Critical steps for local governments to finalize the Periodic Update process

As local governments continue to make progress and finalize their periodic update processes, we want to offer some important reminders about the steps necessary to finalize the periodic update process.

  1. Legislative action: After reviewing and, if necessary, revising your local plans and regulations, you must take legislative action to formally conclude the periodic review process. For every ordinance or resolution that is a component of your periodic update process, include a finding in the recitals that this action is part of the periodic update. Our Periodic Update webpage includes examples of legislative language for you to reference.
  1. Final action: Your final legislative action should include a finding in the recitals that your jurisdiction has completed all of the requirements of the update required under RCW 36.70A.130. A clear statement in the record that you have completed the update is critical. Again, we have sample language available to help guide you through this final step.
  1. Notify Commerce: You are required to send every comprehensive plan or development regulation amendment that you adopt to Commerce within 10 days of adoption. We recommend you also promptly publish notice of adoption and include a statement regarding the periodic update in your published notice of adoption. Our submittal cover sheet includes a check box to indicate whether the adopted ordinance was part of the periodic review. Many jurisdictions have been working on their updates and adopting changes in phases. Formal notice that the process is complete is critical to keeping us informed and so you are not inadvertently listed as overdue.
  1. Publish the action: Local governments must publish actions related to changes to comprehensive plans and development regulations pursuant to RCW 36.70A.290(2). This step starts the 60-day appeal clock and will help defend your process if a failure-to-act claim is made after the end of the 60-day appeal period. It also may set the effective date if the actions fall under those identified in RCW 36.70A.067.

Periodic Update

This page is dedicated to the Growth Management Act Periodic Update. We post checklists, guidance documents and other GMA related support materials here on a regular basis to help local governments with their reviews