Bill > HB2201

This bill standardizes city and county planning and development regulations within urban growth areas, with a key focus on ensuring that county development regulations and comprehensive planning conform to the designated city's regulations. The bill modifies existing growth management law to require counties with urban growth areas to review and potentially revise their urban growth area designations periodically, considering population projections, development patterns, and available land. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that mandates counties ensure their comprehensive plans and development regulations applicable to urban growth areas match the plans and regulations of the city within that area, unless the city agrees to variations or legal requirements dictate otherwise. Counties must initially conform to this requirement by their first implementation progress report due after January 1, 2027. The bill also establishes detailed criteria for revising urban growth areas, including restrictions on expanding into floodplains, requirements for consulting with Native American tribes, and provisions for maintaining critical areas and resource lands. Additionally, the bill sets specific timelines for counties and cities to review and update their comprehensive plans, with staggered deadlines based on county population and growth characteristics.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2201&Year=2025&Initiative=false