FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2781

C 197 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to expedited state agency review of development regulations.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Schindler, Jarrett, Clibborn and Schual-Berke).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Land Use & Planning

Background:

The Growth Management Act (GMA) establishes a comprehensive land use planning framework for county and city governments in Washington. Counties and cities meeting specific population and growth criteria are required to comply with the major requirements of the GMA. Counties not meeting these criteria may choose to plan under the GMA. Twenty-nine of 39 counties, and the cities within those 29 counties, are required to or have chosen to comply with the major requirements of the GMA (GMA jurisdictions).

GMA jurisdictions must adopt internally consistent comprehensive land use plans (comprehensive plans), which are generalized, coordinated land use policy statements of the governing body. GMA jurisdictions also must adopt development regulations that are consistent with and implement the comprehensive plan.

Comprehensive plans and development regulations are subject to continuing review and evaluation by the adopting county or city. With limited exceptions, however, amendments to a comprehensive plan may be considered by the governing body of the local jurisdiction no more frequently than once every year. Additionally, GMA jurisdictions must review and, if needed, revise their comprehensive plans and development regulations according to a statutory schedule.

The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) provides technical and financial assistance to jurisdictions implementing the GMA. The CTED also adopts procedural criteria to assist counties and cities in adopting comprehensive plans and development regulations that meet the goals and requirements of the GMA. 

Proposed amendments for permanent changes to an adopted comprehensive plan or development regulation must be submitted by the proposing jurisdiction to the CTED at least 60 days prior to final adoption. State agencies, including the CTED, may provide comments to the county or city on the proposed amendment during a public review process prior to adoption. Amendments must be transmitted to the CTED within 10 days after final adoption.

Summary:

Counties and cities planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) may request expedited review for any amendments for permanent changes to a development regulation. The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) may, after receiving a request and consultation with other state agencies, grant expedited review if the CTED determines that expedited review does not compromise the state's ability to provide timely comments related to compliance with the goals and requirements of the GMA or on other matters of state interest. Counties and cities may adopt amendments for permanent changes to a development regulation immediately following the granting of the request for expedited review.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 93  0

Senate 43  1

Effective: June 10, 2004