Finds that because the growth management act does not contain specific provisions as to the applicability of critical area protection requirements to existing and nonconforming land uses, the courts are being requested to develop state policy on an unequal and piecemeal basis and that legislatively established direction is appropriate and needed.

Declares the purpose of this act is to encourage counties and cities to expand the availability and use of nonregulatory measures for existing and nonconforming uses as a component of ordinances under RCW 36.70A.130 adopted after the effective date of this act and to encourage an increase in the information and resources to the public to foster voluntary activities by citizens to improve their environment.