Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2573
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. |
Brief Description: Clarifying regional transit authority facilities as essential public facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Morris, Williams, Nelson, Eddy, Liias, Chase, Maxwell and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/21/10
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework for county and city governments in Washington. Enacted in 1990 and 1991, the GMA establishes numerous requirements for local governments obligated by mandate or choice to fully plan under the GMA (planning jurisdictions) and a reduced number of directives for all other counties and cities.
The GMA directs planning jurisdictions to adopt internally consistent comprehensive land use plans that are generalized, coordinated land use policy statements of the governing body. Comprehensive plans must address specified planning elements, each of which is a subset of a comprehensive plan. The implementation of comprehensive plans occurs through locally adopted development regulations.
Comprehensive plans must include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. Although not expressly defined in statute, the GMA specifies that essential public facilities include facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, regional transportation facilities, and state and local correctional facilities. Comprehensive plans and development regulations may not preclude the siting of essential public facilities.
Two or more contiguous counties each having a population of 400,000 persons or more may establish a regional transit authority to develop and operate a high capacity transportation system. As defined in statute, regional transit authority facilities include land and land interest, vehicles and vessels, passenger waiting areas, and other specified facilities.
Summary of Bill:
Regional transit authority facilities are added to the delineated list of essential public facilities in the GMA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested January 18, 2010.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.