Rulemaking Notice
Commerce to initiate Growth Management Act rulemaking
The Washington State Department of Commerce is preparing to update administrative rules for the Growth Management Act (GMA). A CR101 intent for rulemaking was filed on June 21, 2023.
We will work with local governments to ensure comprehensive plans and development regulations include efforts to accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the population in Washington. Planning for housing now requires an inclusive and equity-driven approach to meet the housing needs for all residents at all income levels.
What's next
Over the next five months, Commerce will consider amending and possibly adding a new section to Chapter 365-196 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Possible amendments will reflect new legislation on housing, urban growth areas, and rural planning. This includes changes in how local governments plan for affordable housing, increases in residential density, accessory dwelling units, tiny houses, design review, local project review, urban growth area swaps, and infill development in limited areas of more intensive rural development.
The subject of possible rulemaking includes:
- Chapter 365-196 WAC, Procedural Criteria for Adopting Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations.
More information
This notification is intended to provide initial information about our process and where you can find additional information. Commerce's Growth Management Services team will release a preliminary draft for public review and comment near the end of this year.
Sign up to receive updates and find additional material and information about this rulemaking effort on our GMA Housing Rulemaking EZ View website.
Contacts
Please contact a project manager if you have questions, comments, or want to learn more about the update.
Mary Reinbold, AICP
Senior Planner
mary.reinbold@commerce.wa.gov
William Simpson, AICP
Senior Policy Analyst
william.simpson@commerce.wa.gov
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