The bill amends the Growth Management Act in Washington State, specifically targeting the planning requirements for counties and cities, particularly concerning unincorporated villages. It mandates that comprehensive plans include a land use element focused on environmental justice, wildfire risk mitigation, and groundwater quality protection. The housing element must cater to various income levels, preserve existing neighborhoods, and address racially disparate impacts in housing. A new provision allows existing areas designated as towns, villages, or hamlets to develop with fewer restrictions if they meet specific planning criteria. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for capital facilities, utilities, and rural elements, emphasizing the need for a rural element that accommodates development while maintaining rural character and preventing low-density sprawl.

The bill also revises laws related to urban growth management and transportation planning, requiring a comprehensive transportation element that aligns with land use planning. Local jurisdictions must include subelements such as land use assumptions and transportation facility inventories, and they are mandated to adopt ordinances that prevent development approvals leading to declines in transportation service levels unless concurrent improvements are made. A new climate change and resiliency element is introduced, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations. The bill establishes a process for determining urban growth areas (UGAs) with criteria prioritizing areas with existing urban characteristics and adequate public facilities, while also imposing restrictions on UGA expansions into floodplains and ensuring meaningful consultation with affected federally recognized Indian tribes.

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