Most cities and counties plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA) [RCW 36.70A], adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 1990. The GMA is a state policy framework for local comprehensive planning and land use regulation. The GMA identifies 14 statewide planning goals [RCW 36.70A.020] and prescribes a process and certain minimum requirements for the adoption and update of land use plans and development regulations by local governments.
The GMA emphasizes local discretion over state control. Local land use plans and regulations do not require state approval, with the exception of Shoreline Master Programs. The GMA does require local governments to submit proposed land use plans and regulations to state agencies for review [RCW 36.70A.106]. During review, WSDOT can encourage good local land use decisions by providing technical assistance, written comment, or oral testimony to cities and counties. Local governments are not required to take action based on agency comments. However, state agencies or other parties with standing can appeal a locally adopted plan or regulation to one of three regional growth management hearings boards [RCW 36.70A.280].
Several provisions of the GMA apply directly to the state transportation system. Towns, cities, and counties must discourage encroachment of incompatible development adjacent to public use airports through adoption of comprehensive plan policies and development regulations [RCW 36.70A.510]. Local governments must also include a process in their comprehensive plans for identifying and siting essential public facilities, including state and regional transportation facilities and airports [RCW 36.70A.200]. Local comprehensive plans and development regulations may not preclude the siting of essential public facilities. Finally, local governments must:
- inventory the state-owned transportation facilities within their boundaries,
- estimate the traffic impacts to state-owned transportation facilities resulting from their land use assumptions,
- list the state transportation system improvements needed to meet demand, and
- identify the adopted level of service standards for state-owned highways and ferry routes [RCW 36.70A.070(6)].
Here are links to more resources for coordinating local planning with state transportation planning.
WSDOT Review of Local Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations
WSDOT provides technical assistance to local governments, reviews and comments on local comprehensive plans and development regulations, and has the ability to appeal local land use decisions when appropriate. The purpose of WSDOT’s participation in the local land use process is to assess the impacts of local land use decisions on the state transportation system and to communicate them to local governments and the public. Also, the Growth Management Act requires state agencies to comment during the public review process in order to have standing to appeal local land use decisions.
WSDOT communicates with local governments on Growth Management Act actions in accordance with the "Principles Governing State Agency Correspondence Under the Growth Management Act." (pdf 28 kb) WSDOT is one of seven state agencies that have adopted the Principles, along with the Washington State Association of Counties and the Association of Washington Cities. WSDOT coordinates its review of local plans and regulations with the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development's Growth Management Services Office and other state agencies.
WSDOT’s region offices have the primary responsibility for reviewing and commenting on proposed amendments to local plans and regulations.