Brief Description: Concerning schedules for the review of comprehensive plans and development regulations.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Mulliken, Morton and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development).

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections
House Committee on Local Government

Background: The Growth Management Act (GMA) establishes a seven-year cycle for review and revision (update) of policies and development regulations concerning critical areas and resource lands, for all cities and counties, and of comprehensive plans and development regulations, for those cities and counties that fully plan under the GMA. In 2005, cities and counties with updates due in 2005, 2006, and 2007 were given an additional year to complete updates of requirements regarding protection of critical areas.

Summary: Smaller, slower-growing counties and cities are given additional time to complete their GMA updates. Counties with updates due in 2005, 2006, or 2007 that have a population of no more than 50,000 and a population increase of no more than 17 percent in the previous 10 years have 3 additional years to complete the update, including requirements to protect critical areas. Any cities with updates due in 2005, 2006, or 2007 that have a population of no more than 5,000 and a population increase of the greater of either 100 persons or no more than 17 percent in the previous 10 years, likewise have 3 additional years.

A comprehensive plan can be amended more often than once a year for a planned action, as long as all public participation and notice requirements are observed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      45   0
House      98   0   (House amended)
Senate      48   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006