SB 5354 - DIGEST

Finds that the scope and breadth of decisions by the three growth management hearings boards and courts on appeal exceed legislative intent for review of local growth management choices resulting in erosion of the confidence of the public and of locally elected officials in growth management planning.

Finds that many decisions by growth management hearings boards, and superior and appellate courts have not accorded adequate deference to planning choices made by counties and cities.

Declares an intention that implementation of the growth management act focus on locally developed and locally implemented strategies including the designation of natural resource and critical areas, rather than planning based on decisions made at the state or regional level.

Declares that the purpose of this act is to reaffirm the validity of local decisions in growth management planning and to clarify the role of the state and the boards in the review and appeal of local plans and regulations.