Chalk Line

Government Affairs Report

Will Stakelin
Government Affairs Director

During May, several new government affairs issues emerged. List is a brief update of the issues affecting the home building industry.

Thurston County
Cost Recovery: Olympia Master Builders (OMB) opposed the county's proposed fee increases for Development Services (Land Use).  As a result, the Commissioners adopted a revised fee schedule that took OMB's concerns into consideration. The proposed rates were reduced, 80% of the costs for long range planning will come from revenue sources other than permit fees and a Development Services User Advisory Committee will be formed (June 1st) and include representatives from OMB.

Business Process Assessment: Development Services is seeking OMB's input on implementing changes recommended by The Latimore Company (consultant) to improve efficiency and customer service.  OMB's involvement in the User Advisory Committee will provide an opportunity for input and recommendations on the department's efficiency and progress towards providing better customer service.

Critical Areas Ordinance: The Planning Commission is continuing to work on updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance.  OMB staff is continuing to monitor the process.

Other Issues: Capital Facilities Plan Update for 2009-2015, Shoreline Management Program Update & Watershed Characterization Project, Mazama Pocket Gophers (Species of Concern), 2008 Preliminary Amendments to Comprehensive Plan Docket, Growth Management Compliance Efforts (Urban Growth Areas and remaining subdivision moratoriums, Long-term Agricultural Lands Designation Project), Farmland Preservation Plan. 

Lacey
Design Review: The Lacey City Council held a final work session on April 17 and OMB was successful in working with city officials and the Planning Commission to eliminate or modify proposed changes in zoning and sub-division codes.  The city also agreed to revise the proposed vesting language based on recommendations from OMB.   

Water GFC Increase: On April 24 the City of Lacey adopted a 26% rate increase in the water utility general facility charge (GFC) to fund water system improvements.  The item was originally scheduled to be on the city council's March 27 agenda for action, but city staff honored OMB's request to delay the matter until city staff and OMB members could meet to discuss the issue and concerns in more detail.  OMB members and staff met with City administrators on several occasions to discuss the proposal and OMB was not supportive of the increase.  

Olympia
Permitting: OMB is reviewing the significant decrease in building permits issued by the City of Olympia verses staffing levels.  OMB is concerned about the significant decline in permit issuance compared to rising staffing levels.

Tumwater
Impact Fees: OMB has requested additional documents and annual financial reports from the city in an effort to address the mandatory refund of unallocated Park Impact Fees in excess of $80,000.  The city originally acknowledged the refund requirement, but has since stated the funds were "earmarked" for eligible projects.  

Transportation Impact Fee Increase: OMB anticipates the City of Tumwater will propose an increase in Traffic Impact Fees within the next several months.  OMB staff will continue to monitor the issue.

Mason County
GeoTech Review Process: OMB staff and Mason County Chapter members are continuing to work with County Development Services staff to address concerns with the GeoTech Review process.  OMB staff and Chapter members met with Commissioner Tim Sheldon on April 17.  OMB staff had a follow-up meeting with County staff on April 23 in which Development Services agreed to several "action items" to improve the review process.  A work session was held on May 20 to consider additional changes.

Water Petition: The Squaxin Tribe has filed a petition with the Department of Ecology to prohibit exempt wells in the vicinity of John's Creek.  If approved a substantial portion of the County would be basically under moratorium for new development.  OMB and BIAW staff is working with Mason County members and other stakeholders to aggressively oppose the petition.

Other Issues: City of Shelton's proposed Transportation Plan & Traffic Impact Fees, Stormwater Plan, Proposed countywide School Impact Fees.

Twin Harbors
Critical Areas Ordinance: OMB staff is in the process of reviewing the recently released first draft of Grays Harbor County's Critical Areas Ordinance.  OMB and the Farm Bureau will be meeting with other key stakeholders on May 8 in Aberdeen to discuss the proposed revisions and a strategy to address concerns.