Many describe it as paradise. Growth pressures plague Washington State. In response to the negative impacts of growth, the state legislature passed the Growth Management Act in 1990. A handful of citizens felt that parts of the new plan were in violation of the state law, and made several successful appeals of the plan before the Western Washington Growth Managment Hearings Board. Land use planning is complicated, confusing and arcane.
Comprehensive plans are virtually incomprehensible.
Nevertheless, the comp plan names the sport, establishes the playing field and sets the rules regarding future growth permitted in a county. Perhaps the best place to get oriented is to read some of the following essays. A very brief primer on the population issue at the heart of the challenge to the plan. Additional essays on growth issues related to San Juan County are available for contemplation. The Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board agreed, and found the CP out of compliance with the Act.