Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment & Energy Committee |
HB 1506
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: Concerning urban growth areas.
Sponsors: Representatives Hoff, Blake, Dye, Springer, Vick and Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/19
Staff: Alyssa Patrick (786-7296) and Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
Growth Management Act.
The Growth Management Act (GMA) is a framework for county and city land use planning. All counties required or choosing to plan under the GMA must develop a comprehensive plan in coordination with the cities in the county. Mandatory elements of these plans include designation of general land use, urban growth areas, critical areas, and rural areas.
Urban Growth Areas. Each county or city planning under the GMA must designate urban growth areas (UGAs) where urban growth is encouraged. Planning for these areas must provide adequate services, areas and densities for the 20-year population projection provided by the Office of Financial Management. Outside of these areas, growth can only occur if it is not urban in nature.
The UGAs should include urban governmental services such as storm and sanitary sewer systems, fire and police protection services, and other public utilities. Cities are the units of local government most appropriate to provide urban governmental services. Expansion or extension of such services into rural areas can occur only in limited circumstances when:
shown to be needed to protect public health and safety and the environment; and
such services are financially supportable at rural densities and do not permit urban development.
Summary of Bill:
In order to extend or expand urban governmental services to rural areas, the extension must be shown to be needed to protect the environment or public health and safety, rather than the environment and public health and safety.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.