The bill amends the Growth Management Act in Washington State, specifically RCW 36.70A.070 and 36.70A.110, to enhance planning requirements for counties and cities, particularly focusing on unincorporated villages. It mandates that comprehensive plans include a land use element that prioritizes environmental justice, wildfire risk mitigation, and groundwater quality protection. The housing element must address diverse income needs, combat racially disparate impacts, and establish antidisplacement measures. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for rural elements, allowing for limited intensive rural development under specific conditions, including the adoption of subarea plans and adequate public facilities. Key insertions include exemptions for existing towns, villages, or hamlets from certain development restrictions if counties meet planning requirements, and a strong emphasis on public participation in the planning process.

The bill also amends laws related to urban growth management and transportation planning under RCW 36.70A.040, requiring a comprehensive transportation element that aligns with land use planning and establishes multimodal service standards. Local jurisdictions must adopt ordinances to prevent development approvals that would decline transportation service levels unless concurrent improvements are made. It introduces a climate change and resiliency element within comprehensive plans, mandating a greenhouse gas emissions reduction subelement for certain jurisdictions and requiring a resiliency subelement for all. The bill outlines the process for determining urban growth areas (UGAs), emphasizing consultation between local governments and meaningful engagement with federally recognized Indian tribes regarding cultural resources. It prohibits UGA expansion into certain floodplain areas and clarifies that counties and cities are not required to install sanitary sewer systems in designated UGAs under specific conditions. Overall, the legislation aims to promote sustainable growth, equitable housing, and effective urban growth management while addressing environmental concerns.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.070, 36.70A.130