The bill aims to expand urban growth area boundaries in Washington State to promote residential development by requiring cities and counties to include parcels adjacent to existing urban growth areas or those with access to urban services in their designations. Specifically, it mandates that any parcel sharing a boundary with a residentially developed parcel or located across a road from such a parcel must be included in the urban growth area during the next comprehensive plan update. The bill also outlines exceptions where expansions are not permitted, such as in critical areas, designated agricultural or forest lands, and certain water resource areas. Additionally, it emphasizes that urban growth should primarily occur in areas already characterized by urban development and mandates meaningful consultation with federally recognized tribes regarding potential impacts.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for counties and cities to conduct regular reviews and updates of their comprehensive land use plans and development regulations, ensuring compliance with established guidelines. It specifies that amendments must conform to relevant chapters of the law and establishes public participation programs to facilitate community involvement. The legislation outlines specific timelines for reviews, allows for more frequent amendments under certain circumstances, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning to accommodate projected urban growth over a 20-year period. It also encourages state agencies to provide technical assistance and establishes criteria for counties and cities to qualify for grants based on their compliance with review schedules, while mandating progress reports on implementing comprehensive plans, particularly regarding housing and climate change initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.110, 36.70A.130