HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2092
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to modifying the buildable lands requirements of the department of community, trade, and economic development.
Brief Description: Modifying the buildable lands requirements of the department of community, trade, and economic development.
Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia and Springer.
Brief History:
Local Government: 2/20/07, 2/23/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Curtis, Ranking Minority Member; B. Sullivan and Takko.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member and Ross.
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
"Countywide Planning Policy" Required by the Growth Management Act
The legislative authority of each county fully planning under the Growth Management Act
(GMA county) must adopt a "countywide planning policy" (CPP) in cooperation with the
cities located in whole or part within the county. A CPP is a written policy statement or
statements that is used for establishing a countywide framework from which county and city
comprehensive plans are developed and adopted. A CPP must address certain planning and
analysis provisions, including policy considerations pertaining to:
Population Projections and Planning for Urban Growth Areas
Counties and cities are also required to satisfy specific planning requirements pertaining to
urban growth areas (UGAs). Using population projections made by the Office of Financial
Management (OFM), and subject to statutory requirements, GMA counties and each city
within those counties must plan for population densities in UGAs so as to accommodate the
urban growth that is projected to occur during the succeeding 20-year period.
GMA "Buildable Lands" Program
Six western Washington counties (i.e., Clark, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston
counties), and the cities within those counties, are required to establish a review and
evaluation process known as the "buildable lands" program. The purpose of the program is to
determine whether a county and its cities are achieving appropriate urban densities and
identify measures that will be taken to comply with the GMA requirements.
In order to meet the GMA requirements, the buildable lands program must:
The evaluation component must satisfy specific minimum requirements, including:
If the evaluation demonstrates an inconsistency between what has occurred since the adoption
of the CPPs, comprehensive plans, and development regulations and what was envisioned in
those policies, plans, and GMA provisions, the county and its cities must adopt and
implement measures that are reasonably likely to increase consistency during the subsequent
five-year period.
By December 31, 2007, the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development
(Department) must submit to the appropriate committees of the Legislature a buildable lands
report analyzing the effectiveness of certain activities in achieving the goals envisioned by
CPPs, comprehensive plans, and development regulations of counties and cities. Not later
than July 1, 1998, the Department must prepare a list of the methods used by counties and
cities in implementing buildable lands requirements.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The act makes various procedural and substantive changes to the reporting and technical
assistance requirements that must be met by the Department of Community, Trade, and
Economic Development (Department) in executing its responsibilities with respect to the
buildable lands program. Under these revised requirements, the Department must:
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill makes the following changes to the original bill: Changes the requirement
that the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development make an annual
progress report to the Legislature regarding the "buildable lands program" to a requirement
that the report be made every five years, beginning on December 31, 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill is necessary to improve the performance of the buildable lands program
required under the GMA. The GMA is the cornerstone of our effort to plan for growth and
the success of such planning will have a profound effect on our quality of life. The
information sharing required by the bill will contribute to the success of the program. The
bill will help cities get the information they need about the relative merit of various
approaches taken in implementing the buildable lands program. However, to require DCTED
to make yearly reports to the Legislature is neither realistic nor useful. A five-year interval
would be more appropriate.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Dave Williams, Association of Washington Cities; Jeannette McKague, Washington Realtors; and Kaleen Cottingham, Futurewise.