Bill > SB5660

This bill aims to make it possible for more properties to have access to water, storm drains, and sanitary sewage systems by modifying existing laws related to urban growth areas and utility services. The bill provides increased flexibility for extending publicly provided water, sewer, and stormwater facilities beyond municipal and urban growth boundaries when certain conditions are met. Specifically, such services may be extended outside urban areas if: (1) there are environmental or health risks from lacking these utilities, (2) the extension will not foster urban growth, and (3) the affected communities and governmental bodies determine the extension is economically feasible and prudent. The bill requires counties and cities to make findings that any such extension is feasible, cost-effective over a 20-year planning horizon, and environmentally beneficial. The legislation defines "environmentally beneficial" as an action that would mitigate current or projected environmental impacts or provide specific environmental policy benefits. Additionally, the bill modifies various procedural aspects of boundary review boards and comprehensive planning requirements to facilitate these utility extensions while maintaining protections against unplanned urban sprawl.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5660&Year=2025&Initiative=false