S-4595.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6638

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Senators Haugen, Sheldon, Winsley, Hale, Wood and Long

Read first time 01/22/96.  Referred to Committee on Government Operations.

Prescribing standards for development regulations.

    AN ACT Relating to standards for development regulations; and amending RCW 36.70A.172.

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

    Sec. 1.  RCW 36.70A.172 and 1995 c 347 s 105 are each amended 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)) use scientific practices and standards that are currently accepted in the related professional fields to develop those policies and development regulations ((to protect)) that result in the protection of the functions and values of critical areas in a manner consistent with the minimum possible restriction on the use and enjoyment of private property.  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.

                            --- END ---