Government Affairs

Will Stakelin
Government Affairs Director

The following information is a brief summary of issues affecting the home building industry. For more information contact Will Stakelin, Government Affairs Director at will@omb.org or 360-754-0912 or 1-800-456-6473.

THURSTON COUNTY
Growth Management Act (GMA) Compliance - The Washington State Supreme Court agreed to hear Thurston County v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board involving the Growth Board's ruling that portions of Thurston County's Comprehensive Plan and development regulations are not in compliance with GMA. Oral arguments were heard Thursday, March 20 and Pacific Legal Foundation argued on behalf of the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) and Olympia Master Builders (OMB).

Futurewise Appeal - Futurewise's appeal of the County's re-issued SEPA "Determination of Non-significance" for the UGA Sizing Project was DENIED by the Thurston County Hearing Examiner. On Tuesday, February 26, the Board of County Commissioners agreed with the Hearing Examiner's recommendation and DENIED Futurewise's appeal.

Long-Term Agriculture Land - Thurston County has been ordered by the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board (WWGMHB) to undertake a new project relating to Long-Term Agricultural Lands of Commercial Significance (LTA). The Planning Commission held a public hearing in Rochester on Wednesday, March 19.

Critical Areas Ordinance - The Planning Commission is continuing to work on updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance.

Cost Recovery - OMB staff testified at a public hearing held on Thursday, February 28 opposing portions of the County's proposed fee increases for Development Services (Land Use). As a result of testimony received from citizens and concerns expressed by OMB, the Commissioners have directed staff to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs used to determine the proposed fee increases and obtain a legal opinion from the Prosecutor's Office on the issues being challenged by OMB.

LACEY
Design Review - The Lacey Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 4 regarding the proposed Design Review standards. OMB members and staff testified in opposition to the proposed zoning/subdivision changes included in the Design Review process. As a result, a joint work session between the Planning Commission and OMB members was held on Tuesday, March 18 in hopes of reaching a resolution.

OLYMPIA
Fence, Wall, Gate& Hedge Standards - The Olympia Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 25th to consider proposed amendments to the City's land use zoning standards related to fences, walls, gates and hedges. OMB is monitoring the proposed changes.

Chambers Basin Moratorium - On Tuesday, March 11, the Olympia City Council voted to extended the Chambers Basin moratorium with boundary changes reducing the moratorium area. The Council voted 4-3 in favor of adopting the smaller moratorium area with Council members Strub, Otavelli and Messmer voting against reducing the boundaries.

TUMWATER
Park Impact Fee Ordinance - OMB staff testified at the City's General Government Committee meeting held on Thursday, February 28 regarding proposed ordinance language and the implementation of the proposed impact fee increase.

MASON COUNTY
Development Summit - Mason County Chapter members and OMB staff held a Development Summit with Mason County and City of Shelton's Community Development staff on Thursday, February 21.

Private Well Moratorium - The City of Shelton Commissioners held a public hearing on March 3rd regarding a proposal to prohibit all new private wells and require mandatory connection to City water for all lots within 300 feet of a water main. OMB provided written testimony opposing the distance as too lengthy and cost prohibitive.

TWIN HARBORS
PUD Issues - Twin Harbors Chapter members and OMB staff continue to work with Grays Harbor PUD to resolve concerns regarding the inability to get jobsite power (temporary & permanent) connected in a timely manner. Monthly conference calls with PUD staff are providing better communication and measurement of any progress being made.