Title
Comprehensive Plan Amendments of 2016 - Commission-Initiated Proposals
Staff Recommended Action
None; any action is at the Commission's discretion.
Report
Issue:
The Washington Growth Management Act provides that cities like Olympia can generally only amend their Comprehensive Plans once each year. Pursuant to a schedule established by the City Council, preliminary proposals for amendments to be considered in 2016 are due on November 2, 2015. This agenda item will provide the Commission with an opportunity to propose any amendments for consideration next year.
Staff Contact:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.753.8597
Presenter:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner
Background and Analysis:
The Washington Growth Management Act provides that, subject to certain exceptions, the City of Olympia may only amend its Comprehensive Plan once each year. Chapter 18.59 of the Olympia Municipal Code sets forth the basic two-step review process.
Preliminary proposals are to be submitted by a date established by the City Council. For 2016, that date is Monday, November 2, 2015. The code provides that individuals and agencies may initiate proposals.
Preliminary proposals will be 'screened' by the City Council early in 2016. By January proposals do need sufficient clarity for preliminary review by the Council. This 'screening' step includes a preliminary review and evaluation of proposed amendments, including rezones, that assesses the extent of review that would be required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Screening by the Council includes the criteria set for this Olympia Municipal Code 18.59.020:
1. Is the proposed amendment consistent with the county-wide planning policies, the Growth Management Act (GMA), other state or federal law, or the Washington Administrative Code?
2. Would the proposed amendment cause little or no adverse environmental impacts and, is the time required to...
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