Opinion ID: 2564099
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: GMA Mandates Local Control

Text: ¶ 72 The rule of construction favoring the right of local referenda is bolstered here by the GMA's insistence upon local decision-making and inclusion of no provision expressly barring referenda or initiative. The emphasis upon local control applies equally to ordinances concerning critical areas. ¶ 73 The GMA's emphasis upon local control is seen in its provisions for comprehensive plans. Each plan was required to include a land use element, a housing element, and a capital facilities element. RCW 36.70A.070. Zoning ordinances and development regulations were required to be made consistent with the comprehensive plan. RCW 36.70A.040(4). While establishing this general framework for land use planning, the legislature left wide policy making discretion to local jurisdictions. In 1997, the legislature amended RCW 36.70A.320(3) so that the growth management hearings boards must find local enactments in compliance with the GMA unless the action is clearly erroneous. ¶ 74 Tellingly, state approval of a county's local comprehensive plan is not required. The comprehensive plan and all development regulations are presumed valid upon adoption. RCW 36.70A.320(1). Review occurs only if a timely petition is filed to the board. Even then, a comprehensive plan is still subject to a clearly erroneous standard with continuing deference to local decision-making. See RCW 36.70A.320(3). ¶ 75 The GMA merely directs counties to adopt regulations that protect specific types of critical areas. RCW 36.70A.040(3)(b), .060(2). In complying with this general directive, cities and counties are required to include the best available science in developing policies and development regulations. RCW 36.70A.172(1). But this requirement did not dictate a particular result or policy. In Honesty in Environmental Analysis & Legislation v. Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, 96 Wash.App. 522, 531, 979 P.2d 864 (1999), the Court of Appeals noted the board rejected the idea that the statute required any particular substantial outcome or product. The Board is correct. ¶ 76 Here, the Council adopted a critical areas ordinance pursuant to the GMA that was properly within its local discretion. Referenda are an instrument in local governance. To the extent that the legislature has deferred to local discretion, it has also countenanced the use of the local referendum. ¶ 77 The majority undervalues the constitutional status of initiatives and referenda. Majority at 621-22. These powers may be barred only if expressly precluded by state legislation. Such an exception does not exist here.