Growth Management Act Periodic Update
Every county and city in the state is required to conduct a periodic update of its comprehensive plan and development regulations, though the obligation varies depending on whether the jurisdiction is fully or partially planning (RCW 36.70A.130(1)). This webpage provides resources for completing the periodic update: the “Keeping Your Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Current” guidebook and its appendices. Appendix D includes checklists that local governments can use to ensure their comprehensive plans and developments address the minimum requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA).
The guidebook explains when and how to go through the necessary steps in the periodic update process. The level of effort and timing of the update steps will vary depending on how recently your community has comprehensively updated its plan, the size of your community, and other factors.
Click here for recorded Webinar Link: Growth Management Periodic Update Grant Application Webinar, October 27, 2009
Guidebook: Keeping your Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Current: A Guide to the Periodic Update Process under the Growth Management Act
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Maps
GMS Planner Assignment Map
GMA Update Schedule Map
Appendix B
Sample Update Work Program
Sample Update Work Program (msword version)
Appendix C - Resolutions and Ordinances
Public Participation
Scope of Periodic Update Work Program
Final "legislative action" adoption completing update
Set schedule for completion
Example Finding of Fact for GMA Periodic Update
Appendix D - Checklists
Periodic Update Checklist for Cities (msword version)
Periodic Update Checklist for Counties (msword version)
Expanded Checklist for Comprehensive Plans
Expanded Checklist for Development Regulations
Appendix E - Changes to GMA
Amendments to the GMA from 1995-2009
Amendments to GMA from 2003-2009 showing Cities and Counties affected
Appendix F - Critical Areas
Critical Areas Checklist Questions Explained
Critical Areas Review for Best Available Science (BAS)
State Agency Resources for Local Governments Updating Critical Areas Ordinances
Appendix G - Resource Lands
Resources for Designating and Conserving Agriculture, Forest, and Mineral Resource Lands
Appendix H - Good Examples
Benton County Checklist
Benton County Comp Plan Checklist
Benton County Development Regulations Checklist
Benton County Scope of Work Matrix
City of Sultan Comp Plan Checklist
Clallam County 2004 Update Public Participation Plan
City of Tacoma 2004 Update Public Participation Plan and Association Documents
- Public Participation Program – November 2003
- Planning Commission Recommended Scope of Work – April 2004
- Planning Commission Findings on Recommended Scope of Work – April 2004
- Adopted Scope of Work – May 2004
- Resolution Adopting the Scope of Work – May 2004
City of Shoreline –Resolution showing intent to complete the update process
- Shoreline Resolution
- Shoreline Staff Report
City of Olympia - Resolution declaring the update process complete
Town of Yacolt - Resolution declaring the update process complete and referencing prior adoption of amendments.
City of Issaquah – Resolutions taking action, declaring the update complete and resolving to continue working on other items as matters of local discretion.
- Ordinance 2404, Amending the Issaquah Comprehensive Plan
- Ordinance 24056, Amending the Issaquah Municipal Code
Appendix I - Other Planning Guidance and Resources
Department of Commerce - Growth Management Services Publications List by Topics
WSDOT Minimum Requirements and Resources
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington planning website
Other Resource Information:
Growth Management Periodic Update Grant Application Webinar – October 27, 2009
Sponsored by Association of Washington Cities, the Department of Commerce and Washington State Association of Counties
To access the webinar please use the link posted below.
The Washington State Department of Commerce provides Growth Management Periodic Update grant funding to help jurisdictions meet their GMA periodic review and update obligations. The 2009 Legislature approved funding for the next round of updates to be completed by December 1, 2011.
This session shows you how to apply for these grants. You’ll hear from different jurisdictions on ways to best:
· Identify the scope of the update;
· Use the funds efficiently; and
· Focus updates to maximize efforts and minimize litigation exposure.
Questions will be accepted online and answered after the session.
This is a great opportunity for planning directors, city managers and city attorneys to collaborate and get your questions answered.