Court Opinion

ID: 2715462
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-06 17:24:05.323826+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:48:32.311088
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

ERIC HIRST, LAURA LEIGH BRAKKE,
WENDY HARRIS and DAVID                  )      No. 71739-1-1
STALHEIM, individuals,
                                        )      DIVISION ONE
                    Appellants,
                                        )      UNPUBLISHED OPINION
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GROWTH MANAGEMENT HEARINGS                                                                rn
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BOARD, WESTERN WASHINGTON                                                           CO
REGION, an agency of the State of                                                   o
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Washington, and WHATCOM COUNTY,                                                     5:
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a municipal corporation,                                                            5
                                        )      FILED: June 30, 2014                       2r> '-ft
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                    Respondents.                                                    —J    •JC"-

      Trickey, J — The Growth Management Act (GMA), chapter 36.70A RCW,

requires that a comprehensive plan be internally consistent with all elements
harmonious with the future land use map. Here, Whatcom County (County)

adopted a policy which did not create an internal inconsistency; rather, it was a
measure to contain and control rural development in compliance with the GMA.

Further, substantial evidence supports the policy. We affirm.

                                     FACTS

       In 2005, the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board
(Board) issued a final decision and order in the case of Futurewise v. Whatcom
County, No. 50-2-0013. The Board found that the County's criteriafor establishing

limited areas of more intensive rural development (LAMIRD) did not comply with

the GMA.1 Gold Star Resorts, Inc. had intervened and subsequently appealed the

  Board Record (BR) at 3835.
No. 71739-1-1/2

decision. Gold Star Resorts, Inc. v. Futurewise. 167 Wash. 2d 723, 222 P.3d 791

(2009).   The Supreme Court upheld the Board's findings that the County's

comprehensive plan did not comply with the 1997 GMA requirements for

LAMIRDs. The Supreme Court also held the Board erroneously applied a "bright

line" rural density rule of no more than one residence per five acres. Gold Star,

167Wn.2dat726.

      On May 10, 2011, the County adopted Ordinance No. 2011-013 amending

the County's comprehensive plan to address the Supreme Court'sdecision in Gold

Star. Several petitioners challenged various aspects ofthat ordinance.2
      Eric Hirst, Laura Leigh Brakke, Wendy Harris, and David Stalheim

(collectively, Hirst) intervened regarding the County's LAMIRD criteria, contending
that the County's action failed to comply with the GMA.3 The Board found thatthe
County had not complied with portions ofthe GMA. In its final decision and order
following remand on issue of LAMIRDs (2012 FDO),4 the Board found that the
County permitted a population in county rural areas far in excess of allocations
elsewhere, thus creating plan inconsistency.

       The 2012 FDO found that the County violated RCW 36.70A.070(5)(c) when

it failed to include adequate measures to protect the rural character with the rural

element ofthe plan.5 The Board agreed with Hirst finding that "the County has not
planned to ensure that its comprehensive plan and development regulations,
2 B.R. at 3837.
3 BR at 3838; see BR at 222 (First Amended Petition for Review)
4 B.R. at 3832 (Final Decision and Order and Order Following Remand on Issue of
LAMIRDS, Case Nos. 11-2-0010c and 05-2-0013 (January 9, 2012)).
5 B.R. at 3952.
No. 71739-1-1/3

considered together, allocate rural population consistent with the [cjomprehensive

[p]lan's population allocation. The additional residential development allowed in

the County LAMIRDs conflicts with the goal of locating most population increases

in [urban growth areas (UGA)] and encourages sprawl."6

      The Board concluded:

      [The County's] Comprehensive Plan amendments and development
      regulations permit a population in the County rural areas far in
      excess of the allocation elsewhere provided for in the County
      Comprehensive Plan, thereby creating Plan inconsistency in
      violation of RCW 36.70A.070 (preamble) and RCW 36.70A. 130(1).
      [7]

       In response to the Board's 2012 FDO and to comply with the GMA, the

County passed Ordinance No. 2012-032 amending its comprehensive plan. As

part of that ordinance, the County adopted Policy 2DD-1 to address rural

population allocation.8 The goal of Policy 2DD-1 is to retain the character and

lifestyle of rural Whatcom County.9 Policy 2DD-1 provides:

       Concentrate growth in urban areas per the population projections in
       Chapter 1 of this plan, and recognize rural lands as an important
       transition area between urban areas and resource areas.             By
       February 1 of each year the department will publish a report that
       monitors residential development activity outside the urban growth
       areas during the previous year and compares that data with the
       adopted population growth projection for those areas. If it is apparent
       that growth occurring outside the urban growth areas is inconsistent
       with adopted projections, the County shall take action to address the
       discrepancy. Actions may include changing the allocation of the
       projected population growth during the comprehensive plan update
       required per RCW 36.70A.130(1), or changing development
       regulations to limit growth outside the urban growth areas. In
       addition, as the County and cities review the capacity for growth in
       the urban growth areas, the county should coordinate with the cities
6 B.R. at 3952 (2012 FDO at 121).
7 B.R. at 3952 (2012 FDO at 121).
8 B.R. at 4070-71; BR at 3832.
9 B.R. at 4249.
No. 71739-1-1/4

       to ensure that polices are in place that are consistent with
       encouraging growth in the urban areas and reducing demand for
       development in rural areas.[10]

       Table 4 showing the total projected 2029 population assumes distribution

of 85 percent growth to each urban area and the remaining 15 percent to

unincorporated rural Whatcom County.11       Unincorporated Whatcom County is

described in Table 4 as "areas outside the UGA's, including rural and resource

lands."12 It further states:

       The 2008 population estimates - and, by extension, the 2029
       population projections - rely on [the Office of Financial Management
       (OFM)] estimates that were based on 2000 census figures. After the
       2010 census data were released, OFM revised its population
       estimates for the years between 2000 and 2010. As shown in in
       Figure 1, the revised estimate for the total 2008 County population is
       more than 6,000 persons higher than the one used to develop the
       Table 4 population projections. OFM did not provide revised
       estimates for the UGA (or non UGA) population in the years between
       2000 and 2010, but Figure 1 shows an estimate of the non-UGA
       population assuming the proportion of non-UGA population held
       constant at about 32% of total County population in those years. The
       revised OFM estimates are shown in Figure 1 for illustrative
       purposes only; neither these estimates nor any projections based on
       them are adopted in this plan. The projections used in Table 4 and
       elsewhere in this plan will be revised using the most current OFM
       estimates and protections during the next UGA review, due in 2016.

       Outside the UGAs there is a large number of undeveloped tax
       parcels. While it is not clear exactly how many of these tax parcels
       are legally buildable lots, the total number of potential new dwelling
       units could theoretically accommodate population grown in excess
       of the rural population projection. However, because adequate land
       capacity is available for growth within urban growth areas, growth is
       not forced into the rural areas. Through the monitoring process
       described in Policies 2S-5 and 2DD-1 of this plan, the County will
       evaluate development activity in comparison with these urban and
10 B.R. at 4249-50.
11 BR at 4242 (Table 4).
12 B.R. at 4242 (Table 4).
No. 71739-1-1/5

      rural growth projections and take action as necessary to address
      discrepancies if any are identified.'131

      Hirst again petitioned the Board asserting that the County's actions still

failed to complywith the GMA.14 The Board upheld Policy 2DD-1 in its compliance

order on January 4, 2013.15 The Board found that in its adoption of Ordinance No.

2012-032, the County took numerous actions to reduce over-capacity in its rural

lands, amended provisions to acknowledge the over-capacity, and adopted an

annual review process to monitor and correct any problems.16 The Board found

that the annual review process set forth in Policy 2DD-1 was a "measure to contain

and control rural development" that complied with RCW 36.70A.070(5)(c)(i).17
       Hirst appeals the Board's order. Division Two granted direct review and

then transferred the case to Division One.

                                     ANALYSIS

Standard of Review

       This court reviews a Board's decision under the Administrative Procedure

Act (APA), chapter 34.05 RCW. PT Air Watchers v. State. Dep't of Ecology, 179
Wash. 2d 919, 925, 319 P.3d 23 (2014). The Supreme Court set forth the standard

of review in Lewis County v. Western Washington Growth Momt. Hearings Bd.,

157 Wash. 2d 488, 497-98, 139 P.3d 1096 (2006):

       The Board is charged with adjudicating GMA compliance and
       invalidating noncompliant plans and development regulations. RCW
       36.70A.280, .302. The Board "shall find compliance" unless it
13 B.R. at 4242 (Table 4).
14 B.R. at 4662 (Objection to Finding of Compliance).
15 Clerk's Papers (CP) at 19-235 (Compliance Order and Order Following Remand on
Issue of LAMIRDS (2013 CO)).
16 CP at 45 (2013 CO at 27).
17 CP at 47 (2013 CO at 29).
No. 71739-1-1/6

       determines that a county action "is clearly erroneous in view of the
       entire record before the board and in light of the goals and
       requirements" of the GMA. RCW 36.70A.320(3). To find an action
       "clearly erroneous," the Board must have a "firm and definite
       conviction that a mistake has been committed." Dep't of Ecology v.
       Pub. Util. Dist. No. 1 of Jefferson County. 121 Wash. 2d 179, 201, 849
P.2d 646 (1993). On appeal, we review the Board's decision, not the
       superior court decision affirming it. King County v. Cent. Puget
       Sound Growth Mgmt. Hearings Bd., 142 Wash. 2d 543, 553, 14 P.3d
133 (2000) (hereinafter referred to as Soccer Fields). '"We apply the
       standards of RCW 34.05 directly to the record before the agency,
       sitting in the same position as the superior court.'" jd. (quoting City
       of Redmond v. Cent. Puget Sound Growth Mgmt. Hearings Bd., 136
Wash. 2d 38, 45, 959 P.2d 1091 (1998)). . . .

              The legislature intends for the Board "to grant deference to
       counties and cities in how they plan for growth, consistent with the
       requirements and goals of the GMA. RCW 36.70A.3201. But while
       the Board must defer to Lewis County's choices that are consistent
       with the GMA, the Board itself is entitled to deference in determining
       what the GMA requires. This court gives "substantial weight" to the
       Board's interpretation of the GMA. Soccer Fields, 142 Wash. 2d at 553.

Policy 2DD-1

       Hirst contends the Board incorrectly interpreted the GMA when it concluded

that Policy 2DD-1 cured any inconsistency.          Hirst argues that the County's

proposal to reconcile any inconsistencies by annually reviewing the population

growth is not consistent with planned growth. In part, Hirst premises his argument

on the County's adoption of OFM projections ofa population of247,755 in 2029.18
The 2010 census indicated a population of 65,041 in county rural areas, which

would allow for only 2,651 additional people by 2029.19

       Hirst submitted evidence that the vacant lots presently available in the rural

areas can accommodate 33,696 additional people, when only 2,651 are
18 B.R. at 4243 (Table 4).
19 B.R. at 3951.
No. 71739-1-1/7

expected.20 Thus, Hirst argues, accommodating that many is inconsistent with the

population plan.

       Hirst's argument is not persuasive. It does not acknowledge the County's

efforts to forestall any potential inconsistency in the future by its annual review.

The County acknowledges that the population capacity of developable rural

parcels exceeds the population allocation to non-UGAs in its comprehensive

plan.21 This recognition is not inconsistent with the statute.

       RCW 36.70A.070 provides that "[t]he [comprehensive] plan shall be an

internally consistent document and all elements shall be consistent with the future
land use map." RCW 36.70A.070(1) requires a land use element that "shall include

population densities, building intensities, and estimates of future population
growth." Thus, the Board concluded that logically "population densities and
building intensities must be consistent with the estimates of future growth."22 RCW
36.70A.130(1)(d) requires that "[a]ny amendment of or revision to development

regulations shall be consistent with and implement the comprehensive plan."
       The GMA provides that each county is required to designate "within which

urban growth shall be encouraged and outside ofwhich growth can occur only if it
is not urban in nature." RCW 36.70A. 110(1). UGA designations shall be included

in a county's comprehensive plan. RCW 36.70A.110(6). The intent ofthe GMA is
that cities and counties will work together to reach agreement on the correct size

of a UGA.     RCW 36.70A.110(2). That UGA designation "cannot exceed the
20 B.R. at 3951-52.
21 CP at 42 (2013 CO at 24).
22 CP at 43 (2013 CO at 25).
No. 71739-1-1/8

amount of land necessary to accommodate the urban growth projected by OFM,

plus a reasonable land market supply factor."        Thurston County v. Western

Washington Growth Mgmt. Hearings Bd.. 164 Wash. 2d 329, 352, 190 P.3d 38

(2008).

       Thus, as the Board concluded, the GMA is explicit about capacity for urban

growth.23 The County's comprehensive plan must ensure that UGAs and cities

"include areas and densities sufficient to permit the urban growth that is projected

to occur in the county or city for the succeeding twenty-year period."          RCW

36.70.A.110(2).

       The Board correctly noted that the GMA is not explicit as to rural

population.24 The question before the Board was whether the County's plan allows

a development capacity in rural areas that is inconsistent with the comprehensive

plan's adopted population projections. In reviewing the statutes, the Board found

"that RCW 36.70A.215(1) requires a population/land capacity evaluation for

counties and cities to establish 'urban densities within urban growth areas.'"25

However, RCW36.70A.215(7) provides:

       The provisions of this section shall apply to counties, and the cities
       within those counties, that were greater than one hundred fifty
       thousand in population in 1995 as determined by office of financial
       management population estimates and that are located west of the
       crest of the Cascade mountain range. Any other county planning
          under RCW 36.70A.040 may carry out the review, evaluation, and
          amendment programs and procedures as provided in this section.

(Emphasis added.)

23 CP at 43 (2013 CO at 25).
24 CP at 43 (2013 CO at 25).
25 CP at 44 (2013 CO at 26).

                                         8
No. 71739-1-1/9

       OFM never designated Whatcom County as a buildable lands county.26 The

Board found "the County has adopted an annual review process, allowed by the

GMA as a discretionary action, to assess population growth and potential rural land

discrepancies.    The County has voluntarily undertaken this monitoring and

response process as provided in RCW 36.70A.215(7): 'Any other county planning

under RCW 36.70A.040 may carry out the review, evaluation, and amendment

programs and procedures as provided in this section.'"27

       This court only overturns the Board where one is definitely and firmly

convinced that a mistake has been made. RCW 36.70A.3201 provides:

       In recognition of the broad range of discretion that may be exercised
       by counties and cities consistent with the requirements of this
       chapter, the legislature intends for the board to grant deference to
       counties and cities in how they plan for growth, consistent with the
       requirements and goals of this chapter

(Emphasis added.) Under this high standard of clear error the legislature has

established that a county's exercise of its discretion will not be overturned unless

found to be clearly erroneous in light of the goals and requirements set forth in the

GMA. The Board's conclusion that Policy 2DD-1 is a "measure to contain and

control rural development" that complies with RCW 36.70A.070(5)(c)(i) is well

taken.28   Here, the Board correctly interpreted RCW 36.70A.070 and RCW

36.70A.130(1)(d) in its conclusion that the County had cured any inconsistency

when it adopted Policy 2DD-1.

26 CP at 44 (2013 CO at 26 n.81); see WAC 365-196-315(2)(a) and (b) providing that only
six counties: Clark, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston must establish a
buildable lands program.
27 CP at 46 (2013 CO at 28).
28 CP at 47 (2013 CO at 29).
No. 71739-1-1/10

Substantial Evidence

      Hirst argues that substantial evidence does not support the Board's

conclusion that Policy 2DD-1 did not violate the GMA. Hirst argues that the rural

discrepancies were inconsistent and that therefore corrective action of yearly

evaluating "potential" rural discrepancies is contrary to the Board's finding no

inconsistency. Hirst argues that by having 33,696 areas available for development

when the County has planned for only 2,651 is inconsistent and presents

significant problems to the comprehensive plan in two ways. First, Hirst contends

that the County is not planning but rather reacting. He further asserts that the

County will only possibly react when more than 2,651 additional people live in the
rural areas. Second, Hirst contends there is nothing to conclude that the County

will react. Both of these contentions are without merit.

       The Board concluded that Policy 2DD-1 permitted the County to control

rural development. The language used in the policy clearly states that "the County

will evaluate development activity in comparison with the urban and rural growth

projections and take action as necessary to address discrepancies if any are
identified."29 Indeed, as the Board noted, the policy gives the County the ability to

react more quickly.

       The policy provides that if growth is inconsistent with adopted projections,

the County shall take action to address the discrepancy.30 The use of the word
"may" subsequent to the action undertaken does not relieve the County of taking
action. The "may" refers to various solutions that the County might undertake to
29 B.R. at 4242 (Table 4).
30 CP at 46 (2013 CO at 28).

                                         10
No. 71739-1-1/11

achieve its required compliance. Under these circumstances the Board did not

err. The record contains "'a sufficient quantity of evidence to persuade a fair-

minded person of the truth or correctness of the order.'" City of Arlington v. Cent.

Puget Sound Growth Mgmt. Hearings Bd., 164 Wash. 2d 768, 780, 193 P.3d 1077

(2008) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting City of Redmond, 136 Wash. 2d at

46).

       Affirmed.

                                              j/^eyj^S
WE CONCUR:

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