Finds that voluntary activities can be invaluable toward achieving the overall goal of protecting and enhancing the environment and that such activities should be given recognition as highly valued endeavors.

Finds that better enabling citizens to undertake voluntary activities can in many circumstances be more advantageous and with fewer unintended negative consequences than adopting prescriptive rules affecting existing and nonconforming uses of land.

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.