reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.700 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.700 - Purpose—Intent—2011 c 360.

RCW 36.70A.700 Purpose—Intent—2011 c 360.(1) The purpose of chapter 360, Laws of 2011 is to establish the voluntary stewardship program as recommended in the report submitted by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center to the legislature as required by chapter 353, Laws of 2007 and chapter 203, Laws of 2010.(2) It is the intent of chapter 360, Laws of 2011 to:(a) Promote plans to protect and enhance critical areas within the area where agricultural activities are conducted, while maintaining and improving the long-term viability of agriculture in the state of Washington and reducing the conversion of farmland to other uses;(b) Focus and maximize voluntary incentive programs to encourage good riparian and ecosystem stewardship as an alternative to historic approaches used to protect critical areas;(c) Rely upon RCW 36.70A.060 for the protection of critical areas for those counties that do not choose to participate in this program;(d) Leverage existing resources by relying upon existing work and plans in counties and local watersheds, as well as existing state and federal programs to the maximum extent practicable to achieve program goals;(e) Encourage and foster a spirit of cooperation and partnership among county, tribal, environmental, and agricultural interests to better assure the program success;(f) Improve compliance with other laws designed to protect water quality and fish habitat; and(g) Rely upon voluntary stewardship practices as the primary method of protecting critical areas and not require the cessation of agricultural activities.[ 2011 c 360 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.702 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.702 - Construction.

RCW 36.70A.702 Construction.Nothing in RCW 36.70A.700 through 36.70A.760 may be construed to:(1) Interfere with or supplant the ability of any agricultural operator to work cooperatively with a conservation district or participate in state or federal conservation programs;(2) Require an agricultural operator to discontinue agricultural activities legally existing before July 22, 2011;(3) Prohibit the voluntary sale or leasing of land for conservation purposes, either in fee or as an easement;(4) Grant counties or state agencies additional authority to regulate critical areas on lands used for agricultural activities; and(5) Limit the authority of a state agency, local government, or landowner to carry out its obligations under any other federal, state, or local law.[ 2011 c 360 § 15.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.703 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.703 - Definitions.

RCW 36.70A.703 Definitions.The definitions in this section apply to RCW 36.70A.700 through 36.70A.760 and RCW 36.70A.130 and 36.70A.280 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Agricultural activities" means all agricultural uses and practices as defined in RCW 90.58.065.(2) "Commission" means the state conservation commission as defined in RCW 89.08.030.(3) "Director" means the executive director of the state conservation commission.(4) "Enhance" or "enhancement" means to improve the processes, structure, and functions existing, as of July 22, 2011, of ecosystems and habitats associated with critical areas.(5) "Participating watershed" means a watershed identified by a county under RCW 36.70A.710(1) to participate in the program.(6) "Priority watershed" means a geographic area nominated by the county and designated by the commission.(7) "Program" means the voluntary stewardship program established in RCW 36.70A.705.(8) "Protect" or "protecting" means to prevent the degradation of functions and values existing as of July 22, 2011.(9) "Receipt of funding" means the date a county takes legislative action accepting any funds as required in RCW 36.70A.715(1) to implement the program.(10) "Statewide advisory committee" means the statewide advisory committee created in RCW 36.70A.745.(11) "Technical panel" means the directors or director designees of the following agencies: The department of fish and wildlife; the department of agriculture; the department of ecology; and the commission.(12) "Watershed" means a water resource inventory area, salmon recovery planning area, or a subbasin as determined by a county.(13) "Watershed group" means an entity designated by a county under the provisions of RCW 36.70A.715.(14) "Work plan" means a watershed work plan developed under the provisions of RCW 36.70A.720.[ 2011 c 360 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.715 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.715 - Funding by commission—County's duties—Watershed group established.

RCW 36.70A.715 Funding by commission—County's duties—Watershed group established.(1) When the commission makes funds available to a county that has made the election provided in RCW 36.70A.710(1), the county must within sixty days:(a) Acknowledge the receipt of funds; and(b) Designate a watershed group and an entity to administer funds for each watershed for which funding has been provided.(2) A county must confer with tribes and interested stakeholders before designating or establishing a watershed group.(3) The watershed group must include broad representation of key watershed stakeholders and, at a minimum, representatives of agricultural and environmental groups and tribes that agree to participate. The county should encourage existing lead entities, watershed planning units, or other integrating organizations to serve as the watershed group.(4) The county may designate itself, a tribe, or another entity to coordinate the local watershed group.[ 2011 c 360 § 5.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.725 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.725 - Technical review of work plan—Time frame for action by director.

RCW 36.70A.725 Technical review of work plan—Time frame for action by director.(1) Upon receipt of a work plan submitted to the director under RCW 36.70A.720(2)(a), the director must submit the work plan to the technical panel for review.(2) The technical panel shall review the work plan and report to the director within ninety days after the director receives the work plan. The technical panel shall assess whether at the end of ten years after receipt of funding, the work plan, in conjunction with other existing plans and regulations, will protect critical areas while maintaining and enhancing the viability of agriculture in the watershed.(3)(a) If the technical panel determines the proposed work plan will protect critical areas while maintaining and enhancing the viability of agriculture in the watershed:(i) It must recommend approval of the work plan; and(ii) The director must approve the work plan.(b) If the technical panel determines the proposed work plan will not protect critical areas while maintaining and enhancing the viability of agriculture in the watershed:(i) It must identify the reasons for its determination; and(ii) The director must advise the watershed group of the reasons for disapproval.(4) The watershed group may modify and resubmit its work plan for review and approval consistent with this section.(5) If the director does not approve a work plan submitted under this section within two years and nine months after receipt of funding, the director shall submit the work plan to the statewide advisory committee for resolution. If the statewide advisory committee recommends approval, the director must approve the work plan.(6) If the director does not approve a work plan for a watershed within three years after receipt of funding, the provisions of RCW 36.70A.735(2) apply to the watershed.[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 § 961; 2011 c 360 § 7.]NOTES:Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 43.41.455.
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.730 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.730 - Report by watershed group—Director consults with statewide advisory committee.

RCW 36.70A.730 Report by watershed group—Director consults with statewide advisory committee.(1) Upon receipt of a report by a watershed group under RCW 36.70A.720(2)(b) that the work plan goals and benchmarks have been met, the director must consult with the statewide advisory committee. If the director concurs with the watershed group report, the watershed group shall continue to implement the work plan. If the director does not concur with the watershed group report, the director shall consult with the statewide advisory committee following the procedures in subsection (2) of this section.(2) If either the director, following receipt of a report under subsection (1) of this section, or the watershed group, in the report submitted to the director under RCW 36.70A.720(2)(b), concludes that the work plan goals and benchmarks for protection have not been met, the director must consult with the statewide advisory committee for a recommendation on how to proceed. If the director, acting upon recommendation from the statewide advisory committee, determines that the watershed is likely to meet the goals and benchmarks with an additional six months of planning and implementation time, the director must grant an extension. If the director, acting upon a recommendation from the statewide advisory committee, determines that the watershed is unlikely to meet the goals and benchmarks within six months, the watershed is subject to RCW 36.70A.735.(3) A watershed that fails to meet its goals and benchmarks for protection within the six-month time extension under subsection (2) of this section is subject to RCW 36.70A.735.[ 2011 c 360 § 8.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.740 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.740 - Commission's duties—Timelines.

RCW 36.70A.740 Commission's duties—Timelines.(1) By July 31, 2015, the commission must:(a) In consultation with each county that has elected under RCW 36.70A.710 to participate in the program, determine which participating watersheds received adequate funding to establish and implement the program in a participating watershed by July 1, 2015; and(b) In consultation with other state agencies, for each participating watershed determine whether state agencies required to take action under the provisions of RCW 36.70A.700 through 36.70A.760 have received adequate funding to support the program by July 1, 2015.(2) By July 31, 2017, and every two years thereafter, in consultation with each county that has elected under RCW 36.70A.710 to participate in the program and other state agencies, the commission shall determine for each participating watershed whether adequate funding to implement the program was provided during the preceding biennium as provided in subsection (1) of this section.(3) If the commission determines under subsection (1) or (2) of this section that a participating watershed has not received adequate funding, the watershed is subject to the provisions of RCW 36.70A.735.(4) In consultation with the statewide advisory committee and other state agencies, not later than August 31, 2015, and each August 31st every two years thereafter, the commission shall report to the legislature and each county that has elected under RCW 36.70A.710 to participate in the program on the participating watersheds that have received adequate funding to establish and implement the program.[ 2011 c 360 § 10.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.745 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.745 - Statewide advisory committee—Membership.

RCW 36.70A.745 Statewide advisory committee—Membership.(1)(a) From the nominations made under (b) of this subsection, the commission shall appoint a statewide advisory committee, consisting of: Two persons representing county government, two persons representing agricultural organizations, and two persons representing environmental organizations. The commission, in conjunction with the governor's office, shall also invite participation by two representatives of tribal governments.(b) Organizations representing county, agricultural, and environmental organizations shall submit nominations of their representatives to the commission within ninety days of July 22, 2011. Members of the statewide advisory committee shall serve two-year terms except that for the first year, one representative from each of the sectors shall be appointed to the statewide advisory committee for a term of one year. Members may be reappointed by the commission for additional two-year terms and replacement members shall be appointed in accordance with the process for selection of the initial members of the statewide advisory committee.(c) Upon notification of the commission by an appointed member, the appointed member may designate a person to serve as an alternate.(d) The executive director of the commission shall serve as a nonvoting chair of the statewide advisory committee.(e) Members of the statewide advisory committee shall serve without compensation and, unless serving as a state officer or employee, are not eligible for reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.(2) The role of the statewide advisory committee is to advise the commission and other agencies involved in development and operation of the program.[ 2011 c 360 § 11.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.750 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.750 - Agricultural operators—Individual stewardship plan.

RCW 36.70A.750 Agricultural operators—Individual stewardship plan.(1) Agricultural operators implementing an individual stewardship plan consistent with a work plan are presumed to be working toward the protection and enhancement of critical areas.(2) If the watershed group determines that additional or different practices are needed to achieve the work plan's goals and benchmarks, the agricultural operator may not be required to implement those practices but may choose to implement the revised practices on a voluntary basis and is eligible for funding to revise the practices.[ 2011 c 360 § 12.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.755 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.755 - Implementing the work plan.

RCW 36.70A.755 Implementing the work plan.In developing stewardship practices to implement the work plan, to the maximum extent practical the watershed group should:(1) Avoid management practices that may have unintended adverse consequences for other habitats, species, and critical areas functions and values; and(2) Administer the program in a manner that allows participants to be eligible for public or private environmental protection and enhancement incentives while protecting and enhancing critical area functions and values.[ 2011 c 360 § 13.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.760 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.760 - Agricultural operators—Withdrawal from program.

RCW 36.70A.760 Agricultural operators—Withdrawal from program.An agricultural operator participating in the program may withdraw from the program and is not required to continue voluntary measures after the expiration of an applicable contract. The watershed group must account for any loss of protection resulting from withdrawals when establishing goals and benchmarks for protection and a work plan under RCW 36.70A.720.[ 2011 c 360 § 14.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.800 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.800 - Role of growth strategies commission.

RCW 36.70A.800 Role of growth strategies commission.The growth strategies commission created by executive order shall:(1) Analyze different methods for assuring that county and city comprehensive plans adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW are consistent with the planning goals under RCW 36.70A.020 and with other requirements of chapter 36.70A RCW;(2) Recommend to the legislature and the governor by October 1, 1990, a specific structure or process that, among other things:(a) Ensures county and city comprehensive plans adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW are coordinated and comply with planning goals and other requirements under chapter 36.70A RCW;(b) Requires state agencies to comply with this chapter and to consider and be consistent with county and city comprehensive plans in actions by state agencies, including the location, financing, and expansion of transportation systems and other public facilities;(c) Defines the state role in growth management;(d) Addresses lands and resources of statewide significance, including to:(i) Protect these lands and resources of statewide significance by developing standards for their preservation and protection and suggesting the appropriate structure to monitor and enforce the preservation of these lands and resources; and(ii) Consider the environmental, economic, and social values of the lands and resources with statewide significance;(e) Identifies potential state funds that may be withheld and incentives that promote county and city compliance with chapter 36.70A RCW;(f) Increases affordable housing statewide and promotes linkages between land use and transportation;(g) Addresses vesting of rights; and(h) Addresses short subdivisions; and(3) Develop recommendations to provide for the resolution of disputes over urban growth areas between counties and cities, including incorporations and annexations.[ 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 86.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.900 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.900 - Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 17.

RCW 36.70A.900 Severability—1990 1st ex.s. c 17.If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.[ 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 88.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.901 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.901 - Part, section headings not law—1990 1st ex.s. c 17.

RCW 36.70A.901 Part, section headings not law—1990 1st ex.s. c 17.Part and section headings as used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.[ 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 89.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.902 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.902 - Section headings not law—1991 sp.s. c 32.

RCW 36.70A.902 Section headings not law—1991 sp.s. c 32.Section headings as used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.[ 1991 sp.s. c 32 § 40.]
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.903 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.903 - Transfer of powers, duties, and functions.

RCW 36.70A.903 Transfer of powers, duties, and functions.(1) The powers, duties, and functions of the growth management hearings board are hereby transferred to the environmental and land use hearings office.(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the growth management hearings board shall be delivered to the custody of the environmental and land use hearings office. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the growth management hearings board shall be made available to the environmental and land use hearings office. All funds, credits, or other assets held by the growth management hearings board shall be assigned to the environmental and land use hearings office.(b) Any appropriations made to the growth management hearings board shall, on July 1, 2011, be transferred and credited to the environmental and land use hearings office.(c) If any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.(3) All employees of the growth management hearings board are transferred to the jurisdiction of the environmental and land use hearings office. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the environmental and land use hearings office to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service.(4) All existing rules and all pending cases before the growth management hearings board shall be continued and acted upon by the growth management hearings board located within the environmental and land use hearings office. All pending business, existing contracts, and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the environmental and land use hearings office.(5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the growth management hearings board shall not affect the validity of any act performed before July 1, 2011.(6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.[ 2010 c 210 § 43.]NOTES:Intent—Effective dates—Application—Pending cases and rules—2010 c 210: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.
WA Rev Code § 36.70A.904 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 36 - Counties|Chapter 36.70A - Growth Management—Planning by Selected Counties and Cities.|36.70A.904 - Conflict with federal requirements—2011 c 360.

RCW 36.70A.904 Conflict with federal requirements—2011 c 360.If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.[ 2011 c 360 § 21.]