HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 2673

Changing provisions re. to Boundary Review Brds      Hrg Date:  1/30/98

Brief Title

Reps. D. Schmidt/Sehlin                                   Staff:  Steve Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

A boundary review board is required to be created in every county with a population of 210,000 or more and may be created in any other county.

If its jurisdiction is invoked, a boundary review board may review proposed boundary changes for cities, towns, and various special districts.  The boundary review board may approve, reject, or modify and approve a proposed boundary change that it reviews.  The authority of a boundary review board to reject or modify and approve proposed city incorporations is limited.

The Growth Management Act was enacted in 1990 and 1991.  Among other requirements, each county that is required to plan under all Growth Management Act requirements must: (1) Adopt a county-wide planning policy to guide the development of comprehensive plans that are required to be adopted by the county and cities in the county; and (2) designate urban growth areas in the county that are sufficient to accommodate the urban population growth that is projected for the county over a 20-year period.

SUMMARY:

The various types of boundary changes that are exempt from potential review by a boundary review board are included under a single statute.

Annexations by a city or town of contiguous territory are not subject to potential review by a boundary review board if:

oThe territory is included in an urban growth area surrounding the city or town that is in conformance with the county-wide planning policy as a sphere of influence are or future annexation area for the city or town; and

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HB 2673 - Page 2

oThe annexation conforms with an interlocal agreement between the county and city authorizing such annexations to occur without review by a boundary review board.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.