal to amend a zoning ordinance, the legislative body of a city or ((~~county~~)) town may adopt a hearing examiner system under which a hearing examiner or hearing examiners may hear and decide applications for amending the zoning ordinance when the amendment which is applied for is not of general applicability. In addition, the legislative body may vest in a hearing examiner the power to hear and decide those issues it believes should be reviewed and decided by a hearing examiner, including but not limited to:

(a) Applications for conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, shoreline permits, or any other class of applications for or pertaining to development of land or land use((~~s which the legislative body believes should be reviewed and decided by a hearing examiner~~));

(b) Appeals of administrative decisions or determinations; and

The legislative body shall prescribe procedures to be followed by the hearing examiner.

(2) Each city or ((~~county~~)) town legislative body electing to use a hearing examiner pursuant to this section shall by ordinance specify the legal effect of the decisions made by the examiner. ((~~Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section,~~)) The legal effect of such decisions may vary for the different classes of applications decided by the examiner but shall include one of the following:

(a) The decision may be given the effect of a recommendation to the legislative body;

(b) The decision may be given the effect of an administrative decision appealable within a specified time limit to the legislative body((.

(2) The legislative body may specify the legal effect of a hearing examiner's procedural determination under the state environmental policy act, as defined in RCW 43.21C.075(3)(a). It may have the effect under subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section, or)); or

(3) Each final decision of a hearing examiner shall be in writing and shall include findings and conclusions, based on the record, to support the decision. Such findings and conclusions shall also set forth the manner in which the decision would carry out and conform to the city's or ((~~county's~~)) town's comprehensive plan and the city's or ((~~county's~~)) town's development regulations. Each final decision of a hearing examiner, unless a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing by the applicant and the hearing examiner, shall be rendered within ten working days following conclusion of all testimony and hearings.

Sec. 227. RCW 35A.63.170 and 1994 c 257 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) As an alternative to those provisions of this chapter relating to powers or duties of the planning commission to hear and report on any proposal to amend a zoning ordinance, the legislative body of a city may adopt a hearing examiner system under which a hearing examiner or hearing examiners may hear and decide applications for amending the zoning ordinance when the amendment which is applied for is not of general applicability. In addition, the legislative body may vest in a hearing examiner the power to hear and decide those issues it believes should be reviewed and decided by a hearing examiner, including but not limited to:

(b) Appeals of administrative decisions or determinations; and

The legislative body shall prescribe procedures to be followed by a hearing examiner. If the legislative authority vests in a hearing examiner the authority to hear and decide variances, then the provisions of RCW 35A.63.110 shall not apply to the city.

(2) Each city legislative body electing to use a hearing examiner pursuant to this section shall by ordinance specify the legal effect of the decisions made by the examiner. ((~~Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section,~~)) The legal effect of such decisions may vary for the different classes of applications decided by the examiner but shall include one of the following:

(a) The decision may be given the effect of a recommendation to the legislative body;

(b) The decision may be given the effect of an administrative decision appealable within a specified time limit to the legislative body((.

(2) The legislative body shall specify the legal effect of a hearing examiner's procedural determination under the state environmental policy act, as defined in RCW 43.21C.075(3)(a). It may have the effect under subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section, or)); or

(3) Each final decision of a hearing examiner shall be in writing and shall include findings and conclusions, based on the record, to support the decision. Such findings and conclusions shall also set forth the manner in which the decision would carry out and conform to the city's comprehensive plan and the city's development regulations. Each final decision of a hearing examiner, unless a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing by the applicant and the hearing examiner, shall be rendered within ten working days following conclusion of all testimony and hearings.

Sec. 228. RCW 36.70.970 and 1994 c 257 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) As an alternative to those provisions of this chapter relating to powers or duties of the planning commission to hear and issue recommendations on applications for plat approval and applications for amendments to the zoning ordinance, the county legislative authority may adopt a hearing examiner system under which a hearing examiner or hearing examiners may hear and issue decisions on proposals for plat approval and for amendments to the zoning ordinance when the amendment which is applied for is not of general applicability. In addition, the legislative authority may vest in a hearing examiner the power to hear and decide those issues it believes should be reviewed and decided by a hearing examiner, including but not limited to:

(a) Applications for conditional uses ((~~applications~~)), variances ((~~applications~~)), ((~~applications for~~)) shoreline permits, or any other class of applications for or pertaining to development of land or land use((s));

(b) Appeals of administrative decisions or determinations; and

The legislative authority shall prescribe procedures to be followed by a hearing examiner.

Any county which vests in a hearing examiner the authority to hear and decide conditional uses and variances shall not be required to have a zoning adjuster or board of adjustment.

(2) Each county legislative authority electing to use a hearing examiner pursuant to this section shall by ordinance specify the legal effect of the decisions made by the examiner. ((~~Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section,~~)) Such legal effect may vary for the different classes of applications decided by the examiner but shall include one of the following:

(a) The decision may be given the effect of a recommendation to the legislative authority;

(b) The decision may be given the effect of an administrative decision appealable within a specified time limit to the legislative authority((.

(2) The legislative authority may specify the legal effect of a hearing examiner's procedural determination under the state environmental policy act, as defined in RCW 43.21C.075(3)(a). It may have the effect under subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section, or)); or

(3) Each final decision of a hearing examiner shall be in writing and shall include findings and conclusions, based on the record, to support the decision. Such findings and conclusions shall also set forth the manner in which the decision would carry out and conform to the county's comprehensive plan and the county's development regulations. Each final decision of a hearing examiner, unless a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing by the applicant and the hearing examiner, shall be rendered within ten working days following conclusion of all testimony and hearings.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 229. The legislature hereby finds and declares:

(1) Washington's environmental protection programs have established strict standards to reduce pollution and protect the public health and safety and the environment. The single-purpose programs instituted to achieve these standards have been successful in many respects, and have produced significant gains in protecting Washington's environment in the face of substantial population growth.

(2) Continued progress to achieve the environmental standards in the face of continued population growth will require greater coordination between the single-purpose environmental programs and more efficient operation of these programs overall. Pollution must be prevented and controlled and not simply transferred to another media or another place. This goal can only be achieved by maintaining the current environmental protection standards and by greater integration of the existing programs.

(3) As the number of environmental laws and regulations have grown in Washington, so have the number of permits required of business and government. This regulatory burden has significantly added to the cost and time needed to obtain essential permits in Washington. The increasing number of individual permits and permit authorities has generated the continuing potential for conflict, overlap, and duplication between the various state, local, and federal permits.

(4) To ensure that local needs and environmental conditions receive the proper attention, the issuance and renewal of permits should continue to be made, to the extent feasible, at the regional and local levels of the environmental programs.

(5) The purpose of this chapter is to require the department of ecology to institute new, efficient procedures that will assist businesses and public agencies in complying with the environmental quality laws in an expedited fashion, without reducing protection of public health and safety and the environment.

(6) Those procedures need to provide a permit process that promotes effective dialogue and ensures ease in the transfer and clarification of technical information, while preventing duplication. It is necessary that the procedures establish a process for preliminary and ongoing meetings between the applicant, the consolidated permit agency, and the participating permit agencies, but do not preclude the applicant or participating permit agencies from individually coordinating with each other.

(7) It is necessary, to the maximum extent practicable, that the procedures established in this chapter ensure that the consolidated permit agency process and applicable permit requirements and criteria are integrated and run concurrently, rather than consecutively.

(8) It is necessary to provide a reliable and consolidated source of information concerning the environmental and land use laws and procedures that apply to any given proposal. This information is to be current and encompass all state and local jurisdictions. To the extent possible, it is to encompass federal jurisdictions and functions, as well.

(9) The process shall provide an optional process by which a project proponent may obtain active coordination of all applicable regulatory and land-use permitting procedures. This process is not to replace individual laws, or diminish the substantive decision-making role of individual jurisdictions. Rather it is to provide predictability, administrative consolidation, and, where possible, consolidation of appeal processes.

(10) The process shall provide consolidated, effective, and easier opportunities for members of the public to receive information and present their views about proposed projects.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 230. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Center" means the permit assistance center established in the department by section 231 of this act.

(2) "Consolidated permit agency" means the permit agency that has the greatest overall jurisdiction over a project.

(3) "Department" means the department of ecology.

(4) "Participating permit agency" means a permit agency, other than the consolidated permit agency, that is responsible for the issuance of a permit for a project.

(5) "Permit" means any license, certificate, registration, permit, or other form of authorization required by a permit agency to engage in a particular activity.

(6) "Permit agency" means:

(a) The department of ecology, an air pollution control authority, the department of natural resources, the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of health; and

(b) Any other state, regional, or local agency for the project that participates at the request of the permit applicant and upon the agency's agreement to be subject to this chapter.

(7) "Project" means an activity, the conduct of which requires a permit from two or more permit agencies.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 231. The permit assistance center is established within the department. The center shall:

(1) Publish and keep current one or more handbooks containing lists and explanations of all permit laws. The center shall coordinate with the business assistance center in providing and maintaining this information to applicants and others. To the extent possible, the handbook shall include relevant federal laws. A state agency or local government shall provide a reasonable number of copies of application forms, statutes, ordinances, rules, handbooks, and other informational material requested by the center and shall otherwise fully cooperate with the center. The center shall seek the cooperation of relevant federal agencies;

(2) Establish, and make known, a point of contact for distribution of the handbook and advice to the public as to its interpretation in any given case;

(3) Work closely and cooperatively with the business license center and the business assistance center in providing efficient and nonduplicative service to the public; and

(4) Provide a permit coordination training program designed to:

(a) Educate project facilitators as to the role and requirements of all jurisdictions;

(b) Share permit coordination experiences;

(d) Certify project facilitators.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 232. (1) Not later than January 1, 1996, the center shall establish by rule an administrative process for the designation of a consolidated permit agency for a project.

(2) The administrative process shall consist of the establishment of guidelines for designating the consolidated permit agency for a project. If a permit agency is the lead agency for purposes of chapter 43.21C RCW, that permit agency shall be the consolidated permit agency. In other cases, the guidelines shall require that at least the following factors be considered in determining which permit agency has the greatest overall jurisdiction over the project:

(a) The types of facilities or activities that make up the project;

(b) The types of public health and safety and environmental concerns that should be considered in issuing permits for the project;

(c) The environmental medium that may be affected by the project, the extent of those potential effects, and the environmental protection measures that may be taken to prevent the occurrence of, or to mitigate, those potential effects;

(d) The regulatory activity that is of greatest importance in preventing or mitigating the effects that the project may have on public health and safety or the environment; and

(e) The statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to the project and the complexity of those requirements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 233. Upon the request of a project applicant, the center shall appoint a project facilitator to assist the applicant in determining which regulatory requirements, processes, and permits may be required for development and operation of the proposed project. The project facilitator shall provide the information to the applicant and explain the options available to the applicant in obtaining the required permits. If the applicant requests, the center shall designate a coordinating permit agency as provided in section 234 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 234. (1) A permit applicant who requests the designation of a consolidated permit agency shall provide the center with a description of the project, a preliminary list of the permits that the project may require, the identity of any public agency that has been designated the lead agency for the project pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW, and the identity of the participating permit agencies. The center may request any information from the permit applicant that is necessary to make the designation under this section, and may convene a scoping meeting of the likely consolidated permit agency and participating permit agencies in order to make that designation.

(2) The consolidated permit agency shall serve as the main point of contact for the permit applicant with regard to the processing of the consolidated permit process for the project and shall manage the procedural aspects of that processing consistent with existing laws governing the consolidated permit agency and participating permit agencies, and with the procedures agreed to by those agencies in accordance with section 235 of this act. In carrying out these responsibilities, the consolidated permit agency shall ensure that the permit applicant has all the information needed to apply for all the component permits that are incorporated in the consolidated permit process for the project, coordinate the review of those permits by the respective participating permit agencies, ensure that timely permit decisions are made by the participating permit agencies, and assist in resolving any conflict or inconsistency among the permit requirements and conditions that are to be imposed by the participating permit agencies with regard to the project. The coordinating permit agency shall keep in contact with the applicant as well as other permit agencies in order to assure that the process is progressing as scheduled. The coordinating permit agency shall recommend appropriate alternatives that may be more efficient and identify potential problems to successful completion of the process.

(3) This chapter shall not be construed to limit or abridge the powers and duties granted to a participating permit agency under the law that authorizes or requires the agency to issue a permit for a project. Each participating permit agency shall retain its authority to make all decisions on all nonprocedural matters with regard to the respective component permit that is within its scope of its responsibility, including, but not limited to, the determination of permit application completeness, permit approval or approval with conditions, or permit denial. The consolidated permit agency may not substitute its judgment for that of a participating permit agency on any such nonprocedural matters.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 235. (1) Within twenty-one days of the date that the consolidated permit agency is designated, it shall convene a meeting with the permit applicant for the project and the participating permit agencies. The meeting agenda shall include at least all of the following matters:

(a) A determination of the permits that are required for the project;

(b) A review of the permit application forms and other application requirements of the agencies that are participating in the consolidated permit process;

(c)(i) A determination of the timelines that will be used by the consolidated permit agency and each participating permit agency to make permit decisions, including the time periods required to determine if the permit applications are complete, to review the application or applications, and to process the component permits, and the timelines that will be used by the consolidated permit agency to aggregate the component permits into, and to issue the consolidated permit process. In the development of this time line, full attention shall be given to achieving the maximum efficiencies possible through concurrent studies, consolidated applications, hearings, and comment periods. Except as provided in (c)(ii) of this subsection, the timelines established under this subsection, with the assent of the consolidated permit agency and each participating permit agency, shall commit the consolidated permit agency and each participating permit agency to act on the component permit within time periods that are different than those required by other applicable provisions of law.

(ii) An accelerated time period for the consideration of a permit application may not be set if that accelerated time period would be inconsistent with, or in conflict with, any time period or series of time periods set by statute for that consideration, or with any statute, rule, or regulation, or adopted state policy, standard, or guideline that requires any of the following:

(A) Other agencies, interested persons, federally recognized Indian tribes, or the public to be given adequate notice of the application;

(B) Other agencies to be given a role in, or be allowed to participate in, the decision to approve or disapprove the application; or

(C) Interested persons or the public to be provided the opportunity to challenge, comment on, or otherwise voice their concerns regarding the application;

(d) The scheduling of any public hearings that are required to issue permits for the project and a determination of the feasibility of coordinating or consolidating any of those required public hearings; and

(e) A discussion of fee arrangements for the consolidated permit process, including an estimate of the costs allowed under section 238 of this act and the billing schedule.

(2) Each agency shall send at least one representative qualified to make decisions concerning the applicability and timelines associated with all permits administered by that jurisdiction. At the request of the applicant, the consolidated permit agency shall notify any relevant federal agency of the date of the meeting and invite that agency's participation in the process.

(3) If a permit agency or the applicant foresees, at any time, that it will be unable to meet its obligations under the agreement, it shall notify the consolidated permit agency of the problem. The coordinating permit agency shall notify the permit agencies and the applicant and, upon agreement of all parties, adjust the schedule, or, if necessary, schedule another work plan meeting.

(4) The consolidated permit agency may request any information from the applicant that is necessary to comply with its obligations under this section, consistent with the timelines set pursuant to this section.

(5) A summary of the decisions made under this section shall be made available for public review upon the filing of the consolidated permit process application or permit applications.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 236. (1) The permit applicant may withdraw from the consolidated permit process by submitting to the consolidated permit agency a written request that the process be terminated. Upon receipt of the request, the consolidated permit agency shall notify the center and each participating permit agency that a consolidated permit process is no longer applicable to the project.

(2) The permit applicant may submit a written request to the consolidated permit agency that the permit applicant wishes a participating permit agency to withdraw from participation on the basis of a reasonable belief that the issuance of the consolidated permit process would be accelerated if the participating permit agency withdraws. In that event, the participating permit agency shall withdraw from participation if the consolidated permit agency approves the request.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 237. The consolidated permit agency shall ensure that the participating permit agencies make all the permit decisions that are necessary for the incorporation of the permits into the consolidated permit process and act on the component permits within the time periods established pursuant to section 235 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 238. (1) The consolidated permit agency may enter into a written agreement with the applicant to recover from the applicant the reasonable costs incurred by the consolidated permit agency in carrying out the requirements of this chapter.

(2) The consolidated permit agency may recover only the costs of performing those consolidated permit services and shall be negotiated with the permit applicant in the meeting required pursuant to section 235 of this act. The billing process shall provide for accurate time and cost accounting and may include a billing cycle that provides for progress payments.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 239. A petition by the permit applicant for review of an agency action in issuing, denying, or amending a permit, or any portion of a consolidated permit agency permit, shall be submitted by the permit applicant to the consolidated permit agency or the participating permit agency having jurisdiction over that permit and shall be processed in accordance with the procedures of that permit agency. Within thirty days of receiving the petition, the consolidated permit agency shall notify the other environmental agencies participating in the original consolidated permit process.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 240. If an applicant petitions for a significant amendment or modification to a consolidated permit process application or any of its component permit applications, the consolidated permit agency shall reconvene a meeting of the participating permit agencies, conducted in accordance with section 235 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 241. If an applicant fails to provide information required for the processing of the component permit applications for a consolidated permit process or for the designation of a consolidated permit agency, the time requirements of this chapter shall be tolled until such time as the information is provided.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 242. (1) The center, by rule, shall establish an expedited appeals process by which a petitioner or applicant may appeal any failure by a permit agency to take timely action on the issuance or denial of a permit in accordance with the time limits established under this chapter.

(2) If the center finds that the time limits under appeal have been violated without good cause, it shall establish a date certain by which the permit agency shall act on the permit application with adequate provision for the requirements of section 235(1)(c)(ii) (A) through (C) of this act, and provide for the full reimbursement of any filing or permit processing fees paid by the applicant to the permit agency for the permit application under appeal.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 243. By December 1, 1997, the center shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of both houses of the legislature detailing the following information:

(1) The number of instances in which a consolidated permit agency has been requested and used, and the disposition of those cases;

(2) The amount of time elapsed between an initial request by a permit applicant for a consolidated permit process and the ultimate approval or disapproval of the permits included in the process; and

(3) The number of instances in which the expedited appeals process was requested, and the disposition of those cases.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 244. The sum of seventy thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the general fund; the sum of ninety thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the state toxics account; the sum of one hundred sixty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the water quality permit fee account; and the sum of fifty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the air operating permit fee account to the department of ecology for the purposes of sections 229 through 243 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 245. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The permit assistance center and its powers and duties shall be terminated June 30, 1999, as provided in section 246 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 246. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective June 30, 2000:

(1) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 229 (section 229 of this act);

(2) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 230 (section 230 of this act);

(3) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 231 (section 231 of this act);

(4) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 232 (section 232 of this act);

(5) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 233 (section 233 of this act);

(6) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 234 (section 234 of this act);

(7) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 235 (section 235 of this act);

(8) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 236 (section 236 of this act);

(9) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 237 (section 237 of this act);

(10) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 238 (section 238 of this act);

(11) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 239 (section 239 of this act);

(12) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 240 (section 240 of this act);

(13) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 241 (section 241 of this act); and

(14) RCW 90.--.--- and 1995 c -- s 242 (section 242 of this act).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 247. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 90.62.010 and 1982 c 179 s 1, 1977 c 54 s 1, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 1;

(2) RCW 90.62.020 and 1994 c 264 s 96, 1988 c 36 s 71, 1977 c 54 s 2, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 2;

(3) RCW 90.62.030 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 3;

(4) RCW 90.62.040 and 1990 c 137 s 1, 1977 c 54 s 3, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 4;

(5) RCW 90.62.050 and 1977 c 54 s 4 & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 5;

(6) RCW 90.62.060 and 1982 c 179 s 2, 1977 c 54 s 5, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 6;

(7) RCW 90.62.070 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 7;

(8) RCW 90.62.080 and 1987 c 109 s 156, 1977 c 54 s 6, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 8;

(9) RCW 90.62.090 and 1977 c 54 s 7 & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 9;

(10) RCW 90.62.100 and 1977 c 54 s 8 & 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 10;

(11) RCW 90.62.110 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 11;

(12) RCW 90.62.120 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 12;

(13) RCW 90.62.130 and 1977 c 54 s 9;

(14) RCW 90.62.900 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 13;

(15) RCW 90.62.901 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 14;

(16) RCW 90.62.904 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 15;

(17) RCW 90.62.905 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 16;

(18) RCW 90.62.906 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 18;

(19) RCW 90.62.907 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 185 s 19; and

(20) RCW 90.62.908 and 1977 c 54 s 10.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 248. Sections 201 through 204 and 207 through 213 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 36 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 249. Sections 229 through 242 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 90 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 250. RCW 36.70A.065 and 36.70A.440 are recodified as sections within the new chapter created in section 248 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 251. The department of community, trade, and economic development shall provide training and technical assistance to counties and cities to assist them in fulfilling the requirements of chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 201 through 204 and 207 through 213 of this act). The land use study commission created by section 401 of this act shall monitor local government consolidated permit procedures and the effectiveness of the timelines established by section 207 of this act. The commission shall include in its report submitted to the governor and the legislature on November 30, 1997, its recommendation about what timelines, if any, should be imposed on the local government consolidated permit process required by chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 201 through 204 and 207 through 213 of this act).

PART III - APPEALS

NEW SECTION. Sec. 301. This chapter may be known and cited as the land use petition act. A petition brought under this chapter must be called a land use petition.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 302. The purpose of this chapter is to reform the process for judicial review of land use decisions made by local jurisdictions, by establishing uniform, expedited appeal procedures and uniform criteria for reviewing such decisions, in order to provide consistent, predictable, and timely judicial review.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 303. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Land use decision" means a final determination by a local jurisdiction's body or officer with the highest level of authority to make the determination, including those with authority to hear appeals, on:

(a) An application for a development permit or other governmental approval required by law before real property may be improved, developed, modified, sold, transferred, or used, but excluding applications for permits or approvals to use streets, parks, and similar types of public property and excluding applications for legislative approvals such as area-wide rezones and annexations;

(b) An interpretative or declaratory decision regarding the application to a specific property of zoning or other ordinances or rules regulating the development, modification, maintenance, or use of real property; and

(c) The enforcement of ordinances regulating the development, modification, maintenance, or use of real property. However, when a local jurisdiction is required by law to enforce the ordinances in a court of limited jurisdiction, a petition may not be brought under this chapter.

(2) "Local jurisdiction" means a county, city, or town, or special purpose district as defined in RCW 36.96.010.

(3) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, public or private organization, or governmental agency.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 304. (1) This chapter replaces the writ of certiorari for judicial review of local jurisdictions' land use decisions.

(2) This chapter does not apply to judicial review procedures established by other laws, including, but not limited to judicial review of:

(a) Land use decisions made by bodies that are not part of a local jurisdiction;

(b) Land use decisions of a local jurisdiction that are subject to review by a quasi-judicial body created by state law, such as the shorelines hearings board or the growth management hearings board;

(d) Applications for a writ of certiorari or mandamus.

(3) If one or more claims for damages or compensation are set forth in the same complaint with a land use petition brought under this chapter, the procedures and standards, including deadlines, provided in this chapter for review of the petition do not apply to the claims for damages or compensation. The judge who hears the land use petition may, if appropriate, preside at a trial for damages or compensation.

(4) The court rules govern procedural matters under this chapter to the extent that the rules are consistent with this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 305. (1) A party's agreement is a waiver of the right to petition under this chapter for judicial review of the matters agreed to, when:

(a) The agreement is made as provided in RCW 82.02.020; or

(b) For matters outside the scope of RCW 82.02.020, the agreement is made as part of a written contract with the local jurisdiction.

(2) In all other instances, waiver is determined in accordance with common law principles.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 306. (1) Proceedings for review under this chapter must be commenced by filing a land use petition in superior court.

(2) A land use petition is barred, and the court may not grant review, unless the petition is timely filed with the court and timely served on the following parties:

(a) The local jurisdiction, which for purposes of the petition shall be the jurisdiction's corporate entity and not an individual decision maker or department; and

(b) Each of the following, if not the petitioner:

(i) Any person identified by name and address in the local jurisdiction's written decision as an applicant for the permit or approval at issue or as a property owner of the property at issue;

(ii) If no person is named in the decision as provided in (b)(i) of this subsection, any such person identified in the application for a permit or approval at issue; and

(iii) Any person who filed an appeal to a quasi-judicial decision maker regarding the land use decision at issue, unless the person has abandoned the appeal or the person's claims were dismissed before the quasi-judicial decision was rendered. Any person who later intervened or joined in the appeal is not required to be made a party under this subsection.

(3) The petition is timely if it is filed and served on all parties listed in subsection (2) of this section within twenty-one days of the issuance of the land use decision.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a land use decision is issued on the date on which a written decision is mailed or if not mailed, the date on which the local jurisdiction provides notice that a written decision is publicly available. However, if written notification is not required to be provided, the decision is issued on the later of:

(a) The date that the decision is made at a public meeting; or

(b) The date that the decision is entered into the public record.

(5) Service on the local jurisdiction must be by delivery of a copy of the petition to the agent designated by the local jurisdiction pursuant to RCW 4.28.080 to receive service of process. Service on other parties must be in accordance with the civil rules or, for parties who provided an address to the local jurisdiction during a quasi-judicial proceeding regarding the land use decision at issue, service may be by deposit in the United States mail to the address. Service by mail is effective on the date of mailing. Proof of service must be evidence by affidavit.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 307. Standing to bring a land use petition under this chapter, and to intervene in a proceeding under this chapter, is limited to the following parties:

(1) The applicant and the owner of property to which the land use decision is directed;

(2) Another person aggrieved or adversely affected by the land use decision, or who would be aggrieved or adversely affected by a reversal or modification of the land use decision, and who will suffer direct and substantial impacts from the decision, reversal, or modification.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 308. (1) A petitioner shall set forth in a land use petition:

(a) The name and mailing address of the petitioner;

(b) The name and mailing address of the petitioner's attorney, if any;

(d) Identification of the decision-making body or officer, together with a duplicate copy of the decision, or if not a written decision, a summary or brief description of it;

(e) Identification of persons who were named petitioners or appellants in any quasi-judicial proceedings regarding the land use decision at issue;

(f) Facts demonstrating that the petitioner is entitled to seek judicial review;

(g) A separate and concise statement of each error alleged to have been committed;

(h) A concise statement of facts upon which the petitioner relies to sustain the statement of error; and

(i) A request for relief, specifying the type and extent of relief requested.

(2) Along with the petition, the petitioner shall file and serve an order to show cause why the petition should not be granted. The order must set the date for hearing no sooner than ten days, and no later than twenty days, after filing and service of the petition on all parties is completed.

(3) At the hearing on the order to show cause, the court shall:

(a) Determine:

(i) Whether the petition was timely filed and served. If the court finds it was untimely, the court shall deny judicial review;

(ii) Whether there are reasons why review should not be granted, including, but not limited to: Improper service; lack of standing; failure to join an indispensable party; and failure of the petition to comply with subsection (1) of this section. However, the defenses of lack of standing and failure to join an indispensable party may be raised later, as provided by the court rules; and

(iii) The estimated cost of preparing the record;

(b) Enter an order:

(i) Setting the date by which the petitioner shall pay the estimated cost of preparing the record to the local jurisdiction;

(ii) Setting a later date by which the local jurisdiction's record, including the transcript, must be submitted;

(iii) Framing the factual and legal issues to be decided;

(iv) Setting the date for hearing the matter; and

(v) Resolving other issues that may be resolved at this stage of the proceeding in order to provide for expeditious and orderly review.

The parties may waive the hearing on the order to show cause by filing a stipulated order setting forth the matters listed in this subsection.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 309. The court shall provide expedited review of petitions filed under this chapter. If judicial review is granted, the matter must be set for hearing within sixty days of the date set for submitting the local jurisdiction's record, absent a showing of compelling reasons for a different date or a stipulation of the parties.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 310. (1) A petitioner for judicial review of a land use decision may request the court to stay or suspend an action by the local jurisdiction or another party to implement the decision under review, by including the request in the petition. The request must set forth a statement of grounds for the stay and the factual basis for the request. The court shall rule on the request at the hearing on the order to show cause.

(2) Another party to the judicial review proceedings may request a stay by making a motion in accordance with the court rules. The motion must be filed with the party's first pleading in the matter.

(3) The court shall deny a request for a stay that is made after the times required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section unless the party requesting the stay establishes that the reasons justifying the stay did not exist, or could not have been discovered, at the times set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

(4) A court may grant a stay only if the court finds that:

(a) The party requesting the stay is likely to prevail on the merits;

(b) Without the stay the party requesting it will suffer irreparable harm; and

(5) The court may grant the request for a stay upon such terms and conditions, such as the filing of security, as are necessary to prevent harm to other parties from the stay.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 311. (1) Within forty-five days after entry of an order to submit the record, or within such a further time as the court allows or as the parties agree, the local jurisdiction shall submit to the court a certified copy of the record for judicial review of the land use decision, except that the petitioner shall prepare and submit a verbatim transcript of any hearings held on the matter.

(2) The petitioner shall pay the local jurisdiction the estimated costs of preparing the record as determined by the court at the show cause hearing. A failure by the petitioner to timely pay the local jurisdiction as ordered relieves the local jurisdiction of the responsibility to prepare and submit the record and is grounds for dismissal of the petition.

(3) The court in its final judgment may assess the actual costs of preparing the record against the petitioner if the relief sought by the petitioner is substantially denied, and may assess the costs against and among the local jurisdiction and other parties of record if the relief sought by the petitioner is substantially granted.

(4) The court may require or permit corrections of errors or omissions in the record.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 312. (1) If the land use decision being reviewed was made by a quasi-judicial body or officer who was making factual determinations and the parties had the opportunity to make a record on the factual issues, judicial review of factual issues, and the conclusions drawn from the factual issues, must be confined to the record created by the quasi-judicial body or officer, except as provided in this section.

(2) For decisions described in subsection (1) of this section, the record may be supplemented by additional evidence only if the additional evidence relates to:

(a) Disputed factual issues regarding the authority or jurisdiction of the body or officer that made the land use decision;

(b) Grounds for disqualification of a member of the body or of the officer that made the land use decision;

(d) Matters that were improperly excluded from the record after being offered by a party to the quasi-judicial proceeding; or

(e) Matters that were outside the jurisdiction of the body or officer that made the land use decision.

(3) For land use decisions other than those described in subsection (1) of this section, the record for judicial review may be supplemented by evidence of material facts that were not required to be made part of the local jurisdiction's record.

(4) The parties may not conduct civil discovery except with the prior permission of the court. The court may not grant permission unless the party requesting it makes a prima facie showing of need. The court shall strictly limit discovery to what is necessary for equitable and timely review under this chapter. Requests made under chapter 42.17 RCW for records relating to the matters at issue must be treated as requests for civil discovery and must meet the requirements of this section and the court rules.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 313. (1) The superior court, acting without a jury, shall review the record and such supplemental evidence as is permitted under RCW 36.70B.100. The court may grant relief only if the party seeking relief has carried the burden of establishing that one of the standards set forth in (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection have been met. The standards are:

(a) The party seeking relief has been substantially prejudiced as a result of the claimed error or errors, and:

(i) The body or officer that made the land use decision engaged in unlawful procedure or failed to follow a prescribed process;

(ii) The land use decision under review is a clearly erroneous interpretation or application of the law, in light of the law's purpose; or

(iii) The land use decision under review is not supported by substantial evidence;

(b) The land use decision under review was outside the authority or jurisdiction of the body or officer making the decision; and

(2) In order to grant relief under this chapter, it is not necessary for the court to find that the local jurisdiction engaged in arbitrary and capricious conduct. A grant of relief is not equivalent to a finding of liability for monetary damages or compensation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 314. The court may affirm or reverse the land use decision under review, modify it, or remand it for modification or further proceedings. If the decision is remanded for modification or further proceedings, the court may make the order as it finds necessary to preserve the interests of the parties and the public, pending further proceedings or action by the local jurisdiction.

Sec. 315. RCW 7.16.360 and 1989 c 175 s 38 are each amended to read as follows:

This chapter does not apply to state agency action reviewable under chapter 34.05 RCW or the land use decisions of local jurisdictions reviewable under chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 301 through 314 of this act).

Sec. 316. RCW 58.17.180 and 1983 c 121 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Any decision approving or disapproving any plat shall be reviewable for ((~~unlawful, arbitrary, capricious or corrupt action or nonaction by writ of review before~~)) under chapter 36.-- RCW (sections 301 through 314 of this act) by the superior court of the county in which such matter is pending. ((~~Standing to bring the action is limited to the following parties:~~

~~(1) The applicant or owner of the property on which the subdivision is proposed;~~

~~(2) Any property owner entitled to special notice under RCW 58.17.090;~~

~~(3) Any property owner who deems himself aggrieved thereby and who will suffer direct and substantial impacts from the proposed subdivision.~~

Application for a writ of review shall be made to the court within thirty days from any decision so to be reviewed. The cost of transcription of all records ordered certified by the court for such review shall be borne by the appellant.))

NEW SECTION. Sec. 317. A new section is added to chapter 4.84 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs shall be awarded to the prevailing party or substantially prevailing party on appeal before the court of appeals or the supreme court of a decision by a county, city, or town to issue, condition, or deny a development permit involving a site-specific rezone, zoning, plat, conditional use, variance, shoreline permit, building permit, site plan, or similar land use approval or decision. The court shall award and determine the amount of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs under this section if:

(a) The prevailing party on appeal was the prevailing or substantially prevailing party before the local government, or in a decision involving a substantial development permit under chapter 90.58 RCW, the prevailing party on appeal was the prevailing party or the substantially prevailing party before the shoreline hearings board; and

(b) The prevailing party on appeal was the prevailing party or substantially prevailing party in all prior judicial proceedings.

(2) In addition to the prevailing party under subsection (1) of this section, the county, city, or town whose decision is on appeal is considered a prevailing party if its decision is upheld at superior court and on appeal.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 318. Sections 301 through 314 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 36 RCW.

PART IV - STUDY

NEW SECTION. Sec. 401. The land use study commission is hereby established. The commission’s goal shall be the integration and consolidation of the state’s land use and environmental laws into a single, manageable statute. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the commission shall evaluate the effectiveness of the growth management act, the state environmental policy act, the shoreline management act, and other state land use, planning, environmental, and permitting statutes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 402. The commission shall consist of not more than thirteen members. Eleven members of the commission shall be appointed by the governor. Membership shall reflect the interests of business, agriculture, labor, the environment, other citizens, the legislature, cities, counties, federally recognized Indian tribes, and state agencies. The director of the department of community, trade, and economic development, or the director’s designee, shall serve as chair of the commission. The director of the department of ecology, or the director’s designee, shall also be a member of the commission. Staff for the commission shall be provided by the department of community, trade, and economic development, with additional staff to be provided by other state agencies and the legislature, as may be required. State agencies shall provide the commission with information and assistance as needed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 403. The commission shall convene commencing June 1, 1995, and shall complete its work by June 30, 1998. The commission shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature stating its findings, conclusions, and recommendations not later than November 1 of each year. The commission shall submit its final report to the governor and the legislature not later than November 1, 1997.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 404. The commission shall:

(1) Consider the effectiveness of state and local government efforts to consolidate and integrate the growth management act, the state environmental policy act, the shoreline management act, and other land use, planning, environmental, and permitting laws.

(2) Identify the revisions and modifications needed in state land use, planning, and environmental law and practice to adequately plan for growth, to adequately assess environmental impacts of comprehensive plans, development regulations, and growth, and to reduce the time and cost of obtaining project permits.

(3) Draft a consolidated land use procedure, following these guidelines:

(a) Conduct land use planning through the comprehensive planning process under chapter 36.70A RCW rather than through review of individual projects;

(b) Involve diverse sectors of the public in the planning process. Early and informal environmental analysis should be incorporated into planning and decision making;

(c) Recognize that different questions need to be answered and different levels of detail applied at each planning phase, from the initial development of plan concepts or plan elements to implementation programs;

(d) Integrate and combine to the fullest extent possible the processes, analysis, and documents currently required under chapters 36.70A and 43.21C RCW, so that subsequent plan decisions and subsequent implementation will incorporate measures to promote the environmental, economic, and other goals and to mitigate undesirable or unintended adverse impacts on a community's quality of life;

(e) Focus environmental review and the level of detail needed for different stages of plan and project decisions on the environmental considerations most relevant to that stage of the process;

(f) Avoid duplicating review that has occurred for plan decisions when specific projects are proposed;

(g) Use environmental review on projects to: (i) Review and document consistency with comprehensive plans and development regulations; (ii) provide prompt and coordinated review by agencies, tribes, and the public on compliance with applicable environmental laws and plans, including mitigation for site specific project impacts that have not been considered and addressed at the plan or development regulation level; and (iii) ensure accountability by local government to applicants and the public for requiring and implementing mitigation measures;

(h) Maintain or improve the quality of environmental analysis both for plan and for project decisions, while integrating these analyses with improved state and local planning and permitting processes;

(i) Examine existing land use and environmental permits for necessity and utility. To the extent possible, existing permits should be combined into fewer permits, assuring that the values and principles intended to be protected by those permits remain protected; and

(j) Consolidate local government appeal processes to allow a single appeal of permits at local government levels, a single state level administrative appeal, and a final judicial appeal.

(4) These guidelines are intended to guide the work of the commission, without limiting its charge to integrate and consolidate Washington's land use and environmental laws into a single, manageable code.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 405. Members of the commission shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 406. Sections 401 through 405 of this act shall expire June 30, 1998.

PART V - MISCELLANEOUS

NEW SECTION. Sec. 501. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 502. Part headings and the table of contents as used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 503. Sections 401 through 406 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect June 1, 1995.