FINAL BILL REPORT
E2SSB 5292
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. |
C 21 L 12
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Exempting certain structures that are constructed and maintained by irrigation districts and port districts from the definition of critical areas.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Schoesler, Swecker, Holmquist Newbry and Roach).
Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections
House Committee on Local Government
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 planning requirements for counties and cities 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. Twenty-nine of Washington's 39 counties, and the cities within those counties, are planning jurisdictions.
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.
All jurisdictions are required by the GMA to satisfy specific designation mandates for natural resource lands and critical areas. All local governments must adopt development regulations, also known as critical areas ordinances, that meet specified criteria. As defined by statute, critical areas include wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas.
Summary: Within the definition of critical areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas do not include artificial features or constructs, including irrigation delivery systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of and are maintained by a port district or an irrigation district or company.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 46 | 0 | |
House | 98 | 0 |
Effective: | June 7, 2012 |