Washington State House Democrats

Public frustration with King County’s Critical Areas Ordinance inspired proposals

March 11, 2005

OLYMPIA– Public frustration with King County’s handling of its Critical Areas Ordinance helped fueled passage of a bill by state Rep Larry Springer late Friday that aims to improve public involvement in growth management decisions.

"When people’s lives and property will be impacted by government decisions, they deserve every opportunity to help shape those decisions," said Springer, D-Kirkland.

The House agreed, voting 94-1 for Springer’s proposal, House Bill 2194, to require a full year’s public notice before the date set for completion of a city or county growth management plan. The legislation is not retroactive, however.

Springer said he had received piles of angry complaints from east King County residents who felt their views and rights were ignored when the county developed its Critical Areas Ordinance.

A day earlier, the House had voted 90-4 for a separate Springer bill, House Bill 2171, that seeks to give local governments an additional year to complete growth management plans.

"Hopefully, local governments would use that extra time for more discussion and more listening," Springer said. "The time limits in the state growth management law have created a pressure cooker for local governments, and we might get a better dialogue on difficult land use issues if we lift the lid a bit."

Springer’s bills now move to the Senate for further consideration.