Cities and counties can streamline the review of individual projects when their policies, plans, and regulations – and the SEPA documents associated with them – already address project impacts. SEPA review of policies, plans, and regulations can also be streamlined by using the SEPA process to help craft the policies, plans, and regulations instead of reviewing them after they are developed and proposed.

Benefits of combining SEPA review and planning

1. Cost-efficiency of infrastructure investments.
2. Reduction in time and cost of the permit process.
3. A more predictable future for the community.
4. A more comprehensive look at the cumulative impacts of all future development in the area, resulting in better overall environmental protection.