Commerce is Updating the Growth Management Act Administrative Rules

William Simpson, AICP | Senior Planner
Growth Management Services | Washington State Department of Commerce

Growth Management Services is interested in hearing from local planners on potential changes to the administrative rules for the Growth Management Act (GMA). Commerce is initiating a comprehensive review of our administrative rules to reflect recent legislative changes, case law, and recommendations from state agency subject matter experts. A draft scope is available for public review and comment through August 13, 2021. You can submit comments on the draft scope to [email protected].

Commerce is considering changes to:

• Chapter 365-190 WAC, Minimum Guidelines to Classify Agricultural, Forest and Mineral Lands and Critical Areas
• Chapter 365-195 WAC, Best Available Science
• Chapter 365-196 WAC, Procedural Criteria for Adopting Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations

Later this year, Commerce will begin releasing the draft changes to specific sections of each chapter in underline strikethrough format for public comment. We hope to address any questions or concerns about draft changes to the WAC prior to holding a public hearing on the proposed rules next year. This timeline will ensure that local governments have clear guidance as they work on the periodic updates of their comprehensive plans and development regulations.

For more information about the project, feel free to contact William Simpson at [email protected] or visit Growth Management Act WAC Update.