A short, straightforward bill would provide a new option for most of the cities in our state in how they address critical area ordinances (CAO). This bill represents a recommendation of the Growth Management Collaborative Roadmap Phase III Task Force, on which AWC serves as a representative.

SB 5374 would do the following for cities under 25,000 in population:

• Allow the city to adopt the county’s CAO by reference to satisfy the GMA planning requirement to designate and protect critical areas.
• Once adopted, the city must incorporate future amendments to the critical area policies and development regulations made by the county.
• Exempt from review and update of development regulations protecting critical areas under the comprehensive plan update process.

A city may only adopt a county’s CAO that is not under appeal.

Dates to remember

SB 5374 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, January 24 at 8:00 am and is scheduled for a vote in the same committee on Thursday, January 26 and 10:30 am.