Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.21C&full=true
Timestamp: 2020-02-22 04:22:25
Document Index: 631196774

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 5095', '§ 1', '§ 5096', '§ 2', '§ 19', '§ 302', '§ 203', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 422', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 21', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 16', '§ 23', '§ 12', '§ 12', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 25', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 49', '§ 204', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 14', '§ 3', '§ 312', '§ 5', '§ 311', '§ 47', '§ 206', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 10', '§ 1', '§ 12', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 19', '§ 29', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 29', '§ 203', '§ 201', '§ 24', '§ 1201', '§ 9', '§ 4', '§ 8', '§ 7', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 213', '§ 307', '§ 308', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 207', '§ 7', '§ 14', '§ 15', '§ 17']

RCWs > Title 43 > Chapter 43.21C
Chapter 43.21C RCW
43.21C.020 Legislative recognitions—Declaration—Responsibility.
43.21C.030 Guidelines for state agencies, local governments—Statements—Reports—Advice—Information.
43.21C.0301 Decisions not subject to RCW 43.21C.030.
43.21C.0311 Final environmental impact statements—Expeditious manner—Time limit—Reports.
43.21C.036 Hazardous substance remedial actions—Procedural requirements and documents to be integrated.
43.21C.0382 Application of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) to watershed restoration projects—Fish habitat enhancement projects.
43.21C.0384 Application of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) to wireless services facilities—Reporting requirement—Definitions.
43.21C.039 Metals mining and milling operations—Environmental impact statements required.
43.21C.040 Examination of laws, regulations, policies by state agencies and local authorities—Report of deficiencies and corrective measures.
43.21C.060 Chapter supplementary—Conditioning or denial of governmental action.
43.21C.080 Notice of action by governmental agency—How publicized—Time limitation for commencing challenge to action.
43.21C.120 Rules, ordinances, resolutions and regulations—Adoption—Effective dates.
43.21C.160 Utilization of statement prepared under RCW 43.21C.030 to implement chapter 90.62 RCW—Utilization of chapter 90.62 RCW procedures to satisfy RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
43.21C.175 Council on environmental policy—Personnel.
43.21C.227 Disincorporation of a city or town or reduction of city or town limits exempt from chapter.
43.21C.229 Infill development—Categorical exemptions from chapter.
43.21C.250 Forest practices board—Emergency rules—Exempt from chapter.
43.21C.260 Certain actions not subject to RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)—Threshold determination on a watershed analysis.
43.21C.300 Workshops—Handbook.
43.21C.400 Unfinished nuclear power projects—Council action exempt from this chapter.
43.21C.420 Comprehensive plans and development regulations—Optional elements—Nonproject environmental impact statements—Subarea plans—Transfer of development rights program—Recovery of expenses.
43.21C.428 Recovery of expenses of nonproject environmental impact statements—Fees for subsequent development.
43.21C.430 Certain fish protection standards exempt from compliance with chapter.
43.21C.440 Planned action—Defined—Authority of a county, city, or town—Community meetings.
43.21C.450 Nonproject actions exempt from requirements of chapter.
43.21C.460 Environmental checklist—Authority of lead agency—Limitations of section.
43.21C.470 Categorical exemption for structurally deficient bridges—Definition.
43.21C.480 Repair or replacement of structurally deficient state bridges exempt from chapter.
43.21C.490 Formation of community facilities districts exempt from this chapter.
43.21C.495 Amendments to development regulations and other nonproject actions taken by a city to implement RCW 36.70A.600 not subject to administrative or judicial appeals.
43.21C.500 Certain project actions evaluated under this chapter by a city or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040—When exempt from appeals under this chapter.
43.21C.911 Section headings not part of law—1983 c 117.
43.21C.912 Applicability—1983 c 117.
43.21C.914 Effective dates—1983 c 117.
Economic policy: Chapter 43.21H RCW.
The purposes of this chapter are: (1) To declare a state policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between humankind and the environment; (2) to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere; (3) and [to] stimulate the health and welfare of human beings; and (4) to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the state and nation.
[ 2009 c 549 § 5095; 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 1.]
Legislative recognitions—Declaration—Responsibility.
(1) The legislature, recognizing that a human being depends on biological and physical surroundings for food, shelter, and other needs, and for cultural enrichment as well; and recognizing further the profound impact of a human being's activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment, particularly the profound influences of population growth, high-density urbanization, industrial expansion, resource utilization and exploitation, and new and expanding technological advances and recognizing further the critical importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality to the overall welfare and development of human beings, declares that it is the continuing policy of the state of Washington, in cooperation with federal and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to: (a) Foster and promote the general welfare; (b) create and maintain conditions under which human beings and nature can exist in productive harmony; and (c) fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Washington citizens.
[ 2009 c 549 § 5096; 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 2.]
RCW 43.21C.0301
Decisions not subject to RCW 43.21C.030.
(1) Decisions made under RCW 36.70A.720 pertaining to work plans, as defined in RCW 36.70A.703, are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
(2) Decisions made by a county under RCW 36.70A.710 on whether to participate in the voluntary stewardship program established by RCW 36.70A.705 are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
[ 2011 c 360 § 19.]
Purpose—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2011 c 360: See RCW 36.70A.700 and 36.70A.904.
(1) An environmental impact statement (the detailed statement required by RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)) shall be prepared on proposals for legislation and other major actions having a probable significant, adverse environmental impact. The environmental impact statement may be combined with the recommendation or report on the proposal or issued as a separate document. The substantive decisions or recommendations shall be clearly identifiable in the combined document. Actions categorically exempt under RCW 43.21C.110(1)(a) and 43.21C.450 do not require environmental review or the preparation of an environmental impact statement under this chapter.
(2) An environmental impact statement is required to analyze only those probable adverse environmental impacts which are significant. Beneficial environmental impacts may be discussed. The responsible official shall consult with agencies and the public to identify such impacts and limit the scope of an environmental impact statement. The subjects listed in RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) need not be treated as separate sections of an environmental impact statement. Discussions of significant short-term and long-term environmental impacts, significant irrevocable commitments of natural resources, significant alternatives including mitigation measures, and significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated should be consolidated or included, as applicable, in those sections of an environmental impact statement where the responsible official decides they logically belong.
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 302; 1995 c 347 § 203; 1983 c 117 § 1.]
RCW 43.21C.0311
Final environmental impact statements—Expeditious manner—Time limit—Reports.
(1) A lead agency shall aspire to prepare a final environmental impact statement required by RCW 43.21C.030(2) in as expeditious a manner as possible while not compromising the integrity of the analysis.
(a) For even the most complex government decisions associated with a broad scope of possible environmental impacts, a lead agency shall aspire to prepare a final environmental impact statement required by RCW 43.21C.030(2) within twenty-four months of a threshold determination of a probable significant, adverse environmental impact.
(b) Wherever possible, a lead agency shall aspire to far outpace the twenty-four month time limit established in this section for more commonplace government decisions associated with narrower and more easily identifiable environmental impacts.
(2) Beginning December 31, 2018, and every two years thereafter, the department of ecology must submit a report on the environmental impact statements produced by state agencies and local governments to the appropriate committees of the legislature. The report must include data on the average time, and document the range of time, it took to complete environmental impact statements within the previous two years.
(3) Nothing in this section creates any civil liability for a lead agency or creates a new cause of action against a lead agency.
[ 2017 c 289 § 2.]
Finding—Intent—2017 c 289: "The legislature finds that the analysis of environmental impacts required under the state environmental policy act adds value to government decision-making processes in Washington state and helps minimize the potential environmental harm coming from those government decisions. However, the legislature also recognizes that excessive delays in the environmental impact analysis process adds uncertainty and burdensome costs to those seeking to do business in the state of Washington. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to promote timely completion of state environmental policy act processes. In doing so, the legislature intends to restore balance between the need to carefully consider environmental impacts and the need to maintain the economic competitiveness of state businesses." [ 2017 c 289 § 1.]
(b) Is planning under RCW 36.70A.040 and is subject to the requirements of *RCW 36.70B.090.
[ 1995 c 347 § 422; 1992 c 208 § 1.]
Effective date—1992 c 208 § 1: "Section 1 of this act shall take effect September 1, 1992." [ 1992 c 208 § 2.]
[ 1993 c 23 § 1.]
[ 1974 ex.s. c 150 § 1.]
Hazardous substance remedial actions—Procedural requirements and documents to be integrated.
[ 1994 c 257 § 21.]
[ 1983 c 109 § 1.]
[ 1995 c 172 § 1.]
Application of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) to watershed restoration projects—Fish habitat enhancement projects.
(1) Decisions pertaining to watershed restoration projects as defined in RCW 89.08.460 are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
(2) Decisions pertaining to fish habitat enhancement projects meeting the criteria of RCW 77.55.181 and being reviewed and approved according to the provisions of RCW 77.55.181 are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
[ 2014 c 120 § 16; 2003 c 39 § 23; 1998 c 249 § 12; 1995 c 378 § 12.]
The following waste discharge permit actions are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c):
(1) For existing discharges, the issuance, reissuance, or modification of a waste discharge permit that contains conditions no less stringent than federal effluent limitations and state rules;
(2) The issuance of a construction stormwater general permit under chapter 90.48 RCW for a proposal disturbing less than five acres. The exemption in this subsection does not apply if, under rules adopted by the department of ecology, the proposal would otherwise be subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
[ 2008 c 37 § 2; 1996 c 322 § 1.]
Intent—2008 c 37: "The legislature intends that the revised threshold adopted in 2005 for the department of ecology's construction stormwater general permit should not increase the scope of projects subject to state environmental policy act review. The department of ecology should pursue rule making to achieve the intent of this act." [ 2008 c 37 § 1.]
Application of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c) to wireless services facilities—Reporting requirement—Definitions.
(1) Decisions pertaining to applications to site wireless service facilities are not subject to the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c), if those facilities meet the following requirements:
(a) The collocation of new equipment, removal of equipment, or replacement of existing equipment on existing or replacement structures does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such structures; or
(b) The siting project involves constructing a wireless service tower less than sixty feet in height that is located in a commercial, industrial, manufacturing, forest, or agricultural zone. This exemption does not apply to projects within a designated critical area.
(3) The department of ecology shall adopt rules to create a categorical exemption for wireless service facilities that meet the conditions set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
(a) "Collocation" means the mounting or installation of equipment on an existing tower, building, or structure for the purpose of either transmitting or receiving, or both, radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
(b) "Existing structure" means any existing tower, pole, building, or other structure capable of supporting wireless service facilities.
(c) "Substantially change the physical dimensions" means:
(d) "Wireless service facilities" means facilities for the provision of wireless services.
(e) "Wireless services" means wireless data and telecommunications services, including commercial mobile services, commercial mobile data services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services, as defined by federal laws and regulations.
[ 2013 c 317 § 1; 1996 c 323 § 2.]
Alphabetization—2013 c 317: "The code reviser is directed to put the defined terms in RCW 43.21C.0384(5) into alphabetical order." [ 2013 c 317 § 2.]
Findings—1996 c 323: See note following RCW 43.70.600.
Metals mining and milling operations—Environmental impact statements required.
[ 1994 c 232 § 25.]
Effective date—1994 c 232 §§ 1-5, 9-17, and 23-31: See RCW 78.56.901.
Examination of laws, regulations, policies by state agencies and local authorities—Report of deficiencies and corrective measures.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 4.]
[ 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 5.]
Chapter supplementary—Conditioning or denial of governmental action.
The policies and goals set forth in this chapter are supplementary to those set forth in existing authorizations of all branches of government of this state, including state agencies, municipal and public corporations, and counties. Any governmental action may be conditioned or denied pursuant to this chapter: PROVIDED, That such conditions or denials shall be based upon policies identified by the appropriate governmental authority and incorporated into regulations, plans, or codes which are formally designated by the agency (or appropriate legislative body, in the case of local government) as possible bases for the exercise of authority pursuant to this chapter. Such designation shall occur at the time specified by RCW 43.21C.120. Such action may be conditioned only to mitigate specific adverse environmental impacts which are identified in the environmental documents prepared under this chapter. These conditions shall be stated in writing by the decision maker. Mitigation measures shall be reasonable and capable of being accomplished. In order to deny a proposal under this chapter, an agency must find that: (1) The proposal would result in significant adverse impacts identified in a final or supplemental environmental impact statement prepared under this chapter; and (2) reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate the identified impact. Except for permits and variances issued pursuant to chapter 90.58 RCW, when such a governmental action, not requiring a legislative decision, is conditioned or denied by a nonelected official of a local governmental agency, the decision shall be appealable to the legislative authority of the acting local governmental agency unless that legislative authority formally eliminates such appeals. Such appeals shall be in accordance with procedures established for such appeals by the legislative authority of the acting local governmental agency.
[ 1983 c 117 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 278 § 2; 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 6.]
[ 1992 c 219 § 1.]
[ 1997 c 429 § 49; 1995 c 347 § 204; 1994 c 253 § 4; 1983 c 117 § 4.]
[ 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 14.]
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 179 § 3.]
Effective date—1973 1st ex.s. c 179: See note following RCW 43.21C.080.
The rules adopted under RCW 43.21C.110 shall be accorded substantial deference in the interpretation of this chapter.
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 312; 1983 c 117 § 5.]
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 311; 1997 c 429 § 47; 1995 c 347 § 206; 1983 c 117 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 6.]
[ 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 10.]
[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 206 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 12.]
Utilization of statement prepared under RCW 43.21C.030 to implement *chapter 90.62 RCW—Utilization of *chapter 90.62 RCW procedures to satisfy RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c).
[ 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 13.]
[ 1983 c 117 § 6; 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 4. Formerly RCW 43.21C.100.]
Council on environmental policy—Personnel.
[ 1974 ex.s. c 179 § 5. Formerly RCW 43.21C.105.]
[ 1981 c 278 § 4.]
[ 1982 c 220 § 6.]
[ 1994 c 216 § 19.]
[ 1985 c 281 § 29.]
RCW 43.21C.227
Disincorporation of a city or town or reduction of city or town limits exempt from chapter.
(1) The disincorporation of a city or town is exempt from compliance with this chapter.
(2) The reduction of city or town limits is exempt from compliance with this chapter.
[ 2002 c 93 § 2.]
Intent—2002 c 93: "Incorporations and annexations are exempt from the state environmental policy act. However, there are no comparable exemptions for reductions of city limits or disincorporations. It is the legislature's intent to provide that a reduction in city limits or disincorporation is not subject to the state environmental policy act." [ 2002 c 93 § 1.]
[ 1983 c 161 § 29.]
Forest practices board—Emergency rules—Exempt from chapter.
[ 1999 sp.s. c 4 § 203.]
Effective date—1999 sp.s. c 4 §§ 201, 202, and 203: See note following RCW 76.09.055.
Certain actions not subject to RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)—Threshold determination on a watershed analysis.
(1) Decisions pertaining to the following kinds of actions under chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. are not subject to any procedural requirements implementing RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c): (a) Approval of forest road maintenance and abandonment plans under chapter 76.09 RCW and *RCW 77.55.100; (b) approval by the department of natural resources of future timber harvest schedules involving east-side clear cuts under rules implementing chapter 76.09 RCW; (c) acquisitions of forestlands in stream channel migration zones under RCW 76.09.040; and (d) acquisitions of conservation easements pertaining to forestlands in riparian zones under RCW 76.13.120.
[ 2003 c 39 § 24; 1999 sp.s. c 4 § 1201.]
Workshops—Handbook.
The department of ecology shall conduct annual statewide workshops and publish an annual state environmental policy act handbook or supplement to assist persons in complying with the provisions of this chapter and the implementing rules. The workshops and handbook shall include, but not be limited to, measures to assist in preparation, processing, and review of environmental documents, relevant court decisions affecting this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter, legislative changes to this chapter, administrative changes to the rules, and any other information which will assist in orderly implementation of this chapter and rules.
[ 1983 c 117 § 9.]
Unfinished nuclear power projects—Council action exempt from this chapter.
[ 1996 c 4 § 4.]
Effective date—1996 c 4: See RCW 80.50.904.
RCW 43.21C.410
Battery charging and exchange station installation.
(1) The installation of individual battery charging stations and battery exchange stations, which individually are categorically exempt under the rules adopted under RCW 43.21C.110, may not be disqualified from such categorically exempt status as a result of their being parts of a larger proposal that includes other such facilities and related utility networks under the rules adopted under RCW 43.21C.110.
[ 2009 c 459 § 8.]
(c) The notice of the community meeting must include general illustrations and descriptions of buildings generally representative of the maximum building envelope that will be allowed under the proposed plan and indicate that future appeals of proposed developments that are consistent with the plan will be limited. Notice of the community meeting must include signs located on major travel routes in the subarea. If the building envelope increases during the process, another notice complying with the requirements of this section must be issued before the next public involvement opportunity.
(d) Any person that has standing to appeal the adoption of this subarea plan or the implementing regulations under RCW 36.70A.280 has standing to bring an appeal of the nonproject environmental impact statement required by this subsection.
(e) As an incentive for development authorized under this section, a city shall consider establishing a transfer of development rights program in consultation with the county where the city is located, that conserves county-designated agricultural and forestland of long-term commercial significance. If the city decides not to establish a transfer of development rights program, the city must state in the record the reasons for not adopting the program. The city's decision not to establish a transfer of development rights program is not subject to appeal. Nothing in this subsection (4)(e) may be used as a basis to challenge the optional comprehensive plan or subarea plan policies authorized under this section.
(5)(a) Until July 1, 2029, a proposed development that meets the criteria of (b) of this subsection may not be challenged in administrative or judicial appeals for noncompliance with this chapter as long as a complete application for such a development that vests the application or would later lead to vested status under city or state law is submitted to the city within a time frame established by the city, but not to exceed the following time frames:
(i) Nineteen years from the date of issuance of the final environmental impact statement, for projects that are consistent with an optional element adopted by a city as of July 28, 2019; or
(ii) Ten years from the date of issuance of the final environmental impact statement, for projects that are consistent with an optional element adopted by a city after July 28, 2019.
(ii) Sets aside or requires the occupancy of at least ten percent of the dwelling units, or a greater percentage as determined by city development regulations, within the development for low-income households at a sale price or rental amount that is considered affordable by a city's housing programs. This subsection (5)(b)(ii) applies only to projects that are consistent with an optional element adopted by a city pursuant to this section after July 28, 2019; and
(iii) Is environmentally reviewed under subsection (4) of this section.
(c) After July 1, 2029, the immunity from appeals under this chapter of any application that vests or will vest under this subsection or the ability to vest under this subsection is still valid, provided that the final subarea environmental impact statement is issued by July 1, 2029. After July 1, 2029, a city may continue to collect reimbursement fees under subsection (6) of this section for the proportionate share of a subarea environmental impact statement issued prior to July 1, 2029.
(6) It is recognized that a city that prepares a nonproject environmental impact statement under subsection (4) of this section must endure a substantial financial burden. A city may recover or apply for a grant or loan to prospectively cover its reasonable expenses of preparation of a nonproject environmental impact statement prepared under subsection (4) of this section through access to financial assistance under RCW 36.70A.490 or funding from private sources. In addition, a city is authorized to recover a portion of its reasonable expenses of preparation of such a nonproject environmental impact statement by the assessment of reasonable and proportionate fees upon subsequent development that is consistent with the plan and development regulations adopted under subsection (5) of this section, as long as the development makes use of and benefits from, as described in subsection (5) of this section, the nonproject environmental impact statement prepared by the city. Any assessment fees collected from subsequent development may be used to reimburse funding received from private sources. In order to collect such fees, the city must enact an ordinance that sets forth objective standards for determining how the fees to be imposed upon each development will be proportionate to the impacts of each development and to the benefits accruing to each development from the nonproject environmental impact statement. Any disagreement about the reasonableness or amount of the fees imposed upon a development may not be the basis for delay in issuance of a project permit for that development. The fee assessed by the city may be paid with the written stipulation "paid under protest" and if the city provides for an administrative appeal of its decision on the project for which the fees are imposed, any dispute about the amount of the fees must be resolved in the same administrative appeal process.
[ 2019 c 348 § 7; 2010 c 153 § 2.]
RCW 43.21C.428
Recovery of expenses of nonproject environmental impact statements—Fees for subsequent development.
(1) A county, city, or town may recover its reasonable expenses of preparation of a nonproject environmental impact statement prepared under RCW 43.21C.229 and 43.21C.440:
(a) Through access to financial assistance under RCW 36.70A.490;
(b) With funding from private sources; and
(c) By the assessment of fees consistent with the requirements and limitations of this section.
(2)(a) A county, city, or town is authorized to assess a fee upon subsequent development that will make use of and benefit from: (i) The analysis in an environmental impact statement prepared for the purpose of compliance with RCW 43.21C.440 regarding planned actions; or (ii) the reduction in environmental analysis requirements resulting from the exercise of authority under RCW 43.21C.229 regarding infill development.
(b) The amount of the fee must be reasonable and proportionate to the total expenses incurred by the county, city, or town in the preparation of the environmental impact statement.
(c) Counties, cities, and towns are not authorized by this section to assess fees for general comprehensive plan amendments or updates.
(3) A county, city, or town assessing fees under subsection (2)(a) of this section must provide for a mechanism by which project proponents may either elect to utilize the environmental review completed by the lead agency and pay the fees under subsection (1) of this section or certify that they do not want the local jurisdiction to utilize the environmental review completed as a part of a planned action and therefore not be assessed any associated fees. Project proponents who choose this option may not make use of or benefit from the up-front environmental review prepared by the local jurisdiction.
(4) Prior to the collection of fees, the county, city, or town must enact an ordinance that establishes the total amount of expenses to be recovered through fees and provides objective standards for determining the fee amount to be imposed upon each development proposal proportionate to the impacts of each development and to the benefits accruing to each development from the nonproject environmental review. The ordinance must provide: (a) A procedure by which an applicant who disagrees with whether the amount of the fee is correct, reasonable, or proportionate may pay the fee with the written stipulation "paid under protest"; and (b) if the county, city, or town provides for an administrative appeal of its decision on the project for which the fees are imposed, any dispute about the amount of the fees must be resolved in the same administrative appeals process. Any disagreement about the reasonableness, proportionality, or amount of the fees imposed upon a development may not be the basis for delay in issuance of a project permit for that development.
(5) The ordinance adopted under subsection (4) of this section must make information available about the amount of the expenses designated for recovery. When these expenses have been fully recovered, the county, city, or town may no longer assess a fee under this section.
(6) Any fees collected under this section from subsequent development may be used to reimburse funding received from private sources to conduct the environmental review.
(7) The county, city, or town shall refund fees collected where a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the environmental review conducted under RCW 43.21C.440, regarding planned actions, or under RCW 43.21C.229, regarding infill development, was not sufficient to comply with the requirements of this chapter regarding the proposed development activity for which the fees were collected. The applicant and the county, city, or town may mutually agree to a partial refund or to waive the refund in the interest of resolving any dispute regarding compliance with this chapter.
[ 2013 c 243 § 1.]
RCW 43.21C.430
Certain fish protection standards exempt from compliance with chapter.
The incorporation of fish protection standards adopted under chapter 77.55 RCW into the forest practices rules as required under RCW 76.09.040(3) is exempt from compliance with this chapter.
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 213.]
RCW 43.21C.450
Nonproject actions exempt from requirements of chapter.
(c) Electrical codes required by chapter 19.28 RCW.
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 307.]
RCW 43.21C.460
Environmental checklist—Authority of lead agency—Limitations of section.
(1) The lead agency for an environmental review under this chapter utilizing an environmental checklist developed by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 43.21C.110 may identify within the checklist provided to applicants instances where questions on the checklist are adequately covered by a locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority.
(2) If a lead agency identifies an instance as described in subsection (1) of this section, it still must consider whether the action has an impact on the particular element or elements of the environment in question.
(3) In instances where the locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority provide the necessary information to answer a specific question, the lead agency must explain how the proposed project satisfies the underlying local legal authority.
(4) If the lead agency identifies instances where questions on the checklist are adequately covered by a locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority, an applicant may still provide answers to any questions on the checklist.
(5) Nothing in this section authorizes a lead agency to ignore or delete a question on the checklist.
(6) Nothing in this section changes the standard for whether an environmental impact statement is required for an action that may have a probable significant, adverse environmental impact pursuant to RCW 43.21C.030.
(7) Nothing in this section affects the appeal provisions provided in this chapter.
(8) Nothing in this section modifies existing rules for determining the lead agency, as defined in WAC 197-11-922 through 197-11-948, nor does it modify agency procedures for complying with the state environmental policy act when an agency other than a local government is serving as the lead agency.
[ 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 § 308.]
RCW 43.21C.470
Categorical exemption for structurally deficient bridges—Definition.
(1) The department [of ecology] must amend the categorical exemption available to Washington department of transportation projects under WAC 197-11-800(26) as of July 24, 2015, so that the same categorical exemption applies to structurally deficient city, town, or county bridge repair or replacement projects.
(2) For purposes of this section, "structurally deficient" means a bridge that is classified as in poor condition under the state bridge condition rating system and is reported by the state to the national bridge inventory as having a deck, superstructure, or substructure rating of four or below. Structurally deficient bridges are characterized by deteriorated conditions of significant bridge elements and potentially reduced load-carrying capacity. Bridges deemed structurally deficient typically require significant maintenance and repair to remain in service, and require major rehabilitation or replacement to address the underlying deficiency.
[ 2015 c 144 § 1.]
RCW 43.21C.480
Repair or replacement of structurally deficient state bridges exempt from chapter.
The repair or replacement of a state bridge deemed structurally deficient, as defined in RCW 47.04.010, is exempt from compliance with this chapter as long as the action occurs within the existing right-of-way, except that the repair or replacement may occur outside the existing right-of-way as needed to meet current engineering standards or state or local environmental permit requirements for highway construction as long as the repair or replacement does not result in additional lanes for automobiles. The issuance of applicable state and local agency permits or approvals associated with the repair or replacement of such bridges is also included in this exemption from compliance with this chapter.
[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 10 § 2.]
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 10: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [July 6, 2015]." [ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 10 § 5.]
Findings—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 10: "The legislature finds that, as of November 2014, there were one hundred thirty state-owned bridges classified as structurally deficient. The legislature further finds that a span of the Skagit river bridge on Interstate 5, the Trooper Sean M. O'Connell Jr. Memorial bridge, recently collapsed when an oversized load struck the trusses that supported the bridge. Although the Skagit river bridge was not considered structurally deficient, this event underscores the importance of remedying bridge structural deficiencies as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Thus, it is the intent of the legislature to provide for expedited permitting and contracting for state bridges identified as structurally deficient by the Washington state department of transportation." [ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 10 § 1.]
RCW 43.21C.490
Formation of community facilities districts exempt from this chapter.
The formation of a community facilities district under chapter 36.145 RCW is exempted from compliance with this chapter, unless such formation constitutes a final agency decision to undertake construction of a structure or facility not otherwise exempt under state law or rule.
[ 2019 c 260 § 2.]
RCW 43.21C.495
Amendments to development regulations and other nonproject actions taken by a city to implement RCW 36.70A.600 not subject to administrative or judicial appeals.
If adopted by April 1, 2021, amendments to development regulations and other nonproject actions taken by a city to implement RCW 36.70A.600 (1) or (4), with the exception of the action specified in RCW 36.70A.600(1)(f), are not subject to administrative or judicial appeals under this chapter.
[ 2019 c 348 § 4.]
RCW 43.21C.500
Certain project actions evaluated under this chapter by a city or town planning under RCW 36.70A.040—When exempt from appeals under this chapter.
[ 2019 c 348 § 6.]
[ 1995 c 347 § 207; 1971 ex.s. c 109 § 7.]
Section headings not part of law—1983 c 117.
[ 1983 c 117 § 14.]
Applicability—1983 c 117.
Sections 3 and 4 of this act apply to agency decisions and to appeal proceedings prospectively only and not retrospectively. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this act may be applied by agencies retrospectively.
[ 1983 c 117 § 15.]
Effective dates—1983 c 117.
(1) Sections 1, 2, and 4 through 16 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 23, 1983].
(2) Section 3 of this act shall take effect one hundred eighty days after the remainder of this act goes into effect under subsection (1) of this section.
[ 1983 c 117 § 17.]