Local governments and the public are still catching up with the changes enacted over the last several years. Many costs were created by vague GMA requirements. Future changes to state laws must provide more clarity and certainty to existing processes. Some believe a consolidated land use code will require increased costs, in order to protect the environment, and that a goal of no cost increase is not realistic. Local governments are firm in their claim that there should be no unfunded mandates.
Small builders point to new or higher permit fees as an obstacle to affordable housing.
In sum, adequate funding is an essential element of a consolidated land use code. Public Participation A consolidated land use code must result in at least the same level of public participation as today. Its objective should be to enhance and make public participation opportunities more meaningful. The Consolidated Land Use Code proposed by the Commission would create a new title in the Revised Code of Washington and move existing provisions of several statutes into that title. Other statutes may also be appropriate for inclusion in the consolidated land use code.