Plan Review Manual · plans (including their transportation-related provisions), center plans, and transit plans. The reporting tools include two parts: a checklist and a set of related

Plan Review Manual

A Resource to Assist with Plan Development and Review - including Certification

September 2010

Updated June 2014*

Policy and Plan Review Manual

*Section 3 (Reporting Tool for Center Plans) and Appendix E-4 (Topic by Topic Guidance –

Center Plans) revised in June 2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist.

For more information, contact .......... Growth Management Planning,

206-464-5815, [email protected]

or visit our website ............................ www.psrc.org

Additional copies ............................... Puget Sound Regional Council

Information Center

1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98104-1035

PHONE: 206-464-7532

FAX: 206-587-4825

EMAIL: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.psrc.org/

mailto:[email protected]

Puget Sound Regional Council

table of contents Overview

Organization of this manual ........................................................................................................ i

Introduction

Why review policies and plans? ................................................................................................ iii

What is the Regional Council‘s plan review process? .............................................................. iii

How does the process work? ...................................................................................................... iii

What is expected for certification? ............................................................................................. v

What about the review of other provisions beyond certification? .......................................... vi

How frequently does review occur? .......................................................................................... vi

Do amendments need to be reviewed? ...................................................................................... vi

What happens if policies or plans are not certified? ................................................................ vii

What happens if policies or provisions are not consistent with VISION 2040? .................... vii

What happens to our certification status when VISION 2040 or Transportation 2040 is

amended? ................................................................................................................................... vii

How does the Regional Council‘s process Relate to the review of policies and plans by the

state Department of Commerce? .............................................................................................. vii

How does the Regional Council‘s review relate to the growth management hearings board

process? ..................................................................................................................................... viii

Are local plans certified with countywide planning policies as well? ................................... viii

How does the plan review process relate to the project selection process? ............................ ix

Part 1: Background

Duties and responsibilities .......................................................................................................1-1

Types of review ........................................................................................................................1-2

Guidance for other planning activities in the region .............................................................1-4

Part 2: Model VISION 2040 statement

example of a model statement .................................................................................................2-1

Part 3: Reporting tools

Reporting tool for countywide planning policies ................................................................ 3A-1

Reporting tool for local comprehensive plans ..................................................................... 3B-1

Reporting tool for center plans (updated June 2014) ........................................................... 3C-1

Reporting tool for transit plans ............................................................................................. 3D-1


Appendices

appendix A: Puget Sound Regional Council adopted policy and plan review process ........ A-1

appendix B: Policy and plan review

(excerpt from VISION 2040 – Part IV: Implementation) ...................................................... B-1

appendix C: Multicounty Planning Policies ........................................................................... C-1

appendix D: Growth Management Act requirements for transportation planning .............. D-1

appendix E: topic by topic guidance

appendix E-1: VISION 2040 consistency ............................................................................. E1-1

appendix E-2: Consistency with Transportation 2040 ........................................................ E2-1

appendix E-3: Additional requirements

for certification of transportation-related provisions .......................................................... E3-1

appendix E-4: Center plans (updated June 2014) ................................................................ E4-1

appendix F: Example of a plan Review report ....................................................................... F-1

Puget Sound Regional Council i

overview

ORGANIZATION OF THIS MANUAL

This manual has been designed to provide both general and detailed guidance for the

development of amendments and updates to countywide planning policies, local

comprehensive plans, transit agency plans, and regional center subarea plans. It describes

how each of these types of plans should address VISION 2040, Transportation 2040, specific

requirements in the Growth Management Act, and provisions for designated regional centers.

The manual also serves as tool for the Regional Council‘s review of policies and plans

developed in the central Puget Sound region. Following the introduction, the manual

includes four parts and several appendices, which address the following:

Part 1 provides background information on the Regional Council‘s plan review process. It

describes state requirements, clarifications provided by the Growth Management

Hearings Board, and the Regional Council‘s own administrative guidance. This section

discusses the four distinct types of review performed by the Regional Council, including

the review of (1) countywide planning policies, (2) local comprehensive plans, (3) transit

agency plans, and (4) plans for designated regional centers.

Part 2 provides a model VISION 2040 Statement, to be included in countywide planning

policies, local comprehensive plans, and transit agency plans. This statement summarizes

how the policies or plans relate to and address VISION 2040. The VISION 2040

Statement is a more formal communication piece to inform users of the policies or plan,

including citizens, officials, and other stakeholders.

Part 3 includes a set of four reporting tools to help guide each type of plan that is

reviewed by the Regional Council – countywide planning policies, local comprehensive

plans (including their transportation-related provisions), center plans, and transit plans.

The reporting tools include two parts: a checklist and a set of related questions. The

checklist portion is primarily a tool to assist staff as they work on plan amendments and

updates. The set of questions serves as a communication piece between jurisdiction or

agency staff and Regional Council staff during the review of amendments and updates.

APPENDICES

Appendix A is the Regional Council‘s Adopted Policy and Plan Review Process, which

was last updated by the Executive Board in September 2003. The adopted process

addresses the review of countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, transit

agency plans, and center plans.

ii Policy and Plan Review Manual

Appendix B is an excerpt from VISION 2040‘s Part IV Implementation. This section

describes expectations for various policy and planning efforts in the central Puget Sound

region.

Appendix C contains the entire set of Multicounty Planning Policies which were adopted

as part of VISION 2040 in April 2008.

Appendix D is an excerpt from the Growth Management Act and lists the requirements

for transportation planning for local comprehensive plans.

Appendix E is a set of four additional appendices that have been developed to provide

topic-by-topic guidance to policy development for various types of plans. These

appendices provide a greater level of detail than the reporting tool or checklists.

Appendix E-1 describes issues and approaches for achieving consistency with

VISION 2040. This section outlines the multicounty planning policies, which

also serve as the regional guidelines and principles required for certifying the

transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans.

Appendix E-2 discusses additional issues related to consistency with

Transportation 2040, the adopted regional transportation plan.

Appendix E-3 describes further issues required in the Growth Management Act

for local transportation planning, which also are factors for the certification of

transportation-related provisions.

Appendix E-4 addresses issues related to planning for centers. While this is

geared to designated regional growth centers and regional manufacturing

industrial centers, it also has applications for planning for central places and more

compact activity areas of different types.

Appendix F provides an example of a completed plan review report.

Compendium. A separate compendium provides examples and best practices to assist

planning efforts with understanding various ways of addressing VISION 2040 and state

planning requirements. The compendium is a working document and is designed TO BE

periodically updated with new examples and practices.

Puget Sound Regional Council iii

Introduction

WHY REVIEW POLICIES AND PLANS?

VISION 2040 represents regional agreement on many

complex issues, including environmental sustainability,

where future development should go, housing, economic

development, transportation, and the siting of public

services. To ensure that individual regional and local

planning efforts are coordinated, the Puget Sound Regional

Council works with countywide planning groups, local

jurisdictions, transit agencies, and others to ensure that

adopted regional policies and provisions are being addressed.

This happens through the review of countywide planning

policies, local comprehensive plans – including subarea plans for regionally designated centers

– and transit agency plans.

The Growth Management Act emphasizes intergovernmental coordination and consistency.

To advance coordination between regional and local planning, the Act requires regional

transportation planning organizations, including the Puget Sound Regional Council, to

formally certify countywide planning policies and local comprehensive plan transportation

provisions. To be certified, the transportation provisions must demonstrate that they are

consistent with the regional transportation plan, with regionally established guidelines and

policies, and with Growth Management Act requirements for transportation planning.

WHAT IS THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S PLAN REVIEW PROCESS?

The Regional Council process for reviewing various policies and plans is designed to further

regional coordination and satisfy the Growth Management Act certification requirements.

The Regional Council‘s Executive Board last revised the Policy and Plan Review Process in

September 2003 to incorporate guidelines for the review of plans for designated regional

growth centers. The adopted process is provided in Appendix A.

With the adoption of VISION 2040 – including revisions to the multicounty planning policies1

and additional information on the plan review program presented in VISION 2040‘s

Implementation section – new guidance is now in place for the plan review process. This

manual is designed to be a resource for understanding that guidance and the review process.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

Where It Starts. The plan review process ideally starts when a countywide planning body,

local jurisdiction, or agency begins an update or amendment. All are encouraged to provide

1 The Act states that multicounty planning policies shall be adopted by two or more counties, each with

a population of 450,000 or more, having contiguous urban areas. They may be adopted by other

counties, according to the process established in the Act or as agreed to among the counties and cities

within the multicounty region (RCW 36.70A.210 (7)).

iv Policy and Plan Review Manual

advance drafts to Regional Council staff for review and comment. Based on the nature of the

update or amendment, the comments can take the form of staff-to-staff communications or

more formal written memoranda or letters.

Along with using this manual, it is helpful to

work with past Plan Review Reports prepared by the Regional Council to identify

specific issues or topics that were previously

identified as needing attention or were

recommended as ways of improving the

plan.

Note: This manual should be used in

concert with the VISION 2040 document

itself, rather than as a stand-alone resource.

VISION 2040 provides the full array of

goals, planning provisions, and explanatory

material to guide various regional and local

planning efforts in the central Puget Sound

region.

PSRC Support – Shifting the interaction to

earlier in the process. Regional Council staff is

available to provide technical assistance and

support in the development of policy

amendments or plan updates. Our goal is to

help each planning effort in the region result

in successfully demonstrating consistency with

VISION 2040 and state planning requirements

well in advance of final adoption.

VISION 2040 Statement. A new

requirement in VISION 2040 is for all

countywide planning policies, local

comprehensive plans, transit agency plans,

and subarea plans for regional centers to

include a brief report or statement in the plan itself. (See Appendix B.) The statement can be

a few paragraphs or more substantive and in-depth on how they address VISION 2040. A

model VISION 2040 statement is provided in Part 2 of this manual. Note: For a minor

amendment to a set of policies or a plan, it may not always be necessary to revise or prepare a

new VISION 2040 statement. (Please consult with Regional Council staff as amendments are

drafted.)

Reporting Tool. A separate reporting tool has been developed for each type of plan reviewed

by the Regional Council, including countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans,

transit agency plans and center plans. The first part of the reporting tool is a checklist is

designed to help guide the development of plan updates and amendments. The checklist is

primarily designed to assist those responsible for crafting amendments and updates.

Brief Summary of How the Plan Review Process Works

STEP I

Work Starts on Update or Amendments

Agency or planning body contacts PSRC regarding scope

and schedule

Use the Plan Review Manual to identify issues and topics to

be addressed

PSRC Support

PSRC staff is available as material is drafted for review and

assistance

As Work Progresses on Draft Provisions

Craft a VISION 2040 Statement to be included in the final

adopted set of policies or plan

Use the checklist in the reporting tool to ensure key

provisions have been addressed

STEP II: Final Pre-Adoption Review

If not previously provided, a completed draft of the

reporting tool should be provided to PSRC staff for review,

along with the draft revisions 60-days prior to final

adoption. (Note: This corresponds with state agency review

of draft amendments.)

Work with PSRC comments to finalize policies or plan

STEP III: After Adoption

Submit adopted policies or plan to PSRC.

If changes were made to draft policies and plans as part of

adoption, then any related revisions to the reporting tool

should also be submitted.

PSRC staff then drafts a Plan Review Report and

certification recommendation – which is first made

available to the submitter for review and comment

Plan Review Report revised as needed and transmitted to

PSRC‘s boards for action

Puget Sound Regional Council v

The second part of the reporting tool is a series of directed questions that relate to key VISION

2040 provisions and certification requirements. The entire reporting tool should be

completed and submitted to the Regional Council prior to adoption for review and comment –

along with a copy of the actual draft plan update or amendment. This provides an

opportunity to work out any issues or problems that may be identified before final action is

taken. After adoption, the reporting tool may be revised as needed – if changes were made to

draft policies or plans during final adoption. The information provided in the reporting tool

serves as the basis for the Plan Review Report that Regional Council staff will craft for formal

review by the Council‘s policy boards and Executive Board.

Plan Review Report. After plan update or policy amendments are adopted and the reporting

tool has been finalized, Regional Council staff will draft a Plan Review Report. For more

detailed plan updates, the report will address a broader range of consistency issues. For

simpler amendments, the report may take the form of a memorandum. An initial draft of the

report is first sent to staff of the countywide group, jurisdiction, or transit agency for review

and comment. The report is finalized and transmitted to the Regional Council‘s policy boards

for their consideration. (See example of a Plan Review Report in Appendix F.)

Board Review and Action. The final Plan Review Report is transmitted to the Regional

Council‘s Growth Management Policy Board and Transportation Policy Board, along with a

recommendation regarding certification. Both boards act on the recommendation and then

forward it to the Executive Board. Action by the Executive Board finalizes the process.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FOR CERTIFICATION?

Requirements in State Law. The Puget Sound Regional

Council serves as the regional transportation planning

organization for King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish

counties. As the regional transportation planning

organization, the Regional Council is required to certify

countywide planning policies for each of the four counties, as

well as the transportation-related provisions in the

comprehensive plans for all 86 local jurisdictions in the four-

county region. Certification is based on three things:

(1) addressing what state law refers to as regional guidelines

and principles – which in the central Puget Sound region are

the 174 multicounty planning policies in VISION 2040 (see

Appendix C), (2) conformity with the Growth Management Act requirements for

transportation planning (see Appendix D and Appendix E-3, and (3) consistency with the

regional transportation plan – that is, Transportation 2040 (see Appendix E-2) (Chapter

47.80.023, Revised Code of Washington). The Regional Council‘s Executive Board formally

certifies the transportation-related provisions based on recommendations from the Regional

Council‘s two policy boards.

Regional Transportation Planning

Organization Duties

Certify that transportation-related provisions

(1) reflect the established regional guidelines

and principles, (2) are consistent with the

adopted regional transportation plan, and

(3) conform with requirements for

transportation planning. (See RCW

47,80.023 and Adopted Policy and Plan

Review Process – September 2003)

vi Policy and Plan Review Manual

WHAT ABOUT THE REVIEW OF OTHER PROVISIONS BEYOND

CERTIFICATION?

The Regional Council‘s review also provides an opportunity to comment on other aspects of

countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, transit plans, and center plans

beyond what is considered for the purposes of certification. This portion of the review

process takes into account additional regional guidance provided by VISION 2040 beyond the

multicounty planning policies. The Regional Council also takes the opportunity to offer

comments on ways that policies or plans could be improved. This part of the review process

has been developed in response to direction provided by the Interlocal Agreement for

Regional Planning of the Central Puget Sound Area (VII-C) and Framework Plan

(Section 5, 1-c-3)

HOW FREQUENTLY DOES REVIEW OCCUR?

Policies and Plans Remain Certified until Amended or Updated. Once a set of countywide

planning policies or local comprehensive plan (or subarea plan for a regional center) has been

certified, it remains certified until it is next amended or updated. (See Appendix A.)

Countywide planning groups, local jurisdictions, and agencies are encouraged to continue to

be in communication with the Regional Council as amendments and updates are being

developed in order to ensure that that their certification status remains up-to-date.

DO AMENDMENTS NEED TO BE REVIEWED?

All Amendments Must Be Submitted – But Not All Require Formal Action. The Regional

Council requests that it receive all amendments to countywide planning policies, local plans,

transit agency plans, and center plans. However, amendments are treated in different ways

based on the issues they address and their level of detail. For example, minor amendments

typically do not trigger the need for a formal action by the Regional Council.

Major Amendments – Updates or Substantial Revisions. If a set of policies or a plan is

substantively revised or updated, the Regional Council asks for a new reporting tool to be

completed and will prepare a new plan review report, including a recommendation regarding

certification, for consideration by the Regional Council‘s policy boards and Executive Board.

Minor Amendments Related to Certification. If only a portion of a set of policies or plan is

amended that has bearing on one or more of the transportation-related provisions, only that

portion of the reporting tool that relates to the issue(s) being revised needs to be completed.

In such instances, only a brief explanation of the amendment(s) would likely be sufficient.

Also, rather than a full plan review report, a memorandum will be transmitted to the Regional

Council‘s board for consideration. The memorandum will briefly summarize the amendment

and include a recommendation regarding certification.

Other Minor Amendments. Minor amendments that deal with issues that do not address

certification requirements or consistency with VISION 2040 should also be submitted to the

Regional Council. In the case of local comprehensive plans, jurisdictions may opt to transmit

drafts of these minor amendments to the Regional Council at the same time they submit them

to the Department of Commerce for state review.

Puget Sound Regional Council vii

If a portion of a set of policies or plan is amended that does not relate to certification, there are

two possible outcomes. If the issue addressed may be of interest to the Regional Council‘s

policy boards, an information item may be composed to inform board members of the subject

and how it has been addressed. No action is taken by the board to retain certification status.

For other minor amendments, the Regional Council staff will acknowledge receipt of the

amendment and include it in its collection of policies and plans.

WHAT HAPPENS IF POLICIES OR PLANS ARE NOT CERTIFIED?

Only those transportation or economic development projects or programs located in

jurisdictions whose policies or plans have been certified are eligible to receive PSRC-managed

funds. This includes projects sponsored by an agency other that the local jurisdiction itself. In

some instances, jurisdictions or agencies may apply for funds while work is underway to

revise policies or plans to address certification requirements. In those cases, a project may be

identified for funds but may not receive them until the certification requirements are

fully met.

WHAT HAPPENS IF POLICIES OR PROVISIONS ARE NOT

CONSISTENT WITH VISION 2040?

For other planning issues that are not directly transportation-related, the Regional Council‘s

Plan Review Report will discuss consistency with pertinent provisions in VISION 2040.

Should an issue be identified, the Report will provide information on how the policies or plan

could be revised to better address VISION 2040. The adopted Policy and Plan Review Process

identifies how unresolved issues are to be addressed (see Appendix A).

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR CERTIFICATION STATUS WHEN VISION

2040 OR TRANSPORTATION 2040 IS AMENDED?

Countywide planning policies and local comprehensive plans retain their certification status

until they are updated or amended. In case VISION 2040 or Transportation 2040 are updated,

countywide policies and local plans are expected to reflect any new regional provisions during

subsequent update and amendment cycles.

HOW DOES THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S PROCESS RELATE TO THE

REVIEW OF POLICIES AND PLANS BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT

OF COMMERCE?

Countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, and related regulations are required

to be submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce for review and comment

60 days prior to adoption. The Department coordinates a review of the draft provisions

involving various state agencies. This review often involves a response to the countywide

planning group or local jurisdictions with comments on the draft. However, it is important to

note that this review does not result in a formal certification or approval of the policies or

plans by the state. The only formal certification that takes place is that by the Regional

Council (as the regional transportation planning organization) and occurs after the policies or

viii Policy and Plan Review Manual

plans have been adopted. Also, the Regional Council does not review regulations or

zoning codes.

The Regional Council and the Department of Commerce do coordinate in developing

materials and criteria used to review policies and plans. This allows countywide policy groups

and local jurisdictions to provide similar responses to common issues expressed in both review

processes. The Regional Council also typically receives copies of comments provided by the

Department in the state agency review of draft policies and plans. The Regional Council has

that information at the time it prepares a Plan Review Report and certification

recommendation once the policies or plans are formally adopted. It is strongly recommended

that countywide planning bodies and local jurisdictions provide advance copies of draft

amendments and updates to the Regional Council at least during the 60-day period for

Department of Commerce review – preferably earlier.

HOW DOES THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S REVIEW RELATE TO THE

GROWTH MANAGEMENT HEARINGS BOARD PROCESS?

As the regional transportation planning organization in the four-county region, the Regional

Council is required to review and certify transportation-related provisions for all countywide

planning policies and local comprehensive plans. This function is separate from any challenge

to the validity of policies or plans that may be brought before the Central Puget Sound

Growth Management Hearings Board. The Regional Council‘s certification action is based on

determining consistency with (1) the multicounty planning policies, which serve as the

regional guidelines and principles, (2) Transportation 2040, the regional transportation plan,

and (3) Growth Management Act requirements for transportation planning.

The Hearings Board has more of a quasi-judicial mandate when it is petitioned to review a set

of policies or a plan. While there can obviously be some overlap with issues that are reviewed

by the Hearings and the Regional Council, the Hearings Board process is set up to consider a

much broader range of provisions from the entire body of requirements in the Growth

Management Act.

ARE LOCAL PLANS CERTIFIED WITH COUNTYWIDE PLANNING

POLICIES AS WELL?

While local comprehensive plans are required to be consistent with both countywide

planning policies and multicounty planning policies, state law only provides for a certification

function by regional transportation planning organizations, which in the four-county region is

the Puget Sound Regional Council. Each county and its cities have their own mechanisms for

developing and maintaining their respective countywide planning policies.

Puget Sound Regional Council ix

HOW DOES THE PLAN REVIEW PROCESS RELATE TO THE

PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS?

The review of transportation projects and applications in the Regional Council‘s

Transportation Improvement Program is closely coordinated with its Plan Review Process.

For example, only those transportation projects or programs located in jurisdictions whose

comprehensive plan provisions have been certified are eligible to apply for and receive PSRC-

managed funds. Moreover, each transportation project proposal (or amendment) for inclusion

in Transportation 2040 must demonstrate consistency both with the local comprehensive

plan, as well as with the multicounty planning policies and regional transportation plan.

x Policy and Plan Review Manual

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Puget Sound Regional Council Page 1-1

Part 1: Background

This section addresses the duties and responsibilities for reviewing plans and policies. The

Growth Management Act requirements for reviewing countywide policies and local

comprehensive plans are outlined, as well as the Puget Sound Regional Council‘s institutional

framework for reviewing policy and planning documents. Then the different types of plan

review conducted by the Regional Council are described.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following information provides a brief summary of the legal and institutional framework

of the Regional Council‘s plan review program.

What Does Washington State Law Say?

The Growth Management Act emphasizes coordination and consistency of planning.

Comprehensive plans are expected to be internally consistent, consistent with the plans of

other jurisdictions, and consistent with regional planning. Development regulations,

including zoning provisions, are also expected to be consistent with the comprehensive plan.

To ensure consistency between regional and local planning, the Act requires regional

transportation planning organizations to:

certify … that the transportation elements of comprehensive plans adopted by

counties, cities, and towns within the region reflect [regionally adopted guidelines and

principles], are consistent with the adopted regional transportation plan, and, where

appropriate, conform with the [mandatory elements section of the Growth

Management Act]. Where appropriate, certify that county-wide planning policies …

and the adopted regional transportation plan are consistent. (Chapter 47.80.023, Revised

Code of Washington - RCW)

The Act defines mandatory elements for local plans (RCW 36.70A.070), and provides guidance for

the development of the regional guidelines and principles (RCW 47.80.026) and the regional

transportation plan (RCW 47.80.030). These guidelines and principles are to be used to develop

regional and local transportation plans, and for the certification of transportation-related

provisions in local comprehensive plans.2 In the central Puget Sound region, the Act also

requires the adoption of multicounty planning policies. VISION 2040 establishes that the

multicounty planning policies serve as the central Puget Sound area‘s regional guidelines and

principles. (See Part IV: Implementation.) The Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

provides additional guidance and stipulates that ―regions shall cooperatively define and establish

2 At a minimum, the factors to be addressed include concentrations of economic activity, residential

density, development corridors and urban design that, where appropriate, supports high capacity

transit, freight transportation and port access, development patterns that promote pedestrian and

nonmotorized transportation, circulation systems, access to regional systems, effective and efficient

highway systems, the ability of transportation facilities and programs to retain existing and attract

new jobs and private investment and to accommodate growth in demand, transportation demand

management, joint and mixed use developments, present and future railroad right-of-way corridor

utilization, and intermodal connections. (RCW 47.80.026)

Page 1-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

measures and processes to determine regional consistency with the adopted regional

transportation plan‖ (WAC 468-86-150).

What Does the Hearings Board Say?

The Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board has addressed regional

coordination and consistency in several cases.3 The Board has asserted that local jurisdictions

are obliged to balance local interests with regional interests. It has also identified local

comprehensive plans as being the appropriate mechanism for translating regional policies into

results. Finally, the Board has stated that amendments to a comprehensive plan may not cause

the comprehensive plan to become inconsistent with countywide and multicounty policies.

What Does the Regional Council Say?

The Puget Sound Regional Council‘s Interlocal Agreement for Regional Planning of the Central

Puget Sound Area and Framework Plan provide additional direction for coordinating planning

on interjurisdictional issues. The Interlocal Agreement calls for the Regional Council to develop

a process for the review of countywide planning policies (VII-C). The Framework Plan directs

the Regional Council to work with local and state agencies to ensure that provisions of the

regional growth strategy are reflected in local planning efforts (Section 5, 1-c-3).

To meet these directives, the Regional Council‘s Executive Board adopted the Policy and Plan

Review Process, which was last updated in 2003 (see Appendix A). The process describes the

authority for reviewing plans and certifying transportation-related provisions. It then discusses

each of the four types of review carried out by the Regional Council, including the review of

(1) countywide planning policies, (2) local plans, (3) transit agency plans, and (4) center plans.

Certification responsibilities are also described along with procedures for resolving disputes.

What Does VISION 2040 Say?

The Policy and Plan Review Process is addressed in the Implementation section of VISION

2040. That section calls for each distinct planning effort to incorporate a brief report or

statement in their plans that addresses VISION 2040 and the multicounty planning policies (See

Appendix B.). A discussion of the VISION 2040 statement is included in Part 3 of this manual.

TYPES OF REVIEW

The Regional Council‘s Plan Review process is divided into four types: (1) countywide

planning policies, (2) local comprehensive plans, (3) transit agency plans, and (4) center plans.

Each is briefly described below.

1. Countywide Planning Policies

Whereas multicounty planning policies provide a common framework for planning at the

regional level, countywide policies provide such a framework for collaborative planning

within individual counties. In central Puget Sound, each set of countywide planning policies

3 For balancing local, regional, and state interests, see Rural Residents, 3310, FDO, at 14. Regarding the

local plans as the mechanism for implementing regional policies, see Aagaard, 4311c, FDO, at 7.

Consistency of local comprehensive plans with countywide planning policies and multicounty

planning policies is addressed in LMI/Chevron, 8312, FDO, at 44.


is reviewed for consistency with the multicounty planning policies and with Transportation

2040, the regional transportation plan. A finding of consistency results in certification of the

countywide policies. According to Policy MPP-G-2, countywide planning policies are to be

updated to reflect revised multicounty planning policies by December 31, 2010.

2. Local Comprehensive Plans

Local comprehensive plans are the primary focus of planning under the Growth Management

Act. The primary guidance and requirements of the Act are directed at local jurisdictions,

including provisions to ensure consistency between the local comprehensive plan and the

codes and regulations that implement the plan.

One of the advantages of VISION 2040 is that it provides a long-term view that extends

beyond the planning period of local comprehensive plans. This long-range outlook provides

context for the 20-year planning period for local plans, and helps identify long-range issues

that local jurisdictions can begin to address early on.

The Growth Management Act includes a schedule4 that requires comprehensive plans to be

reviewed and updated as needed every seven years. Based on that provision, local plans will

likely be updated at least five times between now and 2040 – in 2011, 2018, 2025, 2032, and

2039. Local plans are reviewed to (1) ensure consistency with VISION 2040 and to (2) certify

that their transportation-related provisions meet state planning requirements.

Consistency with VISION 2040. Issues relating to consistency with VISION 2040 include:

sustainability, implementation of the Regional Growth Strategy, multicounty planning

policies, and those implementation actions geared to local jurisdictions.

Certification of Transportation-Related Provisions. Certification of the transportation-

related provisions is based on (1) consistency with established regional guidelines and principles – that is, the multicounty planning policies, (2) consistency with the regional transportation plan (Transportation 2040), and (3) conformity with the specific Growth

Management Act requirements for transportation planning.

A single plan review report is prepared for each local comprehensive plan update. A

recommendation for certification is included based on the three areas described above.

Comments on consistency with VISION 2040 are intended to assist local governments in ways

their plan can implement regional goals and policies, as well as local objectives and concerns.

3. Transit Agency Plans

Each transit agency in the central Puget Sound region has a plan that guides its service program.

However, they currently vary in terms of their planning horizons and level of detail. Under

PSRC‘s Interlocal Agreement, the Regional Council reviews and comments on transit agency

plans. In addition, state law requires the Puget Sound Regional Council to certify long-range

plans developed by Sound Transit (RCW 81.104). The provisions in the regional transportation

plan and the multicounty planning policies, which provide the policy framework for the

region‘s transportation plan, serve as a basis for developing a certification recommendation for

Sound Transit‘s plan.

4 RCW 36.70A.130


4. Center Plans

Local jurisdictions that have regionally designated centers – either regional growth centers or

regional manufacturing/industrial centers – are to prepare a subarea plan for each center (DP-

Action-17). According to VISION 2040, the subarea plan is to be adopted within four years of

the center‘s designation. Center plans are viewed for consistency with (1) VISION 2040,

(2) Growth Management Act requirements for subarea planning, and (3) regionally established

criteria for center planning.

Aligning growth targets with VISION 2040’s Regional Growth Strategy

The Regional Council has offered guidance to counties and their cities as they work to align

their local growth targets with the Regional Growth Strategy. This guidance recognizes that

the path from now to 2040 is more than three decades long, and that the path to 2040 may not

be linear. Where recent growth has been at significant odds with the policy direction set by

the Regional Growth Strategy, jurisdictions are asked to try their best to set any new targets as

close to VISION 2040 as reasonably possible. Jurisdictions are asked to explain what steps

they are taking to ―bend the trend‖ of recent growth to align with the concepts in VISION

2040.

The Regional Council will remain flexible by recognizing good faith efforts in its review of

targets. The Regional Council will also provide guidance and technical assistance to counties

and their cities as they work to prepare their targets and plan updates. The review and

certification of plans will be based on the actions and measures already taken or proposed to

be put in place to bend the trend, not just on an assessment of the targets alone.

GUIDANCE FOR OTHER PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION

In addition to those planning efforts that are formally reviewed by the Puget Sound Regional

Council, other planning activities – including those of state agencies, other regional agencies,

and special service districts – are also expected to be consistent with and work towards

implementation of VISION 2040 and the Regional Growth Strategy.

The Growth Management Act requires state agencies to comply with local comprehensive plans

and development regulations (RCW 36.70A.103). This applies to both planning and

programming by state agencies.

VISION 2040 reinforces the provision in the Growth Management Act that cities are the

preferred provider of urban services. As such, VISION 2040 states that urban services should be

provided by cities or appropriate regional service providers. Special districts serving

municipalities or potential annexation areas are encouraged to consolidate or dissolve as a result

(MPP-PS-6). Counties are asked to review special service districts‘ plans to identify any

inconsistencies with local or regional planning goals. Cities and counties are asked to

collaborate with special service districts to review district location and design criteria for public

facilities to ensure that regional and local growth management objectives are met.


Part 2: Model VISION 2040

Statement

…to be included in policy document, local comprehensive plan, or agency plan

VISION 2040 calls for countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, and transit

agency plans to include a brief report or statement of how the plan addresses VISION 2040‘s

multicounty planning policies and conformity to relevant planning requirements in the

Growth Management Act (see VISION 2040 / Part IV: Implementation).

Such a statement could be as brief as a few paragraphs or could be longer and more in-depth.

At a minimum the statement should address:

(1) A sustainable approach to planning

(2) Aligning with the Regional Growth Strategy

(3) Consistency with the overall policy direction and goals in the Multicounty Planning

Policies.

(4) Implementation actions in countywide planning efforts and/or local comprehensive

plans geared to advance the actions and tasks included in VISION 2040.

Note: The inclusion of a VISION 2040 statement in your policy document or plan is intended

to inform users of the plan of its relationship to VISION 2040 and coordinated regional

planning efforts. However, the statement itself does not establish that the provisions in the

policies or plan have been certified. The policy document or plan still must be reviewed and

formally certified by the Puget Sound Regional Council after it has been adopted.

EXAMPLE OF A MODEL STATEMENT

A model of how such a statement might appear is shown on the following page.


EXAMPLE:

Our city’s comprehensive plan advances a sustainable approach to growth

and future development. We have incorporated a systems approach to

planning and decision-making that addresses protection of the natural

environment. The plan commits to maintaining and restoring ecosystems,

through steps to conserve key habitats, clean up polluted waterways, and

reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan includes provisions that ensure

that a healthy environment remains available for future generations in our city.

Our city’s comprehensive plan has been updated based on residential and

employment targets that align with VISION 2040. Through the targeting

process we have identified the number of housing units in the city for the year

2031. We have also established an affordable housing goal for this planning

period. Residential and employment targets have also been identified for our

designated regional growth center.

The comprehensive plan addresses each of the policy areas in VISION 2040.

We have policies that address habitat protection, water conservation, air

quality, and climate change. We advance environmentally friendly

development techniques, such as low-impact landscaping. Our plan calls for

more compact urban development and includes design guidelines for mixed-

use and transit-oriented development. There are directives to prioritize

funding and investments to our regional growth center. The housing element

commits to expanding housing production at all income levels to meet the

diverse needs of both current and future residents. We have an economic

development element in the plan that supports creating jobs, investing in all

people, creating great communities, and maintaining a high quality of life. Our

transportation element advances cleaner and more sustainable mobility, with

provisions for complete streets, green streets, and context-sensitive design.

We have programs and strategies that advance alternatives to driving alone.

We coordinate our transportation planning with neighboring jurisdictions,

including our level-of-service standards and concurrency provisions. We

commit to conservation methods in the provision of public services.

The comprehensive plan also addresses local implementation actions in

VISION 2040, including identification of underused lands, mode-split goals for

our designed center, and housing targets.


part 3: reporting tools

A set of reporting tools have been developed to assist countywide planning groups, local

jurisdictions, and transit agencies as they work on updates and amendments to their policies

and plans. These resources should be used in concert with the VISION 2040 document itself,

which provides the broader context, as well as goals and explanations for the specifics and

issues outlined here.

The reporting tools are also designed as an agency-to-agency communication piece as part of

the Regional Council review of countywide planning policies, local plans, and transit agency

plans. They provide the primary information used in assessing the consistency of policies and

plan with VISION 2040 and relevant planning provisions in the Growth Management Act.

Reporting tools for jurisdictions and agencies submitting policies or plans for review can

be downloaded from the Regional Council‘s website at:

http://www.psrc.org/growth/planreview/reporting-tools/

Each of the reporting tools has two parts: a checklist

and a set of related questions.

Checklist portion. The checklist part of each reporting

tool is designed to serve as an aid to highlight key

provisions that should be addressed as policy and plan

updates and amendments are being prepared. Plans

can demonstrate consistency without necessarily

checking off each and every item listed on the

checklists. In other words, other approaches and

provisions may be appropriate and acceptable. (Note:

Appendix E is designed to provide more detailed and

in-depth information on issues and topics to be

addressed in policies and plans.)

Set of Related Questions. The second part of the

reporting tool includes a set of related questions. The

questions are structured to focus broadly on the key

themes in VISION 2040 and, where appropriate,

planning requirements in the Growth Management

Act. Countywide planning groups, local jurisdictions,

and transit agencies are asked either to provide brief

responses to each of the questions or to follow the

outline of the questions and develop their own

narrative to explain how their policies or plans address the major elements of VISION 2040.

When submitting a reporting tool, short responses are requested that summarize how the

policies or plans address specific issues. In addition, citations or references to the policies or

plans are useful. Any issue on the checklist that is not addressed should be explained.

Submitting a Completed Reporting

Tool

The reporting tool includes two parts: a

checklist and a set of related questions.

The checklist part has been designed to

assist staff in developing plan

amendments and updates. The checklist

is just that – a list of issues that simply

could be ―checked-off.‖ The set of

related questions should be used to

explain why an item is not checked-off

or maybe only partially addressed.

The plan document or amendment must

also be submitted to the Regional

Council as part of the review process.

Reporting tools and plan documents can

be submitted to PSRC for review at:

http://psrc.org/growth/planreview/report

ing-tools/

http://www.psrc.org/growth/planreview/reporting-tools/

http://psrc.org/growth/planreview/reporting-tools/

http://psrc.org/growth/planreview/reporting-tools/


What About Amendments? If a set of policies or plan is only being amended in part, then it is

appropriate for only that portion of the reporting tool that relates specifically to the topics

addressed in the amendment to be completed.

When Should the Reporting Tool Be Submitted? You are encouraged to begin working with

the reporting tool at the very beginning of your update or amendment process. In particular,

the checklist portion of the tool can be of value as you scope issues and topics to address.

An initial draft of a completed reporting tool can be submitted at any time while policies and

plan provisions are being drafted – particularly to solicit review and comment from Regional

Council staff. If not submitted earlier in the process, the reporting tool in draft form should

be provided to the Regional Council no later than during the final 60-day review period

before the update or amended is scheduled for adoption. If there are changes to any policies

or plan provisions at the time of adoption, then associated revisions to the reporting tool

should be provided to the Regional Council – along with the final version of the adopted

policies or plans.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page 3A-1

REPORTING TOOL FOR COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICIES

Countywide planning policies, like multicounty planning policies, provide a framework for

guiding local planning in each of the four counties in central Puget Sound. By design, the

multicounty planning policies tend to be more general in their treatment of planning issues;

countywide policies can offer more detail and guidance.

Overview of the Reporting Tool for Countywide Planning Policies

The reporting tool has two parts: a checklist and a set of related questions. The checklist portion is designed to serve as an aid to highlight key provisions that should be addressed as

updates and amendments to countywide planning policies are being prepared. The second

part of the reporting tool includes a set of related questions. The questions are structured to

focus broadly on the key themes in VISION 2040.

The reporting tool for countywide planning policies parallels the topic areas for the

multicounty planning policies in VISION 2040. Countywide policies should address each of

the main policy topic areas and subtopics, as well as the implementation actions for

countywide planning identified in VISION 2040. Note: More in-depth guidance on specific

issues is available in Appendix E-1.

Reporting on VISION 2040 Implementation Actions. The review process also provides the

opportunity to report on work taking place related to implementation of VISION 2040

actions. The reporting tool includes a question designed to gather information on

implementation actions directed to countywide planning efforts.

Regarding Amendments

For submitting amendments to countywide planning policies, please use only the portions of

the reporting tool that specifically deal with the topics or issues addressed in the amendments.

It is not necessary to complete the entire reporting tool.

Page 3A-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

reporting tool A: countywide planning policies

part one: checklist

General Multicounty Planning Policies

Address joint planning and coordination among jurisdictions and agencies,

including tribes. (MPP-G-1)

The Environment

Stewardship

Provide guidance for addressing the natural environment in planning both at the

countywide and local level, basing decision-making on the environmental best-

information available; address environmental issues comprehensively, that is, by

considering the entire natural system5 and how it functions (MPP-En-1 through 7)

Earth & Habitat

Provide direction for coordinating jurisdictions‘ work to designate and protect

critical areas, developing common methodologies for assessing habitat needs, and

planning for open space and greenbelts that cross jurisdictional boundaries. (MPP-

En-8 through 12; EN-Action-8 and 9)

Water Quality

Provide direction for developing standards and targets to monitor waterways. (MPP-

En-13 through 16; En-Action-10)

Air Quality

Provide guidance for local air quality planning efforts appropriate to each county. (MPP-En-17 through 19)

Climate Change

Provide direction for programs and strategies to address reducing greenhouse gas

emissions, adapting to the effects from climate change, and addressing

interjurisdictional issues relating to greenhouse gas emissions. (MPP-En-20 through 25)

5 A ―Systems Approach‖ to Environmental Planning considers planning issues in all their complexities

and seeks to address interrelationships between various natural functions and systems. For more

information see VISION 2040 section on Environmental Stewardship.


Development Patterns

Urban

Address the regional framework for designating and adjusting the urban growth

area. (MPP-DP-1 and 2)

Provide direction for setting local jurisdiction residential and employment targets in

a manner that supports the adopted Regional Growth Strategy. (MPP-DP-3 and 4)

Develop programs and strategies for polluted or contaminated site clean-up, as well

as redevelopable sites. (DP-Action-14)

Centers

Address the common framework for establishing subregional centers to ensure

regionwide compatibility. (MPP-DP-5 through 13; DP-Action-5)

Ensure that infrastructure and economic development funding efforts prioritize

projects and services in centers. (MPP-DP-7, 10, 13;MPP-Ec-18; MPP-T-12; MPP-H-6)

Unincorporated Urban Areas

Provide direction for joint planning in unincorporated urban growth areas,

including coordinating the provision of services, establishing development

standards for urban unincorporated areas that are consistent with those of adjacent

cities, and affiliating unincorporated urban areas with cities with a view toward

annexation. (DP-Action-15)

Rural

Minimize negative environmental impacts to rural lands, address appropriate

character and location of development in rural areas, and develop tools and

strategies to permanently protect rural and resource lands. (MPP-DP-21 through 28)

Address that facilities that primarily support urban residents should not be located

in the rural area, including urban-sized schools and other facilities. (MPP-T-28;

MPP-PS-21 through 24)

Resource Lands

Include provisions to ensure the long-term integrity and productivity of resource

lands – including farms, forests, and mineral lands. (MPP-DP-29 through 32)

Development Patterns – Orderly Development

Regional Design

Provide guidance for preserving significant historic, visual, and cultural resources,

advancing the use of environmentally friendly (i.e., green) design guidelines, and

using natural features for determining corridors and siting facilities. (MPP-DP-33

through 42)



part one: checklist

Health and Active Living

Incorporate health considerations into countywide decision-making. (MPP-DP- 44)

Provide guidance for planning that addresses the three major themes of (1) healthy

environment, (2) physical activity and well-being, and (3) safety. (MPP-DP-43

through 47)

Promote local food production within the region. (MPP-DP-47)

Housing

Provide direction for increasing housing production opportunities, including

diverse types and styles, for all segments of the population, including affordable

housing and housing in centers. (MPP-H-1 through 9)

Provide direction for addressing jobs-housing balance to provide a range of housing

choices in a manner that promotes accessibility to employment.(MPP-H-4; MPP-Ec-20)

Economic Development

Advance programs for promoting investments in communities. (Ec-Action-5)

Address planning for industry clusters. (MPP-Ec-3)

Promote environmental and socially responsible business practices (MPP-Ec-7, 15)

Ensure jobs/housing balances consistent with the VISION 2040 Regional Growth

Strategy (MPP-Ec-16)

Focus employment growth into regional and local centers; ensure that employment

in and adjacent to resource lands is at a compatible size and in compatible

occupations with natural resource functions and character (MPP-Ec-21, 22)



part one: checklist

Public Services

Advance conservation principles for the provision of services, such as waste

management, energy, and water supply (reuse, recycle, renew). (MPP-PS-3, 7, 8, 11,

12, 13, 19)

Address the need to locate facilities serving urban populations within the urban

growth area; urban services should not be located in rural areas – facilities in rural

area are rural in character. (MPP-PS-4 and 5, 21 through 24)

Provide guidance for the review of special district plans for consistency with local

comprehensive plans and VISION 2040, and for the review of special district

criteria for location and design of schools and other public facilities. (PS-Action-5,

PS-Action 6, PS-Action-7)

Develop strategies to reduce the number of special districts. (MPP-PS-6)

Include strategies to promote renewable energy and alternative energy sources. (MPP-PS-12, 13; MPP-En-21 through 23; MPP-T-6)

Include strategies to address long-term water supply needs. (MPP-PS-17 through 20;

MPP-En-25)

Transportation 2040 and Transportation

Maintenance, Management and Safety – including Demand Management

Address the development of a clean transportation system, including changes in

fuels, technologies, and how we travel. (MPP-T-5 through 7)

Provide direction for identifying reliable and predictable revenues for system

maintenance and preservation. (MPP-G-4, 5; MPP-T-2, 3, 33)

Provide direction for improved operations, system management, and demand

management. (MPP-T-1 through 3; 23 through 25)

Identify cooperative transportation strategies related to security and emergency

responses. (MPP-T-8)



part one: checklist

Supporting the Growth Strategy

Prioritize investments that serve centers. (MPP-DP-7, 10, 13;MPP-Ec-18; MPP-T-12;

MPP-H-6)

Promote development of full standards for streets and urban roadways (i.e.,

―complete streets‖) and transportation facility design that fits in the local

community (i.e., context-sensitive facility design).(MPP-T-14 through 16; 20 through 22)

Promote joint and mixed use development, and urban design that is pedestrian-

friendly and transit-oriented. (MPP-T-10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 21 – see also Transportation 2040

Physical Design Guidelines)

Greater Options and Mobility – including Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

Provide direction for alternatives to driving alone and reduction of vehicle miles

traveled. (MPP-T-23 through 25)

Coordinate planning for rail, including commuter rail and high capacity transit.

(MPP-T-27, 29, 30, 32)

Address transportation financing methods that sustain maintenance, preservation,

and operations of facilities. (MPP-T-33)

Investments and Finance

Provide guidance for prioritizing transportation investments at the countywide and

local level on centers (MPP-T-12, MPP-DP-7, 10, 13 – see also Transportation 2040)

Provide guidance for maintenance and optimizing the use of the existing

transportation system. (MPP-T-2, 3, 26; MPP-G-4, 5 – see also Transportation 2040)

Provide guidance for analyzing funding capabilities, crafting multiyear financing

plans, and addressing possible funding shortfalls. RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)

Linking Land Use and Transportation

Provide additional detail for addressing the ten Transportation 2040 physical design

guidelines in centers and compact urban communities (Transportation 2040 Physical

Design Guidelines)

Provide additional guidance for using land use practices and tools that help reduce

driving alone – including walking, biking, and using transit. (Transportation 2040 –

Chapter 1)



part one: checklist

Service & Facility Needs – including Level-of-Service Standards & Concurrency

Provide jurisdictions and agencies with guidance for more compatible approaches in

crafting needs assessments and for infrastructure decision-making processes. RCW

36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)

Provide jurisdictions and agencies with guidance for establishing level-of service

standards that are more compatible, especially standards for facilities that cross

jurisdictional borders; provide guidance for addressing transit service standards, and

standards for other modes of travel. (see also MPP-DP-54 through 56)

Intergovernmental Coordination

Provide guidance for addressing coordination and joint planning for transportation

facilities and services. RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(v) – see also MPP-T-9, 10; MPP-G-1

In the spaces provided below, please describe provisions in the countywide planning policies

with brief summaries. (You may supplement your summary descriptions with citations or

references to specific policies.) If there are certain VISION 2040 issues that are not addressed

in the countywide planning policies, please explain why.


part two: questions

The Environment

(MPP-EN-1 through 25; MPP-DP-29 through 32, 43 through 47; MPP-PS-1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24)

Explain how the policies address the environment and promotes sustainability. At a

minimum please discuss the following:

Using a systems approach to planning for and restoring the environment

Air quality and climate (including clean transportation and reduced greenhouse gas

emissions)

Water quality

Efficient use of services and resources (including conserving water and energy,

reducing waste, protecting resource lands)

Human health and well-being

EXPLAIN HERE:



part two: questions

Development Patterns & Housing

(MPP-G-4, 5; MPP-DP-1 through 28, 33 through 42, 48 through 56; MPP-H-1 through 9; MPP-PS-2, 4,

5, 21 through 24)

Explain how the policies take steps to guide residential and job growth. At a minimum, please

discuss the following: Targets

Planning targets that align with VISION 2040 Development Patterns

Promoting centers and compact urban development (including density,

redevelopment and infill, design)

Planning for unincorporated urban growth areas (and annexation

Rural development and rural character Housing

Guidance to stimulate housing production (to meet the needs of all income levels and

demographic groups) Services

Adequate infrastructure and financing to serve existing communities and future

development (including amenities)

EXPLAIN HERE:

Transportation

(MPP-G-4, 5; MPP-EN-7, 19, 23; MPP-DP-7, 10, 13, 17, 27, 40, 42, 43, 54 through 56, MPP-H-6; MPP-

EC-6; MPP-T-1 through 33)

Explain how the policies address the following provisions from VISION 2040 and

Transportation 2040 – the region‘s long-range transportation plan:

Clean transportation

Maintenance and safety

Demand management

Serving centers and compact communities

Design of transportation facilities to fit the communities in which they are located

(―Context-sensitive design‖)

Greater options and mobility, including bicycle and pedestrian planning

Transportation financing

EXPLAIN HERE:



part two: questions

VISION 2040 Actions

Describe work underway or proposed to address the following VISION 2040 implementation

actions:

Critical areas coordination (En-Action-8)

Habitat assessment (En-Action-9)

Water quality standards and targets (En-Action-10)

Brownfield clean-up (DP-Action-14)

Coordinated planning in unincorporated areas (DP-Action-15)

EXPLAIN HERE:

Other Topics

Explain any other provisions in the countywide planning policies of regional interest or

significance, as well as any unique topics or issues.

EXPLAIN HERE:



Puget Sound Regional Council Page 3B-1

REPORTING TOOL FOR LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

Local comprehensive plans are at the heart of planning under Washington‘s Growth

Management Act. And they are the primary vehicle for implementing VISION 2040. At a

minimum, local comprehensive plans should address the specific VISION 2040

implementation actions identified for counties and cities. They should also address each of

the main policy topic areas and subtopics in VISION 2040 – since the multicounty planning

policies serve as the established regional guidelines and principles required in state law to

guide both regional and local planning.

For certification purposes, along with addressing the multicounty planning policies, the

transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans need to demonstrate that they

are consistent with Transportation 2040, the region‘s transportation plan, which also serves as

the functional transportation element of VISION 2040. Finally, the local transportation

provisions must also show that they have addressed the transportation planning requirements

in the Growth Management Act.

Note: In addressing VISION 2040 and its related implementation actions, local jurisdictions

determine what level of detail is appropriate in the comprehensive plan versus other planning

documents or tools, such as development regulations, design standards, and other programs.

Overview of the Reporting Tool for Local Comprehensive Plans

The reporting tool has two parts: a checklist and set of related questions. The checklist

portion is designed to provide local jurisdiction staff and other interested persons with an

overview of the primary topics and issues to be addressed in

local plans. The second part of the reporting tool includes a

set of related questions. When answering the questions,

please explain any provisions you are not able to check-off on

the checklist.

The reporting tool is arranged according to the topic areas for

the multicounty planning policies, with an expanded set of

criteria for transportation – based on Transportation 2040 and

Growth Management Act requirements for transportation

planning. It also addresses other issues related to VISION

2040, such as the Regional Growth Strategy, implementation

actions, and monitoring. More in-depth guidance on specific

issues is available in Appendix E-2.

Reporting on VISION 2040 Implementation Actions. The review process also provides the

opportunity to report on work taking place related to implementation of VISION 2040

actions. The reporting tool includes a question designed to gather information on

implementation actions directed to local jurisdictions.


For submitting amendments to comprehensive plans, please only use the portions of the

reporting tool that specifically deal with the topics or issues addressed in the amendments. It

is not necessary to complete the entire reporting tool.

Certification Requirements

To be certified, consistency

must be demonstrated with:

(1) the entire set of

multicounty planning policies

in VISION 2040, which serve

as regional guidelines and

principles, (2) Transportation

2040, the regional

transportation plan, and (3) the

transportation planning

provisions in the Growth

Management Act.

Page 3B-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

reporting tool B: local comprehensive plans

part one: checklist

General Multicounty Planning Policies

Describe planning coordination with other jurisdictions and agencies (including,

where appropriate tribes) (MPP-G-1)

Describe efforts to identify existing and new funding for infrastructure and services (MPP-G-3)

The Environment

Stewardship

Address the natural environment in all aspects of local planning, basing decision-

making on the environmental best-information available; incorporate regionwide

planning initiatives, such as the Department of Ecology‘s water resource inventory

areas (WRIA) process – or actions based on guidance from the International Council

for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) (MPP-En-1 through 7; En-Action-11)

Earth & Habitat

Identify open space areas and develop programs for protecting and/or acquiring

these areas (MPP-En-8 and 9)

Coordinate planning for critical areas and habitat with adjacent jurisdictions (MPP-

En-9 through 11)

Include provisions for protecting and restoring native vegetation (MPP-En-12)

Water Quality

Take actions to maintain hydrological functions within ecosystems and watersheds,

including restoration of shorelines and estuaries, as well as reducing pollution in

water (MPP-En-13 through 16)

Air Quality

Include policies and implementation actions to address federal and state clean air

laws and the reduction of pollutants including greenhouse gases (MPP-En-17 through 19)

Incorporate the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency‘s adopted growth management

policies into the comprehensive plan (see Appendix-E-1) (MPP-En-17 through 19)

Climate Change

Include specific provisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; include provisions

addressing adaptation to the effects of climate change (MPP-En-16, 20 through 25.

MPP-DP-45, MPP-T-5 through 7; MPP-PS-1, 12, 13; RCW 80.80.020 )



part one: checklist

Development Patterns

Urban

Document growth targets6 for population (expressed in housing units) and for

employment (MPP-DP-3)

Include provisions to develop compact urban communities and central places with

densities that support transit and walking. (MPP-DP-14)

Identify underused land and have provisions for redevelopment in a manner that

supports the Regional Growth Strategy(MPP-DP-15)

Centers

Identify one or more central places as locations for more compact, mixed-use

development (MPP-DP-11)

Demonstrate how funding has been prioritized to advance development in centers

and central places (MPP-DP-7, 10, 13; MPP-T-12; MPP-H-6)

Unincorporated Urban Areas

for counties:

Establish urban development standards for urban unincorporated areas that are

compatible with adjacent municipalities (MPP-DP-19)

for cities:

Include policies and programs to address annexation and the orderly transition of

unincorporated areas to city governance (MPP-DP-18)

Rural for counties

Include policies and programs to ensure that development in rural areas is rural in

character, and employs environmentally sensitive and sustainable land use

practices. (MPP-DP-21 through 28)

Develop actions and measures to address vested development that conflicts with

regional and local growth management objectives (MPP-DP-25)

Include provisions to encourage development to occur in existing activity areas. (MPP-DP-36)

Include provisions to avoid new and expanded roadways in rural areas, as well as

facilities that would primarily serve urban populations. (MPP-DP-27; MPP-T-28)

Resource Lands

Identify steps to limit development in resource areas. (MPP-DP-29 through 32)

6 Regional Growth Strategy and Planning Targets - The Regional Growth Strategy in VISION 2040 provides

guidance for local growth targets. Jurisdictions are asked to explain steps being taken to align with the

regional guidance. It is recognized that the allocations in the Regional Growth Strategy are for 2040 and that

the planning process between now and then may not be linear.


Development Patterns – Orderly Development

Regional Design

Incorporate design provisions in local plans and regulations that apply the

Transportation 2040 Physical Design Guidelines (Transportation 2040 Physical Design

Guidelines)

Include guidelines for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient building (MPP-DP-33 through 42)

Preserve historic, visual, and cultural resources (MPP-DP-34)

Ensure that the design of public buildings contributes to a sense of community (MPP-DP-38)

Health and Active Living

Include health provisions that address (a) healthy environment, (b) physical activity

and well-being, and (c) safety (MPP-DP-43 through 47; MPP-En-3, 19. MPP-T-4, 7, 11, 15, 16)

Housing

Include provisions to increase housing7 production opportunities, including diverse

types and styles for all income levels and demographic groups (MPP-H-1 through 9)

Include provisions to address affordable housing needs (MPP-H-1 through 9)

State how regional housing objectives in VISION 2040 are being addressed –

including housing diversity and affordability, jobs-housing balance, housing in

centers, and flexible standards and innovative techniques (H-Action-1 and 2)

Economic Development

Include an economic development element that addresses: business, people, and

places (Ec-Action-6; see MPP-Ec-1 through 22)

Include provisions that address industry clusters (MPP-Ec-3)

Focus retention and recruitment efforts on business that provide family wage jobs,

industry clusters that export goods and services, and small/start up companies that

are locally owned (MPP-Ec-1, 3, 4, 5)

Include provisions and programs for distressed areas or areas with disadvantaged

populations (MPP-Ec-11, 12)

Ensure adequate housing growth in centers working collaboratively with the private

sector – through the provision of infrastructure MPP-Ec-6, 18, 20)

7 Housing - Jurisdictions should describe provisions and actions for meeting regional and local housing

goals and targets – including affordable housing. Information should also address implementation

strategies and actions, as well as monitoring programs for addressing housing goals and targets.



part one: checklist

Public Services

Include provisions to promote more efficient use of existing services, such as waste

management, energy, and water supply, through conservation – including demand

management programs and strategies (MPP-PS-3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 19)

Include provisions to promote renewable energy and alternative energy sources (MPP-PS-12, 13; MPP-En-21 through 23; MPP-T-6)

Include provisions to meet long-term water needs, including conservation,

reclamation and reuse (MPP-PS-17 through 20; MPP-En-25)

Transportation – VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040

Maintenance, Management and Safety

Develop clean transportation programs and facilities, including actions to reduce

pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation (MPP-T-5 through 7))

Incorporate environmental factors into transportation decision-making, including

attention to human health and safety (MPP-DP-44; MPP-T-7)

Identify stable and predicable funding sources for maintaining and preserving

existing transportation facilities and services (MPP-G-4, 5: MPP-T-33)

Include transportation system management and demand management programs and

strategies (MPP-T-2, 3, 11, 23, 24)

Identify transportation programs and strategies for security and emergency

responses (MPP-T-8)


Focus system improvements to support existing and planned development as

allocated by the Regional Growth Strategy (MPP-T-9 through 22)

Prioritize investments in centers (MPP-T-12; MPP-DP-7, 10, 13; MPP-H-6)

Invest in and promote joint- and mixed-use development (MPP-T-10)

Include complete street provisions and improve local street patterns for walking and

biking (MPP-T-14 through 16)

Design transportation facilities to fit the community in which they are located

(―context-sensitive design‖); use urban design principles when developing and

operating transportation facilities in cities and urban areas (MPP-T-20, 21)

Greater Options and Mobility

Invest in alternatives to driving alone (MPP-T-23, 24)

Ensure mobility of people with special needs (MPP-T-25)

Avoid new or expanded facilities in rural areas (MPP-T-28; MPP-DP-27)

Include transportation financing methods that sustain maintenance, preservation,

and operations of facilities. (MPP-T-33)



part one: checklist


Integrate the ten Transportation 2040 physical design guidelines in planning for

centers and high-capacity transit station areas (MPP-T-21; Transportation 2040

Physical Design Guidelines)

Use land use development tools and practices that support alternatives to driving

alone – including walking, biking and transit use (MPP-T-33; Transportation 2040

Chapter 1)

Investments

See Financing below

Transportation – Growth Management Act Requirements

Land Use Assumptions and Forecast of Travel Demand

Demonstrate that travel demand forecasts and transportation need assessments are

always based on land use assumptions8 that correspond with the most recently

adopted growth targets; ensure that population and employment assumptions are

consistent throughout the comprehensive plan (i.e., land use element,

transportation element, and housing element) RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(i)

Service & Facility Needs – including Level-of-Service Standards & Concurrency

Include inventories for each transportation system, including roadways, transit,

cycling, walking, freight, airports, and ferries RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(A)

Establish level-of-service standards that promote optimal movement of people

across multiple transportation modes RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(B); MPP-DP-54

Include state facilities and reflect related level-of-service standards

RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(C)

Address multiple transportation modes in concurrency programs (RCW 36.70A.070(b)

and 36.70A.108; MPP-DP-54 through 56)

Tailor concurrency programs, especially for centers, to encourage development that

can be supported by transit (MPP-DP-56)

Financing and Investments – including Reassessment Strategy

Include a multiyear financing plan, as well as an analysis of funding capability RCW

36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(A) and (B)

Include a reassessment strategy to address the event of a funding shortfall RCW

36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(C)


Coordinate with neighboring cities, the county, regional agencies, and the state RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(v); MPP-G-1; MPP-T-9

8 The Transportation Element Must Be Based on the Land Use Assumptions in the Comprehensive Plan - A

problem sometimes encountered in the certification of transportation-related provisions in local

comprehensive plans is the use of different planning assumptions in the transportation element from the land

use element. Comprehensive plans are to be internally consistent, which means that the same land use

assumptions must be used for planning for housing, transportation, and other provisions in the plan.



part one: checklist

Demand Management

see also Maintenance, Management, and Safety above

Identify demand management strategies and actions, including but not limited to

programs to implement the Commute Trip Reduction Act. RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(vi);

MPP-T-3; MPP-T-23; MPP-T-24

Pedestrian and Bicycle Component

see also Supporting the Growth Strategy and Greater Options & Mobility above

Include strategies, programs, and projects that address nonmotorized travel as a safe

and efficient transportation option – including pedestrian and bicycle planning,

project funding and capital investments, education and safety.

RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(vii); MPP-T-14 through 16

Land Uses Adjacent to Airports

Identify and address any airports within or adjacent to the jurisdiction

RCW 36.70.547 and 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(A); MPP-T-31

Describe existing and planned uses near the airport, as well as policies and

regulations that discourage incompatible uses RCW 36.70.547

In the spaces provided below, please describe provisions in the comprehensive plan with brief

summaries – you may supplement your summary descriptions with citations or references to

specific policies. If there are certain VISION 2040 issues that are not addressed in the plan,

please explain why.


part two: questions

The Environment

(MPP-En-1 through 25; MPP-DP-29 through 32, 43 through 47; MPP-PS-1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24)

Explain how the plan addresses the environment and sustainable development. At a

minimum please discuss the following:

Using system approaches to planning for and restoring the environment

Air quality and climate change (including clean transportation and reduced

greenhouse gas emissions)

Water quality

Wise use of services and resources (including conserving water and energy, reducing

waste, protecting resource lands)




part two: questions

EXPLAIN HERE:

Population and Employment Growth

(MPP-G-4, 5; MPP-DP-1 through 28, 33 through 42, 48 through 56; MPP-H-1 through 9, MPP-Ec-1

through 22; MPP-PS-2, 4, 5, 21 through 24)

Explain how the plan guides residential and job growth. At a minimum, please discuss the

following:

Planning targets (housing and employment) that align with VISION 2040

Planning for and achieving housing production (to meet the needs of all income

levels and demographic groups)

Adequate infrastructure and financing to serve existing communities and future

development (including amenities)

Promoting centers and compact urban development (including density,

redevelopment and infill, design)

Planning for unincorporated urban growth areas (joint planning) and annexation

for counties: Rural development and rural character

Economic development

EXPLAIN HERE:

Transportation Provisions

(MPP-G-4, 5; MPP-EN-7, 19, 23; MPP-DP-7, 10, 13, 17, 27, 40, 42, 43, 54 through 56; MPP-H-6, MPP-

Ec-6; MPP-T-1 through 33; RCW 36.70A.070(6))

Explain how the plan addresses the following provisions from VISION 2040 and

Transportation 2040 – the region‘s long-range transportation plan:


Maintenance and safety

Demand management

Serving centers and compact communities

Transportation facilities that fit the community in which they are located (―Context-

sensitive design‖)

Greater options and mobility



part two: questions

Explain how the plan complies with the following Growth Management Act requirements,

including:

Demonstrate that transportation provisions are based on the same assumptions for

land use, as well as housing

Facility and service needs – including level-of-service standards (and concurrency)

Financing – including a reassessment strategy in case of funding shortfalls

Interjurisdictional coordination

Demand management

Pedestrian and bicycle component

EXPLAIN HERE:

Consistency Assessment of Capital Facilities Programming Processes

(PS-Action-8)

Describe how capital improvement programs and other service and facility plans are

consistent with and implement VISION 2040 and the growth management objectives in the

comprehensive plan (PS-Action-8).

EXPLAIN HERE:

VISION 2040 Actions

Describe work underway or proposed to address the following VISION 2040 implementation

actions:

Expanded efforts to conduct environmental planning (En-Action-11)

Identification of underutilized lands (En-Action-16)

Collaboration with special districts on facilities siting and design (PS-Action-6)

Collaboration with special districts on facilities location (PS-Action-7 and 8)

for counties – review of special district plans (PS-Action-5)



part two: questions

EXPLAIN HERE:

Monitoring

(MPP-G-3)

Describe monitoring programs for

1) plan implementation and performance

2) tracking where residential and employment growth is occurring

3) achieving housing production

4) assessing the health and function of natural environmental systems – including

protection and restoration

5) reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

EXPLAIN HERE:

Other Topics

Explain any other provisions in the comprehensive plan of regional interest or significance, as

well as any unique topics or issues.

EXPLAIN HERE:


EXAMPLES OF A COMPLETED REPORTING TOOL

Two examples of how the questions in a reporting tool for a local plan might be completed are

provided below. The first example demonstrates the use of short answers that relate to

responses on the checklist. The second example relies on more of a narrative format.

EXAMPLE # 1: REPORTING TOOL USING SHORT ANSWERS

The Environment

Environmental Systems. The city has adopted a systems approach to planning to

ensure ecosystem restoration and protection. Policies—and supportive development

regulations—have been adopted to conserve natural resources, protect critical areas,

protect habitat, and preserve the city’s cultural resources (see policy references). The

plan calls for using the best available information possible for decision-making and

coordinating these efforts with adjacent jurisidictions (see policy reference).

Health and Well-being. The plan recognizes factors that affect human health and

addresses the increasing health concerns associated with the built environment. For

instance, the city’s strategy of focusing development, public infrastructure, and amenities

around the Downtown regional growth center and other neighborhood centers to

increase opportunities for walking and bicycling.

Water Quality and Services. Provisions in the capital facilities element call for

collaborating with the city’s water supplier to develop a reclaimed water system and

exploring emerging strategies prior to taking on capacity expansion projects (see page

reference). Transportation policies reinforce the focus on water quality with provisions

that call for effective stormwater management on our transportation facilities and limiting

the area required for surface parking (see policy reference).

Air Quality and Climate Change. The city working is with guidance from the International

Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). Examples include encouraging

changes in fuels, technologies, and travel patterns; promoting the use of renewable

energy and the development of alternative energy sources; revising the building codes

and facilities standards to ensure energy efficiency and reduce energy demands. The

city’s mode-split goals call for single-occupancy vehicle trips to fall to 60% of all trips by

2031. Finally, the plan calls for incorporating an evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions

as part of environmental analysis documents prepared under the State Environmental

Policy Act.

Population and Employment Growth

Planning Targets. The city’s 2031 residential and employment growth targets developed

through the countywide targeting process are consistent with the Regional Growth

Strategy. We have collaborated with the other cities in our regional geography category

and have agreed to accommodate 5,000 more residents and 2,000 more jobs by 2031.

Housing Production. The plan identifies the additional housing units necessary to meet

its residential target for the year 2031 (see page reference). Based on this need, the city

commits to ―expanding the production of a diverse housing stock all income levels to

meet both the changing needs of current and future residents.‖ (see page reference)

Promoting Centers. The city has also developed a subarea plan for its Regional Growth

Center. Residential and employment growth targets for the center have been adopted

into that plan. The Regional Growth Center is identified as a priority location for mix of

housing types, including affordable housing.


The plan includes provisions that call for prioritizing funding and investments to the

Regional Growth Center. The city has adopted a multimodal concurrency program and

revised its level-of-service standards for the Regional Growth Center to reinforce the

mode-split goals for the center.

Redevelopment Opportunities. In our plan update several underdeveloped areas have

been identified as having the infrastructure capacity to support higher density. The plan

identifies new neighborhood centers in these areas to serve as focal points for mixed-use

and transit-orientated development. (See policy reference).

Potential Annexation Areas. The plan identifies unincorporated urban growth areas

affiliated with the city that are expected to annex during the planning horizon. It

describes the city’s phasing strategy and discusses its vision for these areas including

uses, densities, and character (see page reference). The city has coordinated its

planning for these areas with the county through an interlocal agreement.


Land Use Assumptions. The city applied the land use assumptions documented in the

land use element to guide its travel demand forecast. These same assumptions also

apply to the housing element. The transportation element includes both current

operating levels for state-owned facilities and estimated operating levels for the 2031

planning horizon.

Multimodal Transportation. The city is committed to a coordinated and efficient

multimodal transportation system. The plan includes a detailed inventory of all motorized

and nonmotorized transportation facilities, as well as state-owned facilities and facilities

in its potential annexation areas (see page reference).

Level of Service Standards. It has adopted level-of-service standards for roads, bicycle

and pedestrian facilities, and cites the performance standards for transit established by

our transit providers. The adopted levels-of-service standards for state facilities are

consistent with the standards set by PSRC and WSDOT for highways of regional and

statewide significance (see page reference).

Reassessment Strategy for Funding Shortfalls. The city has adopted a reassessment

strategy in the event of a funding shortfall. It includes: (1) seeking additional methods of

funding, (2) exploring alternative, lower-cost methods to meet level-of-service standards

(e.g., transportation demand management, public transit or another project) and 3)

reevaluating the established level-of-service standards to determine how they might be

adjusted. In addition, transportation planning is coordinated with neighboring

jurisdictions, including our level-of-service standards and concurrency provisions.

Concurrency. Our concurrency program has been tailored, so that we address

expectations in our Regional Growth Center differently from elsewhere in our city. (see

page reference and Concurrency Ordinance number)

Demand Management. The city recognizes that the future transportation system must

address transportation alternatives to driving alone. The transportation element includes

demand management programs and strategies that have been coordinated with

investments to improve our roads and streets to make it easier to walk, bike, or ride the

bus. The plan also encourages ridesharing and the use of improved transportation

technologies, such as light synchronization, to help maintain or enhance the function of

the local transportation system (see page reference).


Pedestrian and Bicycle Component. The transportation element addresses

nonmotorized transportation in a comprehensive manner. It identifies the city’s

designated nonmotorized transportation facilities, prioritizes improvement based on the

connectivity and access each will provide, and calls for collaboration between

neighboring jurisdictions to complete connections crossing boundaries. In addition, the

plan calls for complete streets and green streets be incorporated in new development

and redevelopment decisions to encourage physical activity through walking and

bicycling (see page reference).

Consistency Assessment of Capital Facilities Programming

The city reviews, updates and modifies—when necessary—all capital projects to ensure

the provision of adequate public facilities and services are consistent with the goals and

policies of the comprehensive plan and VISION 2040. Consequently, investments are

consistent with our vision for the community and with the Regional Growth Strategy. The

financing program prioritizes the use of capital funds for multimodal transportation

facilities and services and community facilities to and within the city’s Regional Growth

Center and our neighborhood centers.

VISION 2040 Actions

Identification of Underutilized Lands. Our city has committed to including information on

underutilized lands in our work with the county related to buildable lands (see page

reference).

Collaboration with Special Districts. We have developed a memorandum of

understanding with the local school district to consult and collaborate in the siting and

design of new facilities.


Monitoring

Development Trends. The city prepares a permit summary report outlining annual

development levels and trends in the community. This report highlights the total number

of new units produced, including the number of housing units affordable at (a) 50% of the

average median income, (b) 50 to 80%, and (c) 80 to 120% of the average. The report

also has information on, the average density of new development in each zoning

classification, square feet of new non-residential by type (commercial, industrial, public,

etc), and location of development. This information is used in the Buildable Lands

Report that is completed every five years.

Critical Areas. The city conducts an ongoing review and update of its designated critical

areas and their state. This includes evaluation of our development regulations to ensure

that our wetlands, floodplains, and aquifer recharge areas, and wildlife corridors are

protected – and that there is no net loss of critical area as a result of development. The

county and the city have also developed common methodologies for assessing the

habitat needs of critical and sensitive practices.

Water Resources. We participate in the Watershed Resource Inventory Areas process

with the Washington State Department of Ecology to assess the status of the water

resources and use within its watershed. The quality of stormwater discharge and ground

water is monitored to ensure that it is not only meeting state standards but that it is

working towards the city’s adopted water quality target.

Climate Change. As part of the work on the plan update, the city conducted a citywide

greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The inventory measured its emissions from city

and utilities operations (fuel use by city vehicles, purchases of energy, gasoline used by

maintenance crews, etc), known major greenhouse gas contributors within the city limits

(as identified by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency), and transportation related activities.

Health. City-related health statistics—such as asthma rates— are collected from the

local health department to aid in monitoring whether the city is making progress towards

its goals for health and well-being.


EXAMPLE # 2: REPORTING TOOL USING A NARRATIVE FORMAT

The Environment. Our City’s comprehensive plan is built on the recognition that the health

and well-being of our current and future generations, our economy, and the natural

environment are interconnected and impacted by the way we plan our community. The plan

commits the city to environmental stewardship to maintain and restore the natural

environment, and takes an integrated approach to address habitat, water quality, air quality

and climate change.

The city has adopted a systems approach to planning to ensure ecosystem restoration and

protection. Policies—and supportive development regulations—have been adopted to

conserve natural resources, protect critical areas, protect habitat, and preserve the city’s

cultural resources (see policy references). Provisions in the capital facilities element call for

collaborating with the city’s water supplier to develop a reclaimed water system and exploring

emerging strategies prior to taking on capacity expansion projects (see page reference).

The plan recognizes factors that affect human well-being and addresses the increasing

health concerns associated with the built environment (see policy references). Additional

provisions include encouraging low impact and green development practices, and requiring

complete streets, green streets, and context-sensitive design be incorporated in new

development and redevelopment decisions. The city commits to having a clean and

sustainable transportation system by the year 2031.

The city has taken significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the

impacts of climate change. Examples include encouraging changes in fuels, technologies,

and travel patterns; promoting the use of renewable energy and the development of

alternative energy sources; revising the building codes and facilities standards to ensure

energy efficiency and reduce energy demands. The city’s mode-split goals call for single-

occupancy vehicle trips to fall to 60% of all trips by 2031. Finally, the plan calls for

incorporating an evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions as part of environmental analysis

documents prepared under the State Environmental Policy Act.

Population and Employment Growth. The city’s 2031 residential and employment growth

targets commit to accommodating 5,000 more residents and 2,000 more jobs by 2031. The

plan identifies the additional housing units necessary to meet its residential targets by year

2031 (see page reference).

In our plan update several underdeveloped areas have been identified as having the

infrastructure capacity to support higher density. The plan identifies new neighborhood

centers in these areas to serve as focal points for mixed-use and transit-orientated

development. (See policy reference).

The city is committed to balancing its anticipated growth with the efficient provision of

adequate public facilities and services and pubic amenities. The plan includes provisions

that call for prioritizing funding and investments to the Regional Growth Center. The city has

adopted a multimodal concurrency program and has revised its level-of-service standards for

the Regional Growth Center to reinforce the city’s mode-split goals for the center.

The plan identifies unincorporated urban growth areas affiliated with the city that are

expected to annex during the planning horizon. It describes the city’s phasing strategy and

discusses its vision for these areas including uses, densities, and character (see page

reference). The city has coordinated its planning for these areas with the county through an

interlocal agreement.

Transportation Provisions. The city applied the land use assumptions documented in the

land use element to guide its travel demand forecast. These same assumptions also apply

to the housing element. The transportation element includes both current operating levels for


state-owned facilities and estimated operating levels for the 2031 planning horizon.

The plan includes a detailed inventory of all motorized and nonmotorized transportation

facilities, as well as state-owned facilities and facilities in its potential annexation areas (see

pages referenced). It has adopted level-of-service standards for roads, bicycle and

pedestrian facilities, and cites the performance standards for transit established by our transit

providers. The adopted levels-of-service standards for state facilities are consistent with the

standards set by PSRC and WSDOT for highways of regional and statewide significance.

The city has adopted a reassessment strategy in the event of a funding shortfall. It includes:

(1) seeking additional methods of funding, (2) exploring alternative, lower-cost methods to

meet level-of-service standards (e.g., transportation demand management, public transit or

another project) and 3) reevaluating the established level-of-service standards to determine

how they might be adjusted. In addition, transportation planning is coordinated with

neighboring jurisdictions, including our level-of-service standards and concurrency

provisions. Our concurrency program has been tailored, so that we address expectations in

our Regional Growth Center differently from elsewhere in our city.

The transportation element includes demand management programs and strategies that

have been coordinated with investments to improve our roads and streets to make it easier

to walk, bike, or ride the bus. The plan also encourages ridesharing and the use of improved

transportation technologies, such as light synchronization, to help maintain or enhance the

function of the local transportation system.

The transportation element identifies the city’s designated nonmotorized transportation

facilities, prioritizes improvement based on the connectivity and access each will provide,

and calls for collaboration between jurisdictions to complete connections crossing

boundaries.

VISION 2040 Actions - Consistency Assessment of Capital Facilities Programming.

The city reviews, updates and modifies—when necessary—all capital projects to ensure the

provision of adequate public facilities and services are consistent with the goals and policies

of the comprehensive plan and VISION 2040. The financing program prioritizes the use of

capital funds for multimodal transportation facilities and services and community facilities to

and within the city’s Regional Growth Center and our neighborhood centers.

Underutilized Lands. Our city has committed to including information on underutilized lands

in our work with the county related to buildable lands.

Special Districts. We have developed a memorandum of understanding with the local

school district to consult and collaborate in the siting and design of new facilities.

Monitoring. The city prepares a permit summary report outlining annual development

levels and trends in the community. The city conducts an ongoing review and update of its

designated critical areas and their state. As part of the work on the plan update, the city

conducted a citywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The inventory measured its

emissions from city and utilities operations (fuel use by city vehicles, purchases of energy,

gasoline used by maintenance crews, etc), known major greenhouse gas contributors within

the city limits (as identified by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency), and transportation related

activities.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page 3C-1

REPORTING TOOL FOR CENTER PLANS9

This section contains reporting tools for both growth centers and manufacturing industrial

centers. While the reporting tool for center plans is geared to designated regional centers, it

also has applications for planning for central places and more compact activity areas of

different types.

Center plans should ideally be a chapter or element in the comprehensive plan. When they

are developed as a separate subarea plan, they must fully address all the planning requirements

for planning under the Growth Management Act and demonstrate that they are fully

consistent with the jurisdiction-wide plan comprehensive plan.

Overview of the Reporting Tool for Center Plans

The reporting tool has two parts: a checklist and a set of related questions. The checklist

portion is designed to provide an overview of the key expectations for center plans in regional

centers (beyond those general requirements for comprehensive plans). This overview is based

on the criteria established by the Regional Council‘s Executive Board for designating centers

(June 2003, updated September 2011). The second part of the reporting tool includes a set of

related questions. The reporting tool for growth centers begins on page 3C-2 and on page 3C-

6 for manufacturing industrial centers.

More in-depth guidance on specific issues is available in the Appendices, especially Appendix

E-4: Center Plans (Note: appendix revised June 2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist).

When the center plan is contained within the jurisdiction‘s comprehensive plan (as a stand

alone plan element, for example), if issues or topics addressed in this checklist are located in

other portions of the comprehensive plan, those sections should be referenced.


For submitting amendments to a center plan, please use only the portions of the reporting tool

that specifically deal with the topics or issues addressed in the amendments. It is not

necessary to complete the entire reporting tool.

9 Revised June 2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist

Page 3C-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

reporting tool C: center plans

part one: growth center checklist

Center Plan Concept (or "Vision")

Include a vision for the center that describes the role (economic, residential,

cultural, etc.) of the center within the city, the county and the region. This should

include a commitment to compact, pedestrian and transit-oriented development.

Clearly identify the area designated as a regional growth center. Describe the

relationship of the center plan to the city‘s comprehensive plan, as well as VISION

2040 and countywide planning policies.

Include a market analysis of the center‘s development potential.10

Environment

If applicable, identify critical/environmentally sensitive areas in the center and

reference relevant policies and programs to protect those areas.

Describe parks and open space, including public spaces and civic places and include

provisions to encourage accessible open space.

Include or reference policies and programs for innovative stormwater management.

Include or reference policies and programs to reduce air pollution and greenhouse

gas emissions.

Land Use

Demonstrate defined boundaries and shape for the center (boundaries should be

compact and easily walkable. This suggests a roughly uniform shape of about 1

square mile. Boundaries should not be elongated or gerrymandered. Planning area

boundaries should fully encompass the designated regional growth center.)

Establish residential and employment growth targets that accommodate a

significant share of the jurisdiction‘s growth, as well as residential densities and

building intensities with capacity to accommodate these levels of growth (Note:

growth targets are the amount of growth a jurisdiction has agreed, through the

countywide process, to plan for throughout its comprehensive plan elements over

the 20-year horizon of the comprehensive plan. The targets include both the

baseline density (current) plus the 20-year growth. Distinct from growth targets,

zoned development capacity is not time-bound and, therefore, can allow higher

levels of development.)

Describe and map the mix, distribution and location of existing and future land uses

(such as residential, commercial, civic, public). Encourage a mix of complementary

uses.

Establish design standards for pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented development

and other transit-supportive planning that orients land uses around transit.

10 Recommended for all jurisdictions with centers; required for designation of new centers.



part one: growth center checklist

Housing

Document total existing and targeted housing units.

Include tailored provisions for a variety of housing types that addresses density

standards, affordable housing for all major household income categories11, and

special housing needs.

Describe implementation strategies for addressing housing targets and goals.

Economy

Describe key sectors and industry clusters in the center.

Include policies and programs addressing economic development in the center.

Public Services

Describe or reference local capital plans for infrastructure, as well as their financing

(such as sewer, water, gas, electric, telecommunications). Explain strategies to

ensure facilities are provided consistent with targeted growth.

Transportation (including Transportation 2040 Physical Design

Guidelines)

Develop an integrated multimodal transportation network, including pedestrian and

bicycle facilities, as well as linkages to adjacent neighborhoods and districts.

Describe relationships to regional high-capacity transit (including bus rapid transit,

commuter rail, light rail, and express bus) and local transit and coordination with

transit agencies.

Include or reference provisions for full standards for streets that serve all users,

including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, vehicles, and – where appropriate – freight

(see ―complete streets‖ description in VISION 2040).

Include provisions for context-sensitive design of transportation facilities.

Include or reference provisions for environmentally friendly street (―green street‖)

treatments or other comparable programs.

Include or reference level-of-service standards and concurrency provisions tailored

for the center to encourage transit.

Include a parking management strategy that addresses supply of parking, on-street

parking and mitigating effects of parking.

Include mode-split goals.

11 VISION 2040 uses the following household income categories and definitions to track regional housing

affordability: Middle (80%-120% of area median income); Moderate (50%-80% of area median income);

Low (Below 50% of area median income); and Very Low (Below 30% area median income).


In the spaces provided below, please describe provisions in the growth center plan with brief


specific policies or provisions. If there are certain issues or topics that are not addressed in the

center plan, please explain why.


part two: growth center questions

Sustainability

(MPP-En-1 through 25; MPP-DP-43 through 47; MPP-PS-1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24)

Explain the vision for the center and how the plan promotes sustainability. Explain the following:

Using system approaches to planning for the environment

Describe parks and open space, including public spaces and civic places


waste, treating stormwater)


EXPLAIN HERE:

Growth and Development

(MPP-DP-1 through 13, 33-42; MPP-H-1 through 9; MPP-Ec-16-20)

Explain how the center plan takes steps to guide residential and job growth. Explain the following:

Identify residential and employment planning targets, as well as residential densities and

building intensities

Planning for and achieving housing production (including affordable housing)

Design standards for pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented development

Economic and residential role of the center in the city and region

EXPLAIN HERE:


(MPP-DP-40, 43, 54 through 56; MPP-H-6; MPP-Ec-6; MPP-T-1 through 33; DP-Action-18)

Explain how the plan address these transportation issues:

Mode-split goals for the center

Multimodal transportation network, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and

linkages to adjacent neighborhoods and districts

Address regional high-capacity transit

Provisions for context-sensitive design of transportation facilities, as well as full standards

for urban facilities to serve all user groups (―complete streets‖) and environmentally

friendly street design (―green streets‖)



part two: growth center questions

Tailor level-of-service standards and concurrency provisions for the center to encourage

transit

Parking management strategy

EXPLAIN HERE:

Other Topics

Explain any other provisions in the center plan of regional interest or significance, as well as

any unique topics or issues.

EXPLAIN HERE:



part one: manufacturing industrial center checklist

Center Plan Concept (or "Vision")

Include a vision for the center. This should include a commitment to preservation

of an urban industrial land base. Describe the economic role of the center within

the city, county and the region.

Include an overview of the relationship of the center plan to the city‘s

comprehensive plan, as well as VISION 2040 and countywide planning policies.

Include a market analysis of the center‘s development potential.12

Environment

If applicable, identify critical/environmentally sensitive areas in the

manufacturing/industrial center and reference relevant policies and programs to

protect those areas.

Include or reference policies and programs for innovative stormwater management

(related to Public Services).

Include or reference policies and programs to reduce air pollution and greenhouse

gas emissions.

Land Use

Demonstrate and explain the defined boundaries and shape for the center.

Planning area boundaries should fully encompass the designated regional

manufacturing/industrial center.)

Establish employment growth targets that accommodate a significant share of the

jurisdiction‘s manufacturing/industrial employment growth, and demonstrate

capacity to accommodate these levels of growth (Note: growth targets are the

amount of growth a jurisdiction has agreed, through the countywide process, to

plan for throughout its comprehensive plan elements over the 20-year horizon of

the comprehensive plan. The targets include both the baseline density (current)

plus the 20-year growth. Distinct from growth targets, zoned development capacity

is not time-bound and, therefore, can allow higher levels of development.)

Describe the percentage of planned land use and zoning in the center for industrial

and manufacturing uses.

Describe strategies to avoid land uses that are incompatible with manufacturing,

industrial uses, such as large retail uses, high concentrations of housing, or non-

related office uses (other than as an accessory use).

Establish design standards that help mitigate aesthetic and other impacts of

manufacturing and industrial activities both within the center and on adjacent

areas.

12 Recommended for all jurisdictions with centers; required for designation of new centers.



part one: manufacturing industrial center checklist

Economy

Describe strategies to support or maintain manufacturing industrial industries (i.e.,

workforce, apprenticeships, land value policies, parcel aggregation, etc.).

Describe key sectors and industry clusters in the center.

Public Services

Describe or reference local capital plans for infrastructure, as well as their financing

(such as sewer, water, gas, electric, telecommunications). Explain strategies to

ensure facilities are provided consistent with targeted growth.

Transportation

Describe the transportation networks to and within the manufacturing/industrial

center, and plans to identify and address deficiencies.

Describe strategies that address freight movement (such as rail, trucking facilities, or

waterway, as appropriate), including local and regional distribution.

Describe strategies that address employee commuting (such as by encouraging

modes such as fixed-route and high-capacity transit).

Describe relationships to regional high-capacity transit (including bus rapid transit,

commuter rail, light rail, and express bus) and local transit, and coordination with

transit agencies.

Include mode split goals.

In the spaces provided below, please describe provisions in the manufacturing industrial

center plan with brief summaries – you may supplement your summary descriptions with

citations or references to specific policies or provisions. If there are certain issues or topics

that are not addressed in the center plan, please explain why.



part two: manufacturing industrial center questions

Development and Preservation of Industrial Lands

(MPP-DP-8-10, 53; MPP-Ec-3, 4, 19)

Explain how the center plan helps preserve the manufacturing industrial land base. Explain the

following:

Adopted growth targets for the center

Plans and strategies to protect these lands from encroachment by incompatible uses and

development, both in the center and on adjacent lands

The percentage of planned land use and zoning in the center for industrial and

manufacturing uses

Design standards that help mitigate aesthetic and other impacts of manufacturing and

industrial activities both within the center and on adjacent areas

Economic role: Programs to support export-oriented basic goods and services, industry

clusters, and ports

EXPLAIN HERE:

Sustainability

(MPP-Ec-7, 15; MPP-En-1 through 25; MPP-PS-1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13)

Explain the vision for the center and how the plan promotes sustainability. Explain the following:

Environmentally- and socially-responsible economic development practices

Use of system approaches to planning for the environment


waste, treating stormwater)

Addresses human health and well-being

EXPLAIN HERE:

Transportation

(MPP Ec-6, 18; MPP-T-1-8, 12, 13, 14, 17-19; 20-22, 27, 30)

Explain how the plan addresses the distinctive needs of manufacturing industrial employment,

including:

Design, construct, and operate facilities to serve all users, including employees, while

accommodating the efficient movement of freight, goods, and services within and

between centers

Maintain and improve the existing multimodal freight transportation system to increase

reliability and efficiency and to prevent degradation of freight mobility

Mode-split goals for the center

Address regional high-capacity transit service



part two: manufacturing industrial center questions

EXPLAIN HERE:

Other Topics

Explain any other provisions in the center plan of regional interest or significance, as well as

any unique topics or issues.

EXPLAIN HERE:



Puget Sound Regional Council Page 3D-1

REPORTING TOOL FOR TRANSIT PLANS

In the central Puget Sound region, there are six agencies that provide transit service:

Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound

Transit. As transportation operators, they are members of the Puget Sound Regional Council

and fully participate in its growth management, environmental, economic, and transportation

planning. State law requires the Regional Council to formally certify the plans developed by

Sound Transit. The other transit providers make their plans available to the Regional Council

for review and comment. In this review, the plans are evaluated for consistency with VISION

2040 and Transportation 2040.

Overview of Reporting Tool for Transit Plans

The reporting tool has two parts: a checklist and a set of related questions. The checklist

portion focuses primarily on issues related to integrating transit planning with regional and

local growth management planning goals, including key transportation policy objectives. The

questions are structured to address key issues in both VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040

related to transit planning.

More in-depth guidance on specific issues is available in Appendix E-4.


For submitting amendments to a transit plan, please use only the portions of the reporting tool

that specifically deal with the topics or issues addressed in the amendments. It is not

necessary to complete the entire reporting tool.

Page 3D-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

reporting tool D: transit plans

part one: checklist

Sustainability and the Environment

Describe environmental and sustainable development practices in the planning, design of

facilities, and operation of transit – including protection of critical areas and habitat, state-of-

the art water treatment, and limiting exposure to air pollution. (MPP-En-1 through 25)

Housing and Economy

Demonstrate how investments and service are targeted to advance regional and local housing

objectives (MPP-H-6)

Address the safe and reliable movement of people, goods, services, and information in a

manner that supports economic development. (MPP-T-13; MPP-Ec-6)

Development Patterns and Land use Assumptions

State how the transit plan advances both regional and local growth management planning

goals and objectives, including VISION 2040(MPP-G-1)

Cite how residential and employment allocations in VISION 2040‘s Regional Growth

Strategy, and local growth targets are used in the development of the transit plan (VISION

2040 Regional Growth Strategy)

Demonstrate how investments support the development of regionally designated centers (MPP-DP-7, 10, 13; MPP-H-6; MPP-T-12)

Demonstrate how transit service in rural areas is at rural service levels and focuses on

connecting cities and towns in the rural area. (MPP-DP-17)

Identify the guidelines and practices used to ensure that facilities and services are designed to

fit in the context of the communities in which they are located (MPP-T-20, 21)

Transportation 2040 and Transportation

Maintenance, Management and Safety – including Demand Management

Address planning efforts to develop a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system,

including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (MPP-T -5 through 7; MPP-En-21, 23)

Incorporate environmental factors into transportation decision-making, including attention to

human health and safety (MPP-En-2, 6; MPP-DP-44)

Identify reliable and predictable revenues for maintaining and preserving the system (MPP-G-

4, 5)

Identify strategies and programs to protect transportation facilities against disasters, as well as

emergency response programs (MPP-T-8)



part one: checklist


Prioritize investments in regional centers, including investments that help to support housing

in centers (MPP-DP-7, 10, 13; MPP-H-6; MPP-T-12)

Ensure that concentrations of joint and mixed use developments are served by regular transit (MPP-T-10, 11)

Work with jurisdictions to develop full standards for transportation facilities to serve all users

(i.e., ―complete streets‖); improve local street design to improve environment for walking,

biking, and using transit (MPP-T-14, 15)

Greater Options and Mobility – including Nonmotorized Planning

Work with jurisdictions to increase the proportion of trips made by alternatives to driving alone (MPP-T-23, 24)

Improve multimodal connections for access to centers from adjacent neighborhoods and districts (MPP-T-9; MPP-DP-14)

Ensure mobility for people with special needs (MPP-T-25)

Coordinate planning for rail and high-capacity transit (MPP-T-29)

Investments and Finance

Develop a multiyear financing plan that describes revenue sources and describes a method for

prioritizing investments (see GMA, Transportation 2040)


Address the physical design guidelines in Transportation 2040 in planning and decision-

making, especially as they pertain to transit (Transportation 2040 Physical Design Guidelines)

Service and Facility Needs – including Level-of-Service Standards and Concurrency

Develop inventories and needs assessments that are coordinated with local jurisdictions (see

GMA)

Work with regional and local growth management planning objectives to establish level-of-

service standards or performance measures RCW 30.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(B)

Provide guidance to all jurisdictions in the agency‘s service area regarding reference transit

service standards in local comprehensive plans RCW 30.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(B)

Work with jurisdictions to develop multimodal approaches to concurrency (MPP-DP-54

through 56)


Demonstrate that the agency‘s planning has been coordinated with local jurisdictions, other

transit agencies, regional planning, and state agencies (MPP-G-1; MPP-T-9)

At locations in the region where service is provided by two or more transit agencies, make

every effort to ensure that facility design, equipment, and service provision is fully compatible (MPP-T-32)

Page 3D-4 Policy and Plan Review Manual

In the spaces provide below, please describe provisions in the transit plan with brief


specific provisions in the plan. If there are certain issues that are not addressed, please explain

why.


part two: questions

Sustainability and the Environment

(MPP-En-1 through 25; MPP-DP-29 through 32, 43 through 47; MPP-PS-1, 3, 23. 24)

Explain how the plan maintains or improves the environment and promotes sustainability, including:

Facilities design and operations

Air quality and climate (including clean transportation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions)

Water quality


EXPLAIN HERE:

Development and Growth

(MPP-DP-1 through 13, 33-42; MPP-H-6;; MPP-T-9)

Explain how the plan takes steps to accommodate residential and job growth, including:

Regional and local growth management planning objectives and targets

Promoting centers and compact urban development (including density, redevelopment and infill,

design)

EXPLAIN HERE:


Transportation

MPP-DP-7, 10, 13, 40, 43, 54 through 56; MPP-H-6, MPP-Ec-6; MPP-T-1 through 33)

Explain how the plan addresses regional transportation policies and objectives, including::


System maintenance and preservation

Prioritize investments in centers

Development complete streets and improve street design for walking, biking, and transit

Increase the proportion of trips made by alternatives to driving alone

Develop a multiyear financing plan

Develop inventory and needs assessments coordinated with local jurisdictions

Use regional and local growth management planning objectives to establish level-of-service

standards or performance standards – and provide guidance to jurisdictions regarding transit

service standards in local plans

Demonstrate coordination with local jurisdictions, other transit providers, and regional and state

agencies

EXPLAIN HERE:

Other Topics

Explain any other provisions in the transit plan of regional interest or significance, as well as any

unique topics or issues.

EXPLAIN HERE:

Appendices Policy and Plan Review Manual


Puget Sound Regional Council Appendices

appendices

Appendix A: Puget Sound Regional Council Adopted Policy and Plan Review

Process. Revised by the Executive Board in September 2003. Addresses the review of

countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, transit agency plans, and center

plans.

Appendix B: Policy and Plan Review/excerpt from VISION 2040 – Part IV:

Implementation. Describes the expectations for countywide planning policies, local

comprehensive plans, transit plans, and center plans. Summarizes the Regional Council‘s

Policy and Plan Review Process (see Appendix A above).

Appendix C: Multicounty Planning Policies. Includes all 174 multicounty planning

policies which were adopted as part of VISION 2040 in April 2008. Note: The entire set of

multicounty policies serve as the regional guidelines and principles that are required for the

certification review of the transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans.

Appendix D. Growth Management Act Requirements for Transportation Planning.

The requirements for local transportation planning from the Growth Management Act are

provided in full. Note: These requirements must be fully addressed as part of the certification

review process.

Appendix E: Topic-by-Topic Guidance

A set of four additional appendices has been developed to further assist in the development of

policy amendments and plan updates. The first three of these appendices, E-1, E-2, and E-3,

are similar in format and design. Each includes a series of planning topics, with requirements

and recommendations for how the topics could be addressed in policy and planning

documents.

Under each topic, information is first presented on how the issue might be addressed in

countywide planning policies, then local comprehensive plans, including in cities with

designated regional centers, and then finally for transit agencies – as well as for other agency

planning, such as planning carried out by special service districts. The final appendix, E-4, is

different in that it is designed specifically to address additional considerations for planning in

centers. (Note: revised June 2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist)

Appendices Policy and Plan Review Manual

Note: By design, these appendices have been crafted to be fairly comprehensive. Plans can

demonstrate consistency without necessarily using all of the criteria identified here. Other

planning approaches and provisions may be very appropriate.

Appendix E-1: VISION 2040 Consistency. This appendix focuses on planning topics

that relate most directly to the Regional Growth Strategy and the multicounty

planning policies. The appendix is arranged to follow the sequence of policy topics as

they are presented in VISION 2040. Note that the multicounty planning policies

serve as the regional guidelines and principles that are to be used to certify the

transportation-related provisions in plans.

Appendix E-2: Consistency with Transportation 2040. The appendix provides

guidance for how to approach consistency with the adopted regional transportation

plan. The physical design guidelines in Transportation 2040 have also been

established as regional guidelines and principles for planning in centers.

Appendix E-3: Additional Requirements for Transportation-Related Provisions. This

appendix is primarily geared to local comprehensive plans and addresses the

transportation planning requirements outlined in the Growth Management Act.

These requirements are considered in the certification review of transportation-

related provisions in plans. While the appendix focuses on local planning

requirements, it also includes some recommendations for how countywide planning

policies and other agency planning may want to address these issues.

Appendix E-4: Center Plans. This appendix has been designed as an additional

resource to provide further guidance for developing plans for centers, specifically

regionally designated centers. The content is based on the criteria that have been

established by the Regional Council for designating regional centers – both regional

growth centers and regional manufacturing/industrial centers. (Note: revised June

2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist)

Puget Sound Regional Council Page A-1

APPENDIX A: PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL ADOPTED

POLICY AND PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

Revised September 2003

A hallmark of planning in Washington State is its emphasis on coordinating issues that are

interjurisdictional in nature. The Growth Management Act requires coordination and

consistency among planning efforts where there are ―common borders or related regional

issues‖ (RCW 36.70A.100). The Act also requires countywide and multicounty planning

policies to serve as frameworks for ensuring consistency among local comprehensive plans

(RCW 36.70A.210). In addition, the Regional Transportation Planning Organization

legislation, which was adopted with the Growth Management Act, mandates that regional

agencies certify that the transportation elements in local comprehensive plans are consistent

with regional transportation plans (RCW 47.80.023). To that end, the legislation requires

regional organizations to ―establish guidelines and principles‖ for the purpose of evaluating

transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans (RCW 47.80.026).

The Puget Sound Regional Council‘s Interlocal Agreement for Regional Planning of the Central Puget Sound Area and Framework Plan also provide direction for coordinating

planning on interjurisdictional issues. The Interlocal Agreement calls for the Regional Council

to develop a process for the review of countywide planning policies (VII-C). The Framework Plan directs the Regional Council to work with local and state agencies to ensure that

provisions of the Regional Growth Strategy are reflected in local planning efforts (Section 5,

1-c-3).13

The process for reviewing planning policies and local and regional plans includes three types:

(1) review of local comprehensive plans, including the certification of their

transportation elements

(2) review of countywide planning policies and multicounty policies, including

certification of countywide policies for consistency with the regional transportation

plan

(3) consistency review of transit agency plans.

13 VISION 2040, last updated in 2008, serves as the region‘s overall growth and transportation strategy.

Incorporated into VISION 2040 are the multicounty planning policies required under the Growth

Management Act. These policies provide a framework for local and regional planning in the four-

county region. The regional transportation plan, Transportation 2040, is a functional plan of VISION

2040. Adopted in 2010, this long-range transportation plan includes the multicounty framework

policies and transportation policies.

The Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Policy Framework requires that only

jurisdictions with certified transportation elements can submit applications for projects and programs

to be considered for inclusion in the Regional TIP.

Page A-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

Type 1: Review of Local Comprehensive Plans, Including Certification of

Transportation Elements

A questionnaire to be completed by agency staff is the chief tool used in the review of local

comprehensive plans. The questionnaire focuses on the multicounty planning policies

contained in the adopted regional growth and transportation strategy.

Jurisdictions are encouraged to provide copies of their draft comprehensive plans to the

Regional Council prior to or during their formal plan review period. This enables the

Regional Council to address any potential issues prior to the adoption of the plan. Regional

Council staff will be available to local jurisdictions and transportation agency staff to discuss

any issues or problems.

The certification of transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans is based on

(1) conformity with requirements in the Growth Management Act for comprehensive plan

elements, (2) consistency with the regional transportation plan, including consistency with

established regional guidelines and principles, and (3) compliance with federal and state clean

air legislation.

1 Conformity with the Growth Management Act. Conformity with the Growth

Management Act focuses on five requirements for transportation elements listed in

the Act: (1) consistency with the land use element, (2) identification of facilities and

service needs, (3) discussion of financing for transportation facilities and services, (4)

description of intergovernmental coordination efforts, and (5) development of

transportation demand management strategies (RCW 36.70A.070).

2 Consistency with the Regional Transportation Plan. Consistency with the regional

transportation plan is determined through a comparison of the transportation-related

provisions in local plans with the policies and provisions in the adopted regional

transportation plan.

Consistency with Established Regional Guidelines and Principles. Regional

guidelines and principles are formally incorporated into the regional

transportation plan and identified in the questionnaire used in the review of local

comprehensive plans. As required by law (RCW 47.80.026), these guidelines

address the following factors: a) freight transportation and port access, b)

circulation systems, access to regional systems, and effective and efficient

highway systems, c) transportation demand management, d) present and future

railroad right-of-way corridors, e) intermodal connections, f) concentration of

economic activity, g) residential density, h) development corridors and urban

design that support high-capacity transit, i) ability of transportation facilities and

programs to retain existing and attract new jobs and private investment to

accommodate growth in demand, j) joint and mixed use developments, and k)

development patterns that promote pedestrian and nonmotorized

transportation.14

14 See Transportation 2040, page 4.


Physical Design Guidelines. In addition, ten physical design guidelines have been

established in the regional transportation plan.15 These include: (1) encourage

mix of complementary land uses, (2) encourage compact growth by addressing

density, (3) link neighborhoods, connect streets, sidewalks and trails, (4)

integrate activity areas with surrounding neighborhoods, (5) locate public and

semipublic uses near stations, (6) design for pedestrians and bicyclists, (7) provide

usable open spaces, (8) manage the supply of parking, (9) promote the benefits of

on-street parking, and 10) reduce and mitigate the effects of parking.

3. Air Quality Conformity. For jurisdictions in the central Puget Sound region that are

within the designated maintenance areas for carbon monoxide, ozone, and/or

particulate matter, air quality conformity is determined based on the consistency of

local plans with the regional transportation plan. For the purpose of determining

conformity with the state‘s Clean Air Conformity Act and consistency with the

regional plan, the transportation element should include, at a minimum, policy

language and provisions that commits the jurisdiction to developing programs and

measures that address federal and state air quality regulations and laws (WAC 173-

420-080).

Provisions That Are Not Transportation-Related. In order to coordinate planning on issues

other than the transportation-related provisions addressed in local and transit agency plans,

the Puget Sound Regional Council will provide comments to localities and agencies during

their formal review period. Both formal and informal consultation on these plans provides an

opportunity to identify how local governments and transportation agencies are using the

Regional Growth Strategy in their planning efforts. (This area of coordination is voluntary.)

Procedures for Certification. The certification of transportation-related provisions in local

plans includes a two-step review. In the first step, the Regional Council performs a

preliminary review as soon as the draft comprehensive plan is available, typically during the

time that the draft plan is being reviewed by state agencies; that is, at least 60 days prior to

plan adoption. Review of the transportation-related provisions in draft form provides the

opportunity for the jurisdiction to address inconsistencies or potential problems prior to plan

adoption. The certification review includes completion of the plan review questionnaire by

agency staff, which is returned to the Regional Council for review.

Once the final plan is adopted, the transportation-related provisions are reviewed a second

time, focusing on any changes made to the plan after the preliminary review. The Regional

Council then prepares a report on certification and sends it to the jurisdiction. After the

jurisdiction has had an opportunity to review the report and comment, a recommendation on

certification is presented to one or both of the Regional Council's policy boards and then to

the Executive Board for consideration and action.16 Transportation elements of local

comprehensive plans remain certified until amended.

15 See Transportation 2040, pages 21.

16 Amendments addressing transportation-related provisions are reviewed by the Transportation Policy

Board; amendments that address centers planning or other growth management issues are reviewed by

the Growth Policy Board.


An appeals process is identified in the Interlocal Agreement for jurisdictions wishing to take

issue with the Board's action. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Executive Board will direct that a

five-member board of hearing examiners be constituted from the membership of the Board to

resolve the conflict in a manner that would allow the transportation element to be certified.17

Certification of Subarea Plans for Designated Regional Centers. Jurisdictions which have

formally designated regional centers are requested to prepare a subarea plan for each center.

The subarea plan should be adopted within four years of the designation of the center. The

plan should address the criteria identified in the Regional Council‘s center plan checklist. The

Regional Council performs a preliminary review on the draft center plan, during the time that

draft is under review by state agencies. Once the final center plan is adopted, the Regional

Council prepares a certification report and sends it to the jurisdiction for review and

comment. A recommendation is then presented to one or both of the policy boards and

Executive Board for consideration and action. The appeals process described in the previous

paragraph applies.

Type 2: Review of Countywide Planning Policies and Multicounty

Policies, including Certification of Countywide Policies for Consistency

with the Regional Transportation Plan

The review of countywide planning policies and multicounty policies is based upon a

comparative analysis of countywide and multicounty policies. The comparison focuses on the

policy areas for regional planning identified in the Growth Management Act (RCW

36.70A.210). These policy areas include (1) designation of urban growth areas, (2) contiguous

and orderly development and the provision of services, (3) transportation facilities and

strategies, (4) siting regional capital facilities, (5) interjurisdictional planning, (6) economic

development, and (7) affordable housing. In addition, multicounty policies also include

policies on open space, resource protection and critical areas.

The review of countywide planning policies and multicounty policies is a collaborative review

which is intended to provide information to allow enhanced coordination of regional

planning. The comparison focuses on the consistency of each county's countywide policies

with adopted multicounty policies. Regional Council staff, together with local government

staff, prepares a draft consistency report and circulates it for review and comment by the

counties and any countywide growth management planning bodies. Any identified problems

shall first be addressed through staff to staff discussions. Unresolved issues are referred to the

Executive Board, counties, and countywide growth management planning bodies for

consideration. If inconsistencies remain, the Regional Council, any county, or any countywide

growth management planning body may request the Washington State Department of

Community, Trade, and Economic Development to provide mediation services pursuant to the

Growth Management Act.

Certification of Countywide Planning Policies and the Adopted Regional Transportation Plan

for Consistency. The consistency certification of countywide planning policies and the

regional transportation plan is based on a comparative analysis of the adopted countywide

transportation-related planning policies and the regional transportation plan (RCW

47.80.023).

17 Interlocal Agreement for Regional Planning of the Central Puget Sound Area (VII.A.4 and VII.A.5).


Regional Council staff reviews the countywide policies and the regional transportation plan

and prepares a certification report noting any possible inconsistencies. (Note: This report may

be a section of the consistency report comparing countywide and multicounty policies, if the

transportation-related provisions are provided as part of a whole set of policies.) The report

shall identify any recommended amendments to the countywide policies or the regional plan,

or both, to make them consistent with each other. The report shall be submitted to one or

both of the policy boards and Executive Board for action and then to the counties and the

respective countywide growth management planning bodies for consideration. Any

inconsistencies shall be addressed by consideration of amendments either to the policies or the

plan, or both, according to the procedures established by law for amendment.

If a county or a countywide growth management planning body disagrees with a

recommended amendment to its policies, it may appeal the recommendation. Appeals shall be

made to the Executive Board, which shall either make recommendations to the General

Assembly to amend the regional transportation plan to allow certification or deny

certification.

Proposed amendments or updates to countywide planning policies shall be submitted by each

county to the Regional Council for preliminary review at least 60 days in advance of action by

the countywide growth management planning body. Preliminary review shall identify and

recommend amendments to allow certification. After adoption of the policies they shall be

reviewed for any changes made after the preliminary review, which would affect certification.

A certification report and recommendation shall then be prepared as described above.

Countywide planning policies remain certified until amended.

Type 3: Consistency Review of Transit Agency Plans

To coordinate planning among the Regional Council, local governments and transit agencies,

the Regional Council provides comments to transit agencies during the development of their

transit development plans (six-year) and longer-term strategic plans. Coordination and

consultation regarding these plans and the adopted regional growth and transportation

strategy provides an opportunity to identify how transit agencies are using the regional

strategy and reflecting growth management provisions in their planning efforts. Agencies are

encouraged to provide copies of their draft plans to the Regional Council prior to or during

their formal review period. This enables the Council to address any potential issues prior to

the adoption of the plan. Regional Council staff is available to transit agency staff to discuss

any issues or problems.

For major plan updates, Regional Council staff, together with transit agency staff, prepares a

draft consistency report and circulates it for review and comment by the transit agency. The

report is revised accordingly and transmitted to one or both of the policy boards and

Executive Board for consideration. Any identified problems shall first be addressed through

staff to staff discussions. Unresolved issues are referred to the Executive Board and transit

agency officials for consideration.


Certification of Plans Prepared by the Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit).

Washington state law requires the Regional Council to formally certify that the regional

transit system plan prepared by the Regional Transit Authority – known as Sound Transit – is

consistent with the regional transportation plan (RCW 81.104). The agency is encouraged to

provide the Regional Council with drafts of its plan prior to or during the formal plan review

period. This enables the Regional Council to address potential issues prior to final adoption.

Regional Council staff, together with Sound Transit staff, prepare a draft consistency report

for review and comment by the authority. A recommendation is then forwarded to one or

both of the policy boards and Executive Board for consideration and action. If the authority

disagrees with the recommendation, it may appeal to the Executive Board.

Land Uses Adjacent to General Aviation Airports

Washington state law requires local jurisdictions to establish plans, zoning ordinances and

development regulations which discourage the siting of incompatible land uses adjacent to

public use general aviation airports (RCW 36.70.547). As part of its review of local

comprehensive plans, the Regional Council assesses whether localities are addressing this

requirement.

The Review of Amendments and Updates to Local Comprehensive Plans, Countywide

Planning Policies and Transit Agency Plans

All amendments to countywide planning policies, local comprehensive plans, and Sound

Transit‘s plan shall be submitted to the Regional Council for review. However, action by the

Regional Council‘s boards concerning certification of local comprehensive plans and

countywide planning policies is limited to the certification-related issues addressed in the

amendment(s).18 Transit agencies are requested to submit any updates and amendments to

their plans to Regional Council for review and comment.

Frequency of Plan Review and Certification

Local jurisdictions' transportation elements are certified until amended or updated. Any

changes to the transportation-related provisions will require certification. Countywide

planning policies are also certified until amended or updated. Any changes will be reviewed

against the multicounty policies and the regional transportation plan, as appropriate.

The policy and plan review process needs to be flexible in order to incorporate changes made

over time. The regional transportation plan will itself be amended and updated regularly in

accordance with federal requirements to reflect changes in local comprehensive plans and

other related transportation plans. Amendments and updates to local plans and countywide

policies are expected to demonstrate consistency with the version of the regional

transportation plan in place at the time countywide or local adoption action is taken.

18 For example, if a jurisdiction amends only its policies addressing transportation demand management,

then only that set of policies would be reviewed and acted upon for certification.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page B-1

APPENDIX B: POLICY AND PLAN REVIEW (EXCERPT FROM

VISION 2040 – PART IV: IMPLEMENTATION)

adopted April 2008

The Regional Council has established a process for the review of local, countywide, and transit

agency plans guided by: (1) the consistency provisions in the Growth Management Act,

(2) state requirements for establishing common regional guidelines and principles for

evaluating transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans, and (3) directives

for coordination in the Regional Council‘s Interlocal Agreement and Framework Plan. (For

additional information, see Appendix 1.)

Review of Local Comprehensive Plans, Certification of Transportation-

Related Provisions

Local jurisdictions are asked to incorporate a brief report in future updates to their

comprehensive plans that addresses: (1) conformity with requirements in the Growth

Management Act for comprehensive plan elements, (2) consistency with the Metropolitan

Transportation Plan (including consistency with established regional guidelines and

principles, physical design guidelines for centers, and compliance with federal and state clean

air legislation), and (3) consistency with the multicounty planning policies. Information

provided in this report will be a primary tool for developing the Regional Council‘s

certification recommendation regarding the transportation-related provisions for the Council‘s

boards to consider.

Regional Guidelines and Principles. State law requires regional guidelines and principles to be

established for regional and local transportation planning purposes (RCW 47.80.026). Among

the factors these guidelines and principles are to address are: concentration of economic

activity, residential density, development and urban design that supports high capacity transit,

joint and mixed use development, freight movement and port access, development patterns

that promote walking and biking, transportation demand management, effective and efficient

transportation, access to regional systems, and intermodal connections. Within VISION

2040, the multicounty planning policies are adopted to serve as the region's guidelines and

principles. Many of the sidebars throughout the policy sections of VISION 2040 provide

examples to serve as guidance for local planning efforts, especially related to transportation.

Review of Subarea Plans for Designated Regional Growth Centers and

Regional Manufacturing/Industrial Centers

Jurisdictions that have regionally designated centers – either regional growth centers or regional

manufacturing/industrial centers – are asked to prepare a subarea plan for each center. The subarea

plan should be adopted within four years of the designation of the center. The plan should include

a brief report (similar to the one prepared for the jurisdiction-wide comprehensive plan) that

outlines how the plan satisfies Growth Management Act requirements for subarea plans, as well as

regionally established criteria for center planning. This report will be a primary tool for

developing the Regional Council‘s certification recommendation for the Council‘s boards to

consider.

Page B-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

Review of Countywide Planning Policies and Multicounty Planning

Policies, including Certification of Countywide Policies for Consistency

with the Regional Transportation Plan

Countywide planning bodies are asked to include a report in updates to the countywide planning

policies that addresses: (1) consistency of countywide planning policies and multicounty planning

policies, and (2) consistency with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This report will be a

primary tool for the Regional Council to develop a certification recommendation for consideration

by the Council's boards. According to Policy MPP-G-2, countywide planning policies are to be

updated to reflect revised multicounty planning policies by December 31, 2010.

Consistency Review of Transit Agency Plans

To coordinate transit planning with local and regional growth management planning efforts,

transit agencies are requested to incorporate a report in their long-term strategic plans that

addresses: (1) conformity of the strategic plan with state planning requirements for transit

planning, (2) consistency with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, (3) compatibility of the

strategic plan with multicounty planning policies, (4) compatibility of the strategic plan with the

countywide planning policies for the county or counties in which the agency provides service, and

(5) coordination with local governments within the agency's service area. The report should be

considered and approved by the governing authority of the transit agency, and then transmitted to

the Regional Council's boards for review and comment.

Certification of Plans Prepared by the Regional Transit Authority (Sound

Transit)

Washington state law requires the Regional Council to formally certify that the regional transit

system plan prepared by the Regional Transit Authority – known as Sound Transit – is consistent

with the regional transportation plan (RCW 81.104). Regional Council staff, together with Sound

Transit staff, prepares a draft consistency report for review and comment. This report will be

forwarded to the Regional Council‘s policy boards, which will transmit a recommendation to the

Executive Board for action.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page C-1

APPENDIX C: MULTICOUNTY PLANNING POLICIES

adopted April 2008

Note: The entire set of Multicounty Planning Policies serves as the ―regional

guidelines and principles‖ used for certification of policies and plans – including the

transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans.

GENERAL POLICIES

MPP-G-1 Coordinate planning efforts among jurisdictions, agencies, and federally recognized

Indian tribes where there are common borders or related regional issues, to facilitate a

common vision.

MPP-G-2 Update countywide planning policies, where necessary, prior to December 31,

2010, to address the multicounty planning policies in VISION 2040.

MPP-G-3 Monitor implementation of VISION 2040 to evaluate progress in achieving the

regional growth strategy, as well as the environment, development patterns, housing,

economy, transportation, and public services provisions.

Fiscal

MPP-G-4 Explore new and existing sources of funding for services and infrastructure,

recognizing that such funding is vital if local governments are to achieve the regional vision.

MPP-G-5 Identify and develop changes to regulatory, pricing, taxing, and expenditure

practices, and other fiscal tools within the region to implement the vision.

ENVIRONMENT

Overarching Goal: The region will care for the natural environment by protecting and

restoring natural systems, conserving habitat, improving water quality, reducing greenhouse

gas emissions and air pollutants, and addressing potential climate change impacts. The region

acknowledges that the health of all residents is connected to the health of the environment.

Planning at all levels should consider the impacts of land use, development patterns, and

transportation on the ecosystem.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will safeguard the natural environment by meeting the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Page C-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

MPP-En-1 Develop regionwide environmental strategies, coordinating among local

jurisdictions and countywide planning groups.

MPP-En-2 Use integrated and interdisciplinary approaches for environmental planning and

assessment at regional, countywide and local levels.

MPP-En-3 Maintain and, where possible, improve air and water quality, soils, and natural

systems to ensure the health and well-being of people, animals, and plants. Reduce the

impacts of transportation on air and water quality, and climate change.

MPP-En-4 Ensure that all residents of the region, regardless of social or economic status, live

in a healthy environment, with minimal exposure to pollution.

MPP-En-5 Locate development in a manner that minimizes impacts to natural features.

Promote the use of innovative environmentally sensitive development practices, including

design, materials, construction, and on-going maintenance.

MPP-En-6 Use the best information available at all levels of planning, especially scientific

information, when establishing and implementing environmental standards established by

any level of government.

MPP-En-7 Mitigate noise caused by traffic, industries, and other sources.

EARTH AND HABITAT GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will preserve the beauty and natural ecological processes of the Puget Sound

basin through the conservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment.

MPP-En-8 Identify, preserve, and enhance significant regional open space networks and

linkages across jurisdictional boundaries.

MPP-En-9 Designate, protect, and enhance significant open spaces, natural resources, and

critical areas through mechanisms, such as the review and comment of countywide planning

policies and local plans and provisions.

MPP-En-10 Preserve and enhance habitat to prevent species from inclusion on the

Endangered Species List and to accelerate their removal from the list.

MPP-En-11 Identify and protect wildlife corridors both inside and outside the urban growth

area.

MPP-En-12 Preserve and restore native vegetation to protect habitat, especially where it

contributes to the overall ecological function and where invasive species are a significant

threat to native ecosystems.


WATER QUALITY GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will meet or do better than standards established for water quality. The

quality of the water flowing out of the region – including Puget Sound – should be as good as

or better than the quality of water entering the region.

MPP-En-13 Maintain natural hydrological functions within the region's ecosystems and

watersheds and, where feasible, restore them to a more natural state.

MPP-En-14 Restore – where appropriate and possible – the region‘s freshwater and marine

shorelines, watersheds, and estuaries to a natural condition for ecological function and value.

MPP-En-15 Reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to the extent feasible and

identify alternatives that minimize risks to human health and the environment.

MPP-En-16 Identify and address the impacts of climate change on the region‘s hydrological

systems.

AIR QUALITY GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The overall quality of the region's air will be better than it is today.

MPP-En-17 Maintain or do better than existing standards for carbon monoxide, ozone, and

particulates.

MPP-En-18 Reduce levels for air toxics, fine particulates, and greenhouse gases.

MPP-En-19 Continue efforts to reduce pollutants from transportation activities, including

through the use of cleaner fuels and vehicles and increasing alternatives to driving alone, as

well as design and land use.

CLIMATE CHANGE GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will reduce its overall production of harmful elements that contribute to

climate change.

MPP-En-20 Address the central Puget Sound region's contribution to climate change by, at a

minimum, committing to comply with state initiatives and directives regarding climate

change and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Jurisdictions and agencies should work to

include an analysis of climate change impacts when conducting an environmental review

process under the State Environmental Policy Act.

MPP-En-21 Reduce the rate of energy use per capita, both in building use and in

transportation activities.

MPP-En-22 Pursue the development of energy management technology as part of meeting

the region‘s energy needs.


MPP-En-23 Reduce greenhouse gases by expanding the use of conservation and alternative

energy sources and by reducing vehicle miles traveled by increasing alternatives to driving

alone.

MPP-En-24 Take positive actions to reduce carbons, such as increasing the number of trees in

urban portions of the region.

MPP-En-25 Anticipate and address the impacts of climate change on regional water sources.

DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

Overarching Goal: The region will focus growth within already urbanized areas to create

walkable, compact, and transit-oriented communities that maintain unique local character.

Centers will continue to be a focus of development. Rural and natural resource lands will

continue to be permanent and vital parts of the region.

URBAN LANDS GOALS AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will promote the efficient use of land, prevent urbanization of rural and

resource lands, and provide for the efficient delivery of services within the designated urban

growth area.

MPP-DP-1 Provide a regional framework for the designation and adjustment of the urban

growth area to ensure long-term stability and sustainability of the urban growth area

consistent with the regional vision.

MPP-DP-2 Encourage efficient use of urban land by maximizing the development potential

of existing urban lands, such as advancing development that achieves zoned density.

Goal: The region, countywide planning bodies, and local jurisdictions will work together to

set population and employment growth targets consistent with the regional vision.

MPP-DP-3 Use consistent countywide targeting processes for allocating population and

employment growth consistent with the regional vision, including establishing: (a) local

employment targets, (b) local housing targets based on population projections, and (c) local

housing and employment targets for each designated regional growth center.

MPP-DP-4 Accommodate the region's growth first and foremost in the urban growth area.

Ensure that development in rural areas is consistent with the regional vision.


REGIONAL GROWTH CENTERS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will direct growth and development to a limited number of designated

regional growth centers.

MPP-DP-5 Focus a significant share of population and employment growth in designated


MPP-DP-6 Provide a regional framework for designating and evaluating regional growth

centers.

MPP-DP-7 Give funding priority – both for transportation infrastructure and for economic

development – to support designated regional growth centers consistent with the regional

vision. Regional funds are prioritized to regional growth centers. County-level and local

funding are also appropriate to prioritize to regional growth centers.

REGIONAL MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL CENTERS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will continue to maintain and support viable regional

manufacturing/industrial centers to accommodate manufacturing, industrial, or advanced

technology uses.

MPP-DP-8 Focus a significant share of employment growth in designated regional

manufacturing/industrial centers.

MPP-DP-9 Provide a regional framework for designating and evaluating regional

manufacturing/industrial centers.

MPP-DP-10 Give funding priority – both for transportation infrastructure and for economic

development – to support designated regional manufacturing/industrial centers consistent

with the regional vision. Regional funds are prioritized to regional manufacturing/industrial

centers. County-level and local funding are also appropriate to prioritize to these regional

centers.

OTHER CENTERS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: Subregional centers, such as those designated through countywide processes or

identified locally, will also play important roles in accommodating planned growth according

to the regional vision. These centers will promote pedestrian connections and support transit-

oriented uses.

MPP-DP-11 Support the development of centers within all jurisdictions, including town

centers and activity nodes.

MPP-DP-12 Establish a common framework among the countywide processes for designating

subregional centers to ensure compatibility within the region.


MPP-DP-13 Direct subregional funding, especially county-level and local funds, to centers

designated through countywide processes, as well as to town centers, and other activity nodes.

COMPACT URBAN COMMUNTIES POLICIES

MPP-DP-14 Preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods and create vibrant, sustainable

compact urban communities that provide diverse choices in housing types, a high degree of

connectivity in the street network to accommodate walking, bicycling and transit use, and

sufficient public spaces.

MPP-DP-15 Support the transformation of key underutilized lands, such as brownfields and

greyfields, to higher density, mixed-use areas to complement the development of centers and

the enhancement of existing neighborhoods.

CITIES IN RURAL AREAS POLICIES

MPP-DP-16 Direct commercial, retail, and community services that serve rural residents into

neighboring cities and existing activity areas to prevent the conversion of rural land into

commercial uses.

MPP-DP-17 Promote transit service to and from existing cities in rural areas.

UNINCORPORATED URBAN GROWTH AREAS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: All unincorporated lands within the urban growth area will either annex into existing

cities or incorporate as new cities.

MPP-DP-18 Affiliate all urban unincorporated lands appropriate for annexation with an

adjacent city or identify those that may be feasible for incorporation. To fulfill the regional

growth strategy, annexation is preferred over incorporation.

MPP-DP-19 Support joint planning between cities and counties to work cooperatively in

planning for urban unincorporated areas to ensure an orderly transition to city governance,

including efforts such as: (a) establishing urban development standards, (b) addressing service

and infrastructure financing, and (c) transferring permitting authority.

MPP-DP-20 Support the provision and coordination of urban services to unincorporated

urban areas by the adjacent city or, where appropriate, by the county as an interim approach.


RURAL LANDS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will permanently sustain the ecological functions, resource value, lifestyle,

and character of rural lands for future generations by limiting the types and intensities of

development in rural areas.

MPP-DP-21 Contribute to improved ecological functions and more appropriate use of rural

lands by minimizing impacts through innovative and environmentally sensitive land use

management and development practices.

MPP-DP-22 Do not allow urban net densities in rural and resource areas.

MPP-DP-23 Avoid new fully contained communities outside of the designated urban growth

area because of their potential to create sprawl and undermine state and regional growth

management goals.

MPP-DP-24 In the event that a proposal is made for creating a new fully contained

community, the county shall make the proposal available to other counties and to the

Regional Council for advance review and comment on regional impacts.

MPP-DP-25 Use existing and new tools and strategies to address vested development to

ensure that future growth meets existing permitting and development standards and prevents

further fragmentation of rural lands.

MPP-DP-26 Ensure that development occurring in rural areas is rural in character and is

focused into communities and activity areas.

MPP-DP-27 Maintain the long-term viability of permanent rural land by avoiding the

construction of new highways and major roads in rural areas.

MPP-DP-28 Support long-term solutions for the environmental and economic sustainability

of agriculture and forestry within rural areas.

RESOURCE LANDS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will conserve its natural resource land permanently by designating,

maintaining, and enhancing farm, forest, and mineral lands.

MPP-DP-29 Protect and enhance significant open spaces, natural resources, and critical areas.

MPP-DP-30 Establish best management practices that protect the long-term integrity of the

natural environment, adjacent land uses, and the long-term productivity of resource lands.

MPP-DP-31 Support the sustainability of designated resource lands. Do not convert these

lands to other uses.


MPP-DP-32 Ensure that resource lands and their related economic activities are not adversely

impacted by development on adjacent non-resource lands.

REGIONAL DESIGN GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will use design to shape the physical environment in order to create more

livable communities, better integrate land use and transportation systems, and improve efforts

to restore the environment.

MPP-DP-33 Identify, protect and enhance those elements and characteristics that give the

central Puget Sound region its identity, especially the natural visual resources and positive

urban form elements.

MPP-DP-34 Preserve significant regional historic, visual and cultural resources including

public views, landmarks, archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, and areas of

special character.

MPP-DP-35 Develop high quality, compact urban communities throughout the region's

urban growth area that impart a sense of place, preserve local character, provide for mixed

uses and choices in housing types, and encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use.

MPP-DP-36 Provide a wide range of building and community types to serve the needs of a

diverse population.

MPP-DP-37 Support urban design, historic preservation, and arts to enhance quality of life,

improve the natural and human-made environments, promote health and well-being,

contribute to a prosperous economy, and increase the region‘s resiliency in adapting to

changes or adverse events.

MPP-DP-38 Design public buildings and spaces that contribute to a sense of community and

a sense of place.

MPP-DP-39 Identify and create opportunities to develop parks, civic places and public spaces,

especially in or adjacent to centers.

MPP-DP-40 Design transportation projects and other infrastructure to achieve community

development objectives and improve communities.

MPP-DP-41 Allow natural boundaries to help determine the routes and placement of

infrastructure connections and improvements.

MPP-DP-42 Recognize and work with linear systems that cross jurisdictional boundaries – including

natural systems, continuous land use patterns, and transportation and infrastructure systems – in

community planning, development, and design.


BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region's communities will be planned and designed to promote physical, social, and

mental well-being so that all people can live healthier and more active lives.

MPP-DP-43 Design communities to provide an improved environment for walking and

bicycling.

MPP-DP-44 Incorporate provisions addressing health and well-being into appropriate

regional, countywide, and local planning and decision-making processes.

MPP-DP-45 Promote cooperation and coordination among transportation providers, local

government, and developers to ensure that joint- and mixed-use developments are designed to

promote and improve physical, mental, and social health and reduce the impacts of climate

change on the natural and built environments.

MPP-DP-46 Develop and implement design guidelines to encourage construction of healthy

buildings and facilities to promote healthy people.

MPP-DP-47 Support agricultural, farmland, and aquatic uses that enhance the food system in

the central Puget Sound region and its capacity to produce fresh and minimally processed

foods.

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES POLICIES

MPP-DP-48 Encourage the use of innovative techniques, including the transfer of

development rights, the purchase of development rights, and conservation incentives. Use

these techniques to focus growth within the urban growth area (especially cities) to lessen

pressures to convert rural and resource areas to more intense urban-type development, while

protecting the future economic viability of sending areas and sustaining rural and resource-

based uses.

MPP-DP-49 Support and provide incentives to increase the percentage of new development

and redevelopment – both public and private – to be built at higher performing energy and

environmental standards.

MPP-DP-50 Streamline development standards and regulations for residential and

commercial development, especially in centers, to provide flexibility and to accommodate a

broader range of project types consistent with the regional vision.

INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES POLICIES

MPP-DP-51 Protect the continued operation of general aviation airports from encroachment

by incompatible uses and development on adjacent land.


MPP-DP-52 Protect military lands from encroachment by incompatible uses and

development on adjacent land.

MPP-DP-53 Protect industrial lands from encroachment by incompatible uses and

development on adjacent land.

CONCURRENCY POLICIES

MPP-DP-54 Develop concurrency programs and methods that fully consider growth targets,

service needs, and level-of-service standards. Focus level-of-service standards for

transportation on the movement of people and goods instead of only on the movement of

vehicles.

MPP-DP-55 Address nonmotorized, pedestrian, and other multimodal types of transportation

options in concurrency programs – both in assessment and mitigation.

MPP-DP-56 Tailor concurrency programs for centers and other subareas to encourage

development that can be supported by transit.

HOUSING

Overarching Goal: The region will preserve, improve, and expand its housing stock to provide

a range of affordable, healthy, and safe housing choices to every resident. The region will

continue to promote fair and equal access to housing for all people.

POLICIES

Housing diversity and affordability

MPP-H-1 Provide a range of housing types and choices to meet the housing needs of all

income levels and demographic groups within the region.

MPP-H-2 Achieve and sustain – through preservation, rehabilitation, and new development

– a sufficient supply of housing to meet the needs of low-income, moderate-income, middle-

income, and special needs individuals and households that is equitably and rationally

distributed throughout the region.

MPP-H-3 Promote homeownership opportunities for low-income, moderate-income, and

middle-income families and individuals.

Jobs-housing balance

MPP-H-4 Develop and provide a range of housing choices for workers at all income levels

throughout the region in a manner that promotes accessibility to jobs and provides

opportunities to live in proximity to work.


Centers housing

MPP-H-5 Expand the supply and range of housing, including affordable units, in centers

throughout the region.

MPP-H-6 Recognize and give regional funding priority to transportation facilities,

infrastructure, and services that explicitly advance the development of housing in designated

regional growth centers. Give additional priority to projects and services that advance

affordable housing.

Best housing practices

MPP-H-7 Encourage jurisdictions to review and streamline development standards and

regulations to advance their public benefit, provide flexibility, and minimize additional costs

to housing.

MPP-H-8 Encourage the use of innovative techniques to provide a broader range of housing

types for all income levels and housing needs.

MPP-H-9 Encourage interjurisdictional cooperative efforts and public-private partnerships to

advance the provision of affordable and special needs housing.

ECONOMY

Overarching Goal: The region will have a prospering and sustainable regional economy by

supporting businesses and job creation, investing in all people, sustaining environmental

quality, and creating great central places, diverse communities, and high quality of life.

BUSINESS GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region's economy prospers by supporting businesses and job creation.

MPP-Ec-1 Support economic development activities that help to retain, expand, or diversify

the region's businesses. Target recruitment activities towards businesses that provide family-

wage jobs.

MPP-Ec-2 Foster a positive business climate by encouraging regionwide and statewide collaboration

among business, government, education, labor, military, workforce development, and other nonprofit

organizations.

MPP-Ec-3 Support established and emerging industry clusters that export goods and services,

import capital, and have growth potential.

MPP-Ec-4 Leverage the region's position as an international gateway by supporting

businesses, ports, and agencies involved in trade-related activities.

MPP-Ec-5 Foster a supportive environment for business startups, small businesses, and locally

owned businesses to help them continue to prosper.


MPP-Ec-6 Ensure the efficient flow of people, goods, services, and information in and

through the region with infrastructure investments, particularly in and connecting designated

centers, to meet the distinctive needs of the regional economy.

MPP-Ec-7 Encourage the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to incorporate environmental

and social responsibility into their practices.

PEOPLE GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region's economy prospers by investing in all of its people.

MPP-Ec-8 Promote economic activity and employment growth that creates widely shared

prosperity and sustains a diversity of family-wage jobs for the region‘s residents.

MPP-Ec-9 Ensure that the region has a high quality education system that is accessible to all

of the region's residents.

MPP-Ec-10 Ensure that the region has high quality and accessible training programs that give

people opportunities to learn, maintain, and upgrade skills necessary to meet the current and

forecast needs of the regional and global economy.

MPP-Ec-11 Address unique obstacles and special needs – as well as recognize the special

assets – of disadvantaged populations in improving the region's shared economic future.

MPP-Ec-12 Foster appropriate and targeted economic growth in distressed areas to create

economic opportunity for residents of these areas.

MPP-Ec-13 Support the contributions of the region's culturally and ethnically diverse

communities in helping the region continue to expand its international economy.

MPP-Ec-14 Sustain and enhance arts and cultural institutions to foster an active and vibrant

community life in every part of the region.

PLACES GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region's economy prospers through the creation of great central places, diverse

communities, and high quality of life that integrates transportation, the economy, and the

environment.

MPP-Ec-15 Ensure that economic development sustains and respects the region's

environmental quality.

MPP-Ec-16 Utilize urban design strategies and approaches to ensure that changes to the built

environment preserve and enhance the region's unique attributes and each community's

distinctive identity in recognition of the economic value of sense of place.


MPP-Ec-17 Use incentives and investments to create a closer balance between jobs and

housing, consistent with the regional growth strategy.

MPP-Ec-18 Concentrate a significant amount of economic growth in designated centers and

connect them to each other in order to strengthen the region's economy and communities and

to promote economic opportunity.

MPP-Ec-19 Maximize the use of existing designated manufacturing and industrial centers by

focusing appropriate types and amounts of employment growth in these areas and by

protecting them from incompatible adjacent uses.

MPP-Ec-20 Provide an adequate supply of housing with good access to employment centers

to support job creation and economic growth.

MPP-Ec-21 Recognize the need for employment in cities in the rural areas and promote

compatible occupations (such as, but not limited to, tourism, cottage and home-based

businesses, and local services) that do not conflict with rural character and resource-based

land uses.

MPP-Ec-22 Support economic activity in rural and natural resource areas at a size and scale

that is compatible with the long-term integrity and productivity of these lands.

TRANSPORTATION

Overarching Goal: The region will have a safe, cleaner, integrated, sustainable, and highly

efficient multimodal transportation system that supports the regional growth strategy and

promotes economic and environmental vitality, and better public health.

MAINTENACE, MANAGEMENT, AND SAFETY GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: As a high priority, the region will maintain, preserve, and operate its existing

transportation system in a safe and usable state.

MPP-T-1 Maintain and operate transportation systems to provide safe, efficient, and reliable

movement of people, goods, and services.

MPP-T-2 Protect the investment in the existing system and lower overall life-cycle costs

through effective maintenance and preservation programs.

MPP-T-3 Reduce the need for new capital improvements through investments in operations,

pricing programs, demand management strategies, and system management activities that

improve the efficiency of the current system.

MPP-T-4 Improve safety of the transportation system and, in the long term, achieve the

state‘s goal of zero deaths and disabling injuries.


Sustainable Transportation

MPP-T-5 Foster a less polluting system that reduces the negative effects of transportation

infrastructure and operation on the climate and natural environment.

MPP-T-6 Seek the development and implementation of transportation modes and

technologies that are energy-efficient and improve system performance.

MPP-T-7 Develop a transportation system that minimizes negative impacts to human health.

MPP-T-8 Protect the transportation system against disaster, develop prevention and recovery

strategies, and plan for coordinated responses.

SUPPORTING THE GROWTH STRATEGY GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The future transportation system will support the regional growth strategy by focusing

on connecting centers with a highly efficient multimodal transportation network.

Coordination

MPP-T-9 Coordinate state, regional, and local planning efforts for transportation through the

Puget Sound Regional Council to develop and operate a highly efficient, multimodal system

that supports the regional growth strategy.

MPP-T-10 Promote coordination among transportation providers and local governments to

ensure that joint- and mixed-use developments are designed in a way that improves overall

mobility and accessibility to and within such development.

Centers and Compact Communities

MPP-T-11 Prioritize investments in transportation facilities and services in the urban growth

area that support compact, pedestrian- and transit-oriented densities and development.

MPP-T-12 Give regional funding priority to transportation improvements that serve regional

growth centers and regional manufacturing and industrial centers.

MPP-T-13 Make transportation investments that improve economic and living conditions so

that industries and skilled workers continue to be retained and attracted to the region.

MPP-T-14 Design, construct, and operate transportation facilities to serve all users safely and

conveniently, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, while

accommodating the movement of freight and goods, as suitable to each facility‘s function and

context as determined by the appropriate jurisdictions.


MPP-T-15 Improve local street patterns – including their design and how they are used – for

walking, bicycling, and transit use to enhance communities, connectivity, and physical

activity.

MPP-T-16 Promote and incorporate bicycle and pedestrian travel as important modes of

transportation by providing facilities and reliable connections.

Freight

MPP-T-17 Ensure the freight system meets the needs of: (1) global gateways, (2) producer

needs within the state and region, and (3) regional and local distribution.

MPP-T-18 Maintain and improve the existing multimodal freight transportation system in

the region to increase reliability and efficiency and to prevent degradation of freight mobility.

MPP-T-19 Coordinate regional planning with railroad capacity expansion plans and support

capacity expansion that is compatible with state, regional, and local plans.

Context and Design

MPP-T-20 Design transportation facilities to fit within the context of the built or natural

environments in which they are located.

MPP-T-21 Apply urban design principles in transportation programs and projects for regional

growth centers and high-capacity transit station areas.

MPP-T-22 Implement transportation programs and projects in ways that prevent or minimize

negative impacts to low-income, minority, and special needs populations.

GREATER OPTIONS AND MOBILTY GOAL AND POLICIES

Goal: The region will invest in transportation systems that offer greater options, mobility, and

access in support of the regional growth strategy.

MPP-T-23 Emphasize transportation investments that provide and encourage alternatives to

single-occupancy vehicle travel and increase travel options, especially to and within centers

and along corridors connecting centers.

MPP-T-24 Increase the proportion of trips made by transportation modes that are alternatives

to driving alone.

MPP-T-25 Ensure mobility choices for people with special transportation needs, including

persons with disabilities, the elderly, the young, and low-income populations.

MPP-T-26 Strategically expand capacity and increase efficiency of the transportation system

to move goods, services, and people to and within the urban growth area. Focus on


investments that produce the greatest net benefits to people and minimize the environmental

impacts of transportation.

MPP-T-27 Improve key facilities connecting the region to national and world markets to

support the economic vitality of the region.

MPP-T-28 Avoid construction of major roads and capacity expansion on existing roads in

rural and resource areas. Where increased roadway capacity is warranted to support safe and

efficient travel through rural areas, appropriate rural development regulations and strong

commitments to access management should be in place prior to authorizing such capacity

expansion in order to prevent unplanned growth in rural areas.

MPP-T-29 Promote the preservation of existing rights-of-way for future high-capacity

transit.

MPP-T-30 Encourage public and private sector partnerships to identify and implement

improvements to personal mobility and freight movement.

MPP-T-31 Support effective management of existing air transportation capacity and ensure

that future capacity needs are addressed in cooperation with responsible agencies, affected

communities, and users.

MPP-T-32 Integrate transportation systems to make it easy for people and freight to move

from one mode or technology to another.

MPP-T-33 Promote transportation financing methods, such as user fees, tolls, and pricing,

that sustain maintenance, preservation, and operation of facilities and reflect the costs

imposed by users.

PUBLIC SERVICES

Overarching Goal: The region will support development with adequate public facilities and

services in a coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective manner that supports local and regional

growth planning objectives.

SERVICES IN GENERAL POLICIES

MPP-PS-1 Protect and enhance the environment and public health and safety when

providing services and facilities.

MPP-PS-2 Time and phase services and facilities to guide growth and development in a

manner that supports the regional vision.

MPP-PS-3 Promote demand management and the conservation of services and facilities prior

to developing new facilities.


MPP-PS-4 Do not provide urban services in rural areas. Design services for limited access

when they are needed to solve isolated health and sanitation problems, so as not to increase

the development potential of the surrounding rural area.

MPP-PS-5 Encourage the design of public facilities and utilities in rural areas to be at a size

and scale appropriate to rural locations, so as not to increase development pressure.

MPP-PS-6 Obtain urban services from cities or appropriate regional service providers, and

encourage special service districts, including sewer, water, and fire districts, to consolidate or

dissolve as a result.

SERVICES BY TYPE GOAL AND POLICIES

MPP-PS-7 Develop conservation measures to reduce solid waste and increase recycling.

MPP-PS-8 Promote improved conservation and more efficient use of water, as well as the

increased use of reclaimed water, to reduce wastewater generation and ensure water

availability.

MPP-PS-9 Serve new development within the urban growth area with sanitary sewer systems

or fit it with dry sewers in anticipation of connection to the sewer system. Alternative

technology to sewers should only be considered when it can be shown to produce treatment at

standards that are equal to or better than the sewer system and where a long-term maintenance

plan is in place.

MPP-PS-10 Replace failing septic systems within the urban growth area with sanitary sewers

or alternative technology that is comparable or better.

MPP-PS-11 Use innovative and state-of-the-art design and techniques when replacing septic

tanks to restore and improve environmental quality.

MPP-PS-12 Promote the use of renewable energy resources to meet the region‘s energy

needs.

MPP-PS-13 Reduce the rate of energy consumption through conservation and alternative

energy forms to extend the life of existing facilities and infrastructure.

MPP-PS-14 Plan for the provision of telecommunication infrastructure to serve growth and

development in a manner that is consistent with the regional vision and friendly to the

environment.

MPP-PS-15 Coordinate, design, and plan for public safety services and programs.

MPP-PS-16 Encourage health and human services facilities to locate near centers and transit

for efficient accessibility to service delivery.


Goal: Residents of the region will have access to high quality drinking water that meets or is

better than federal and state requirements.

MPP-PS-17 Identify and develop additional water supply sources to meet the region's long-

term water needs, recognizing the potential impacts on water supply from climate change and

fisheries protection.

MPP-PS-18 Promote coordination among local and tribal governments and water providers

and suppliers to meet long-term water needs in the region in a manner that supports the

region's growth strategy.

MPP-PS-19 Reduce the per capita rate of water consumption through conservation, efficiency,

reclamation, and reuse.

MPP-PS-20 Protect the source of the water supply to meet the needs for both human

consumption and for environmental balance.

SITING FACILITIES POLICIES

MPP-PS-21 Site schools, institutions, and other community facilities that primarily serve

urban populations within the urban growth area in locations where they will promote the

local desired growth plans.

MPP-PS-22 Locate schools, institutions, and other community facilities serving rural

residents in neighboring cities and towns and design these facilities in keeping with the size

and scale of the local community.

MPP-PS-23 Site or expand regional capital facilities in a manner that (1) reduces adverse

social, environmental, and economic impacts on the host community, (2) equitably balances

the location of new facilities, and (3) addresses regional planning objectives.

MPP-PS-24 Do not locate regional capital facilities outside the urban growth area unless it is

demonstrated that a non-urban site is the most appropriate location for such a facility.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page D-1

APPENDIX D: GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT REQUIREMENTS FOR

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Chapter 36.70A.070(6), Revised Code of Washington

(a) The transportation element shall include the following subelements:

(i) Land use assumptions used in estimating travel;

(ii) Estimated traffic impacts to state-owned transportation facilities resulting from land use

assumptions to assist the department of transportation in monitoring the performance of state

facilities, to plan improvements for the facilities, and to assess the impact of land-use decisions

on state-owned transportation facilities;

(iii) Facilities and services needs, including:

(A) An inventory of air, water, and ground transportation facilities and services, including

transit alignments and general aviation airport facilities, to define existing capital facilities and

travel levels as a basis for future planning. This inventory must include state-owned

transportation facilities within the city or county's jurisdictional boundaries;

(B) Level of service standards for all locally owned arterials and transit routes to serve as a

gauge to judge performance of the system. These standards should be regionally coordinated;

(C) For state-owned transportation facilities, level of service standards for highways, as

prescribed in chapters 47.06 and 47.80 RCW, to gauge the performance of the system. The

purposes of reflecting level of service standards for state highways in the local comprehensive

plan are to monitor the performance of the system, to evaluate improvement strategies, and to

facilitate coordination between the county's or city's six-year street, road, or transit program

and the department of transportation's six-year investment program. The concurrency

requirements of (b) of this subsection do not apply to transportation facilities and services of

statewide significance except for counties consisting of islands whose only connection to the

mainland are state highways or ferry routes. In these island counties, state highways and ferry

route capacity must be a factor in meeting the concurrency requirements in (b) of this

subsection;

(D) Specific actions and requirements for bringing into compliance locally owned

transportation facilities or services that are below an established level of service standard;

(E) Forecasts of traffic for at least ten years based on the adopted land use plan to provide

information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future growth;

(F) Identification of state and local system needs to meet current and future demands.

Identified needs on state-owned transportation facilities must be consistent with the statewide

multimodal transportation plan required under chapter 47.06 RCW;

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=47.06



Page D-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

(iv) Finance, including:

(A) An analysis of funding capability to judge needs against probable funding resources;

(B) A multiyear financing plan based on the needs identified in the comprehensive plan,

the appropriate parts of which shall serve as the basis for the six-year street, road, or transit

program required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW

35.58.2795 for public transportation systems. The multiyear financing plan should be

coordinated with the six-year improvement program developed by the department of

transportation as required by **RCW 47.05.030;

(C) If probable funding falls short of meeting identified needs, a discussion of how

additional funding will be raised, or how land use assumptions will be reassessed to ensure

that level of service standards will be met;

(v) Intergovernmental coordination efforts, including an assessment of the impacts of the

transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of adjacent

jurisdictions;

(vi) Demand-management strategies;

(vii) Pedestrian and bicycle component to include collaborative efforts to identify and

designate planned improvements for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and corridors that

address and encourage enhanced community access and promote healthy lifestyles.

(b) After adoption of the comprehensive plan by jurisdictions required to plan or who

choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040, local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances

which prohibit development approval if the development causes the level of service on a

locally owned transportation facility to decline below the standards adopted in the

transportation element of the comprehensive plan, unless transportation improvements or

strategies to accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent with the

development. These strategies may include increased public transportation service, ride

sharing programs, demand management, and other transportation systems management

strategies. For the purposes of this subsection (6) "concurrent with the development" shall

mean that improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or that a

financial commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years.

(c) The transportation element described in this subsection (6), and the six-year plans

required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, RCW 35.58.2795 for

public transportation systems, and **RCW 47.05.030 for the state, must be consistent.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=35.77.010




http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.70A.040





Puget Sound Regional Council

APPENDIX E: TOPIC BY TOPIC GUIDANCE

A set of four appendices have been developed to provide topic-by-topic guidance to policy

development for various types of plans. These appendices provide a greater level of detail

than the checklists or reporting tools in Part 3. Recommendations are included for how

specific issues or topics should be addressed in countywide planning policies, local

comprehensive plans, plans for cities with designated centers, and transit agency and other

agency planning.

Appendix E-1 describes issues and approaches for achieving consistency with VISION 2040.

This section follows the outline of the multicounty planning policies, which also serve as the

regional guidelines and principles required for certifying the transportation-related provisions

in local comprehensive plans and countywide planning policies.

Appendix E-2 addresses issues related to consistency with Transportation 2040, the adopted

regional transportation plan.

Appendix E-3 describes provisions in the Growth Management Act for local transportation

planning, which also are factors for the certification of transportation-related provisions in

local comprehensive plans.

Appendix E-4 addresses planning in centers. While this information is geared primarily to

designated regional centers, it also has applications for planning for central places and more

compact activity areas of different types. (Note: revised June 2014 to reflect updated Center

Plan Checklist)



Puget Sound Regional Council Page E1-1

APPENDIX E-1: VISION 2040 CONSISTENCY

…including regional guidelines for certification of transportation provisions

VISION 2040 represents regional agreement on issues of regional impact and significance.

VISION 2040 features a four-county Regional Growth Strategy, an overarching theme on

sustainability, a set of goals and multicounty planning policies, and implementation actions.

This section addresses the provisions of VISION 2040 that countywide planning bodies, local

jurisdictions, transit agencies, and other planning efforts should incorporate into their plans.

Regional Growth Strategy

VISION 2040 features a numeric Regional Growth Strategy, which provides guidance for

where population and employment growth should be located to achieve the goals of VISION

2040. The Regional Growth Strategy is based on regionwide growth forecasts and covers a

planning period of 2000-2040. It is organized around ―regional geographies,‖ which are

groups of cities that share similar characteristics, along with categories for Unincorporated

Urban Areas and Rural Areas. There are four types of regional geographies for cities:

Metropolitan Cities, Core Cities, Larger Cities, and Small Cities.

Compared to the growth targets19 established in the four-county region prior to the adoption

of VISION 2040, the Regional Growth Strategy plans for an increased role for Metropolitan

Cities and Core Cities, as well as Larger Cities. At the same time, the Regional Growth

Strategy plans for a decreased role for Rural Areas. Targets are to be set for both population

and employment; the population targets should be expressed in terms of housing units.

Counties are to collaborate to ensure compatibility among their respective target-setting

processes. The Regional Council is a forum for counties to work on collaboration.

for Countywide Planning Policies

The growth targeting processes undertaken at the countywide planning level are particularly

important for implementing the Regional Growth Strategy. These processes allocate official

county-level planning forecasts and assign growth to individual cities and unincorporated

planning areas. Beginning with the next round of growth targeting work conducted in each

county, adopted growth targets are to apply the regional guidance contained in the Regional

Growth Strategy. The December 2010 update of countywide planning policies provides a

practical opportunity to align growth targets with VISION 2040‘s Regional Growth Strategy.

Subsequent amendments to countywide planning policies should reflect any updates to

VISION 2040 and provide further direction to local plans for aligning with the Regional

Growth Strategy.

19 The Growth Management Act and some of the countywide planning policies use both the term

―targets‖ and ―allocations‖ to refer to the countywide process for the numeric distribution of growth

among local jurisdictions for planning purposes. Following VISION 2040, this manual uses the term

―allocation‖ to refer to the Regional Growth Strategy and ―growth target‖ to refer to the countywide

processes. However, countywide and local planning efforts should use whatever terminology is

appropriate in their own processes when employing the guidance in the manual.

Page E1-2 Policy and Plan Review Manual

Countywide Planning Policies should:

Address how local growth targets are to align with the Regional Growth Strategy –

both at the county-level and regional geography-level

Address setting growth targets for population (expressed as housing units), as well as

for employment growth targets consistent with the Regional Growth Strategy.

for Local Comprehensive Planning

Local comprehensive plans are to be consistent with the growth targets that are adopted

through each respective countywide process. Local planning processes need to be able to

accommodate future housing and employment needs as identified by the growth target. Such

processes must also address having sufficient zoning and infrastructure capacity.

Cities should participate in their countywide growth target process and then incorporate these

adopted targets into their comprehensive plans. Incorporating targets into the local

comprehensive plan means:

Documenting the growth targets – for residential (expressed in housing units) and

employment – in the land use element.

Preparing land use assumptions (to accommodate housing units and commercial space

anticipated over the planning period) that are consistent with the targets.

Planning and budgeting for the public facilities and services needed to serve the

anticipated growth.

In the event that growth targets have not been established at the countywide level in time to

be used for the local comprehensive plan updates in 2011, cities should address steps they are

taking to align with the Regional Growth Strategy. Subsequent regular updates to local plans

should demonstrate actions and steps to further align with VISION 2040.

for Cities with Designated Regional Centers

Cities with designated regional growth centers and/or regional manufacturing/industrial

centers should prepare subarea plans for each center within their jurisdiction. These subarea

plans, like the city‘s comprehensive plans, should be explicit about how much residential and

employment growth is being planned for. (In the case of manufacturing/industrial centers,

the focus would be only on employment growth.) The city should use its adopted citywide

growth target as a basis for developing a target for each designated center.20

Cities with formally designated regional centers should include in their plans housing

and employment targets for each regional growth center and employment targets for

each manufacturing/industrial center.

These targets should be developed from the city‘s overall housing and employment

targets, and should reflect the centers‘ status as priority locations for housing,

affordable housing, and employment growth.

20 The Designation Criteria for Regional Growth and Manufacturing Centers, adopted by the PSRC

Executive Board in June 2003, requires a minimum target of 45 activity units (jobs + population) per

gross acre in the center. Manufacturing/industrial centers should have an employment target of at

least 20,000 jobs total.


for Transit Agency and Other Agency Planning – including Special Service Districts

Other agencies, such as transit agencies, utilities, and special service districts, need to work to

implement the Regional Growth Strategy. Agencies should coordinate their planning efforts

with local comprehensive plans and should plan for sufficient public facilities and services to

support the population and employment growth called for in the Regional Growth Strategy

and local growth targets.

Consistency with Multicounty Planning Policies

VISION 2040 contains a set of multicounty planning policies for the central Puget Sound

region as required by RCW 36.70A.210(7). The multicounty planning policies complement

and implement the Regional Growth Strategy and sustainability framework, and provide an

integrated framework for addressing land use, economic development, transportation, other

infrastructure, and environmental planning. The multicounty planning policies provide a

common framework for planning at various levels within the region and provide the policy

structure for the Regional Council‘s functional plans (Transportation 2040 and the Regional

Economic Strategy).

State law requires that regional guidelines and principles be established for regional and local

transportation planning purposes (RCW 47.80.026). The multicounty planning policies in

VISION 2040 have been adopted to serve as the region's guidelines and principles.

The multicounty planning policies are grouped in six overall categories: (1) environment,

(2) development patterns, (3) housing, (4) economy, (5) transportation, and (6) public services.

A small set of general policies is also included.

GENERAL MULTICOUNTY PLANNING POLICIES

A small set of general multicounty planning policies address planning coordination,

monitoring, and fiscal challenges and opportunities. MPP-G-1 echoes the Growth

Management Act‘s call for coordinated comprehensive planning. MPP-G-2 calls for the

update of countywide planning policies by December 2010 to ensure that these policies are in

place to guide amendments and updates to local comprehensive plans. The Growth

Management Act provides a schedule for review and updates to local plans.

Two general multicounty policies (MPP-G-4 and MPP-G-5) recognize the importance of

infrastructure and public service funding to the successful implementation of VISION 2040.

Cities, counties, and other planning agencies should explore existing and new sources of

funding for public facilities and services and should identify and develop changes to

regulatory, pricing, taxing, and expenditure practices.


Address coordination among jurisdictions, agencies and tribes to address existing

and new requirements in state law, provisions in VISION 2040, and other issues

where there is countywide agreement.


for Local Comprehensive Planning, including Cities with Designated Regional Centers

Address coordination with adjacent

jurisdictions, transit agencies, and special

districts to ensure that common regional and

local planning goals and objectives are being

met.

Identify existing and new sources of

financing for public facilities and services,

including changes to fiscal tools currently

used.

for Transit Agencies and other Agency Planning – including Special Service

Districts

Update plans to make them consistent with VISION 2040, countywide planning

policies, and local comprehensive plans.

Identify existing and new sources of funding for public facilities and services.

THE ENVIRONMENT

VISION 2040 calls for the region to recognize that its health, its economy, and ultimately its

sustainability is impacted by how the region‘s communities are planned. Planning for

complex ecological systems in the region (and beyond) requires a system-level,

interdisciplinary approach. The Environment section includes specific provisions addressing

environmental stewardship, habitat, water quality, air quality, and climate change.

Stewardship addresses managing resources in a manner that is fiscally responsible and protects

key ecological functions. VISION 2040 calls for coordinating environmental planning in the

region and using the best information possible at all levels of planning.


Consider adding a policy section on the environment and sustainability

Provide guidance for addressing the environment within countywide and local

planning processes – including the use of system approaches to planning for whole

ecosystems (such as waterways and their entire watersheds), adaptive management

principles, and landscape-scale analysis that considers the relationship between

aquatic and land use processes.

Provide guidance for addressing regionwide environmental planning initiatives, such

as the Department of Ecology‘s watershed resource inventory areas (WRIA) process.

Include direction for locating development in environmentally sensitive ways.

Address procedures for decision-making based on the best information available.

Funding for Infrastructure

Resources for information on

infrastructure funding are available

at:

www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/imple

mentation/infrastructure/

http://www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/implementation/infrastructure/

http://www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/implementation/infrastructure/


for Local Comprehensive Plans

Consider adding an environmental element in the comprehensive plan

Apply a systems approach to planning for the environment – including adaptive

management principles and landscape-scale analysis.

Address regionwide environmental planning initiatives, such as the Department of

Ecology‘s water resource inventory areas (WRIA) process.

Include provisions to locate development in

environmentally sensitive ways.

Address procedures for planning decision-

making based on the best information

available.

Include measures to mitigate noise impacts

from traffic, industries, and other sources.

for Transit Agencies and other Agency Planning –

including Special Service Districts

Address the environment and sustainable

practices in planning, infrastructure design,

and the provision of services – in a manner

consistent with regional and local growth

management objectives.

Address regionwide environmental planning

initiatives, such as the Department of

Ecology‘s water resource inventory areas

(WRIA) process.

Base planning decisions on the best

information available.

Include measures to mitigate noise impacts

from traffic, industries, and other sources.

Earth and Habitat

VISION 2040 calls for the protection of open space, critical environmental areas, habitat areas

and corridors, and native vegetation.


Provide direction for coordinating jurisdictions‘ work to designate and protect critical

areas to make identifying and regulating these areas more consistent.

Provide direction for developing common methodologies for assessing habitat needs

of critical and sensitive species.

Address planning for open space and greenbelts that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Puget Sound Partnership

The Partnership‘s four-part Action

Agenda calls for (1) protection, (2)

restoration of viable ecological functions,

stopping pollution at its source, and

(4) fixing the regulatory process.

Protection includes establishing

easements for habitat and planning at an

ecosystem scale. Restoration includes

salmon recovery plans and estuary and

near-shore projects. Stopping pollution

includes retrofitting storm systems and

incorporating low-impact development

practices. Process issues include

shoreline protection, funding for critical

area planning, and addressing failing

septic systems.

For detailed information on the Action Agenda,

low-impact development practices, and other

resources, see: www.psp.wa.gov/.

http://www.psp.wa.gov/



Identify open space areas in comprehensive plans and develop programs for

protecting or acquiring them.

Coordinate efforts with adjacent jurisdictions to protect critical areas and habitat.

Include provisions to address the protection and restoration of native vegetation.

for Transit Agencies and other Agency Planning – including Special Service Districts

Ensure that service provision protects critical areas and habitat.

Water Quality

VISION 2040 calls for maintaining natural hydrological functions and, where possible,

improving and restoring this natural hydrology. It addresses restoring freshwater and marine

shorelines, watersheds, and estuaries, reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers,

and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the region‘s hydrology.


Provide direction for developing standards and targets to monitor waterways.


Maintain hydrological functions with ecosystems and watersheds, and where feasible,

restore them to a more natural state. Update stormwater treatment facilities,

maintain flows in waterways, use green

building techniques, and create buffers.

Take steps to restore shorelines, watersheds,

and estuaries.

Include provisions to limit pollution in water;

advance the reduction of the use of pesticides

and chemical fertilizers.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency Planning – including Special Service Districts

Provide services in a manner that does not

affect water quality. Treat runoff with state-

of-the-art methods.

Convert septic systems in urban areas to

sewers.

Air Quality Conformity

The Washington State Clean Air Conformity Act

establishes guidelines and directives for

implementing the federal Clean Air Act

requirements. For the purpose of determining

conformity, as well as consistency with the

regional plan, the transportation-related

provisions in local plans should include, at a

minimum, policy language and provisions that

commit the jurisdiction to developing programs

and measures that address federal and state air

quality regulations and laws. For specific

guidance – see Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

policy guidance on the following page.


Air Quality

Most of the region‘s urban area (see map) is

currently designated under the federal Clean Air

Act as an attainment maintenance area for carbon

monoxide. Parts of the region are designated as a

maintenance area for particulate matter (PM10).

Plans and projects within the region are subject to

requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, the

Washington State Clean Air Act, and the adopted

State Implementation Plan.

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

requires local comprehensive plans to include

policies and provisions that promote the reduction

of criteria pollutants (WAC 173-420-080). Local

comprehensive plans must also identify those

aspects of the existing transportation system whose

modification offers the best opportunity for

improving air quality.

VISION 2040 calls for improving air quality

beyond adopted standards for criteria pollutants. It

also calls for reducing levels for air toxics, fine

particulates, and greenhouse gases.


Provide guidance for local air quality

planning efforts appropriate to each

county.

for Local Comprehensive Planning, including

Cities with Designated Regional Centers

Include both policies and implementation

actions to address federal and state clean

air legislation, and to ensure that air

quality meets or is better than established

standards, including the reduction of

pollutants that contribute to greenhouse

gas emissions.

Incorporate the Puget Sound Clean Air

Agency‘s policies in the comprehensive

plan (see sidebar)

Policy Guidance for addressing

Air Quality and Growth

Management

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

has adopted the following policies

for local jurisdictions to use in their

growth management planning

efforts.

Implement air-friendly and climate

friendly design, construction and

operation practices

Promote cleaner travel choices

Reduce exposure to air

pollution

Install clean fireplaces and

stoves

Support environmental justice

Use the State Environmental

Policy Act as a tool and safety

net

Alternatives to driving alone – including

carpooling, biking, telecommuting &

using transit – are principal ways to

improve air quality.

More information is available at:

www.pscleanair.org/actions/landuse/gro

wth2007.aspx

Criteria Pollutant Standards

Under the federal Clean Air Act, EPA

established National Ambient Air

Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six

principal, or criteria, pollutants

considered harmful to public health and

the environment. Primary standards set

limits to protect public health; secondary

standards set limits to protect the

environment, including protection

against decreased visibility and damage

to wildlife, plants, and buildings. The six

criteria pollutants are carbon monoxide

(CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate

matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone

(nitrogen oxide(NOx) and volatile

organic compounds (VOCs)), and sulfur

oxides.

More information on standards is available

at:

epa.gov/air/criteria.html.

.

http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/landuse/growth2007.aspx

http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/landuse/growth2007.aspx

http://epa.gov/air/criteria.html


Transportation 2040

A variety of strategies and tools will be required to

effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from

transportation. Transportation 2040 discusses a four-

part strategy. See Appendix E2 for more information.

Take significant measurable steps to reduce criteria pollutants beyond adopted

standards, as well as air toxics.

Include provisions to limit exposure to air pollution.

Identify aspects of the transportation system where modification offers the best

opportunities for improving air quality.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency

Planning – including Special Service Districts

Address the programs and services that

reduce criteria pollutants beyond adopted

standards, as well as the reduction of air

toxics.

Address limiting exposure to air pollution.

Climate Change

Although climate change is a global problem, local

action is an important part of the solution. In the

central Puget Sound region, transportation is the

single largest contributor to greenhouse gases,

accounting for nearly half of the related emissions.

Other contributors include electricity generation and industrial. VISION 2040 calls for the

central Puget Sound region to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases to achieve compliance

with state goals (RCW 80.80.020).


Provide direction for programs and strategies to address reducing greenhouse gas

emissions and adapting to climate change.

Provide guidance for addressing interjurisdictional issues relating to greenhouse gas

emissions, such as pass-through traffic.

Provide guidance for addressing climate change in environmental review processes

under the State Environmental Policy Act.


Incorporate provisions to actively reduce

greenhouse gas emissions.

Include an evaluation of greenhouse gas

emissions as part of environmental

analysis documents prepared under the

State Environmental Policy Act.

Develop provisions to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Legislation on Climate Change

The Washington Legislature has established specific

greenhouse gas emission targets to address climate

change. By January 1, 2020, the annual statewide

greenhouse gas emission levels must be no greater

than the emission levels that occurred in 1990. By

January 1, 2035, the annual statewide greenhouse gas

emission levels must be 25 percent below the levels

in 1990. By 2050 the levels must be 50 percent

below 1990 level (RCW 80.80.020 – see also RCW

70.235).



Develop plans and programs to help the region avoid, mitigate and adapt to climate

change.

Related Issue: SEPA Environmental Review

Note: This issue is not explicitly incorporated into VISION 2040, but is offered here as a

useful recommendation for countywide, local, and agency planning efforts.

The VISION 2040 environmental impact statement was prepared with the recognition that

countywide planning groups, local jurisdictions, and other agencies developing plan

amendments and updates could reference the regional environmental analysis. Plans and plan

amendments demonstrating consistency with VISION 2040 could use the VISION 2040 Final

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address anticipated impacts within the range

analyzed by the EIS.

DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

Urban. VISION 2040 calls for accommodating population and employment growth in a

more sustainable way. This includes directing development to the region‘s existing urban

lands, especially in centers. Growth is to be limited in the rural areas. Compact urban

development creates vibrant, livable, and healthy urban communities that offer economic

opportunities for all, provide housing and transportation choices, and use resources wisely.


Ensure that the region‘s growth is accommodated first and foremost in the urban

growth area.

Address the regional framework for designating and adjusting the urban growth area.

Provide direction for a countywide target setting process to (a) establish county level

residential and employment targets, (b)

translate population targets into housing

units, and (c) to set local jurisdiction

residential and employment growth

targets in a manner that supports the

adopted Regional Growth Strategy –using

consistent data and technical assumptions

among the counties.

Address programs and strategies for

brownfield and contaminated site clean-

up, as well as redevelopable sites.

Provide direction for establishing

development standards that are consistent

between cities and adjacent

unincorporated urban areas.

International Council for Local Environment Initiatives

ICLEI provides technical consulting, training, and

information services to build capacity, share

knowledge, and support local government in the

implementation of sustainable development at the

local level. Our basic premise is that locally designed

initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient

way to achieve local, national, and global

sustainability objectives.

More information and planning resources are

available at: www.iclei.org/

http://www.iclei.org/



Include provisions to advance the development of compact urban communities and

central places with densities that support transit and walking.

Identify and redevelop underused land.


(See more detailed discussion below and in Appendix E-4.)


Invest strategically in facilities and services in cities and centers in a manner that

makes the best use of the region‘s land and implements the Regional Growth

Strategy.

Centers. Developing centers is an efficient way to take advantage of existing infrastructure

and provides environmental benefits as well – both by encouraging development in a manner

that curbs urban sprawl and by relying less on forms of transportation that contribute to

pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. VISION 2040 identifies regional growth centers as

places that play an important role as locations of the region‘s most significant business,

governmental, and cultural facilities.

Regional manufacturing/industrial centers are recognized as locations for more intensive

industrial activity and employment opportunities. VISION 2040 identifies regional growth

centers and regional manufacturing/industrial centers as focal points for economic development

funding and transportation infrastructure investments.

Subregional centers, including downtowns in suburban cities and other neighborhood

centers, also play an important role in VISION 2040‘s Regional Growth Strategy. These, too,

are strategic locations for concentrating jobs, housing, shopping, and recreational

opportunities. VISION 2040 calls for each of the region‘s cities to develop one or more central

places as a more compact mixed-use hub for concentrating residences, jobs, shops, and

community facilities.


Address the common framework (to be developed) for designating and evaluating

regional growth centers and regional manufacturing/industrial centers.

Address the common framework (to be developed) for identifying subregional

centers to ensure regionwide compatibility.

Ensure that infrastructure and economic development funding efforts prioritize

projects and services in centers, including countywide and local funds.


Identify one or more central places as a community focal point and location for more

compact, mixed-use development.

Prioritize funding to advance the development of centers and central places.


Consider developing a subarea plan to guide development in each center or central

place.


Prioritize funding to assist the development of regional centers, including regional,

countywide and local funding.

Develop subarea plans for each regional growth center and regional

manufacturing/industrial center.

Establish transportation mode-split goals for each regional center.

(See more detailed discussion of expectations for Center Plans in Appendix E-4.)


Transit providers, special service districts, and other planning agencies should do their part to

plan for and support the development of centers, especially prioritizing services within and

between centers.

Unincorporated Urban Areas. Within the designated urban growth area there are

unincorporated areas that are urban in form and character, but remain under county

jurisdiction. Oftentimes development in these areas has not occurred to the same standard as

in nearby cities. VISION 2040 calls for joint city-county planning in these areas, including

establishing common standards for development review and permitting, as well as for services

and infrastructure, to ensure that development is both efficient and compatible with adjacent

communities.


Provide direction for joint planning in unincorporated urban growth areas, including

coordination of the provision of services.

Provide direction for affiliating unincorporated

urban areas with cities with a view toward

annexation.


Include provisions to ensure the orderly transition

of unincorporated areas to city governance,

including the provision of services and

infrastructure financing.

Counties should establish urban development

standards that are compatible with those of

adjacent municipalities and coordinate the review

of permits. These should be crafted through a

joint planning agreement.

Planning for Centers

The Regional Council has developed the

following resources to assist with planning for

centers.

Puget Sound Milestones: Central Puget

Sound Regional Growth Centers

Designation Criteria for Regional Growth

and Manufacturing Industrial Centers

Center Plan Checklist

Parking Management Plan Checklist

Development Toolkit: Success Stories from

the Centers

These and related resources can be accessed on

the Growth Management webpage at:

http://psrc.org/growth/centers

http://www.psrc.org/projects/monitoring/rgc.htm

http://www.psrc.org/projects/monitoring/rgc.htm

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/criteria.pdf

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/criteria.pdf

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/centerplan.pdf

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/parking.pdf

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/toolkit/index.htm

http://www.psrc.org/projects/growth/toolkit/index.htm

http://psrc.org/growth/centers



Recognize that cities are the preferred provider of urban services, coordinate service

delivery with adjacent cities.

Ensure that the provision of services within urban areas is at urban standards.

Rural. VISION 2040 emphasizes the preservation of rural lands and the protection of their

important ecological, social, and economic functions. It calls for continued use of rural lands for

farming, forestry, open space, and low-density development supported by rural services.


Address minimizing environmental impacts to rural lands, while providing long-term

solutions for the environmental and economic sustainability of rural-based industries.

Address the appropriate character, scale, and location of development in rural areas, and

identify tools and strategies to achieve permanent protection of rural and resource lands.

Further address that facilities that primarily support urban residents should not be located

in the rural area, including urban-sized schools and other facilities.

Include provisions to avoid new highways and major roads in rural areas to limit

development pressure and the conversion of rural lands.


Ensure that development in rural areas is rural in character.

Demonstrate environmentally sensitive and sustainable land use practices in rural areas.

Encourage any rural development that does occur to focus in areas that are already

developed.

Avoid creating new fully contained communities; if such communities are proposed,

make the proposal available to the PSRC and the other counties in the region for review.

Develop actions and provisions to address vested development.

Support those economic activities which are at an appropriate scale for rural areas.

Provide direction to avoid new and expanded roadway facilities in rural areas.


Avoid new and expanded roadway facilities in rural areas.

Do not site services and facilities that primarily serve urban residents in rural areas.

Ensure that facilities in rural areas are rural in character and are designed to provide a

rural service standard.

Resource Lands. VISION 2040 recognizes that the region‘s resource lands—forest,

agricultural, and mineral lands—are crucial to the region‘s sustainability. It also recognizes

that, in addition, to supporting the regional economy, these lands provide an environment for

wildlife habitat, open space, and groundwater recharge. Curbing the conversion and

encroachment of the region‘s economically and ecologically vital resource lands is a challenge

that requires mutually supportive and coordinated efforts among counties and cities.



Countywide planning policies should include provisions to ensure the long-term

sustainability of resource lands.

for Local Comprehensive Plans, including Cities with Designated Regional Centers

County comprehensive plans should limit the amount of growth in resource areas,

take steps to preserve designated resource lands, and ensure that the character of

whatever development does occur is appropriate for these areas.

Cities should participate in transfer of

development rights programs and

similar projects to reduce

development pressures on resource

lands.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency

Planning – including Special Service

Districts

Ensure that planning and

programming is carried out in a

manner that limits impacts on resource

areas.

REGIONAL DESIGN

The Growth Management Act advances

―orderly development‖ to ensure that growth

is contiguous and can be served efficiently. In

particular, good design is an important factor

to ensure that the region grows strategically,

gracefully, and sustainably. Design advances a

systems approach to address land use,

transportation, environmental, urban form,

and social concerns holistically. VISION 2040

calls for designing facilities throughout the

region that create public amenities, contribute to the character of communities, and provide

opportunities for recreation and physical activity.


Provide guidance for preservation of significant historic, visual, and cultural

resources.

Advance the use of design guidelines to encourage construction of healthy (and

green) buildings and facilities.

Discuss the use of natural features and boundaries to help determine the routes and

placement of public facilities and services.

Regional Design Strategy

As part of the work to develop VISION

2040, PSRC worked with design

professionals and interested persons to

create the Regional Design Strategy. The

Strategy supports the goals of VISION

2040 by providing design concepts,

strategies, and tools to implement VISION

2040‘s policies at the local level. It is a

useful source of information for addressing

design-related issues that are important for

successful implementation of VISION

2040 and the Regional Growth Strategy.

A particularly useful feature of the

Regional Design Strategy is its

compendium of best practices. The

Strategy is available on-line at

http://psrc.org/growth/vision2040/backgroun

d

See also the Physical Design Guidelines in

Transportation 2040, which are discussed

in Appendix E-3.

http://psrc.org/growth/vision2040/background

http://psrc.org/growth/vision2040/background


Encourage coordinated planning that works with linear systems which cross

jurisdictional boundaries – including natural systems, continuous land use patterns,

and transportation and infrastructure systems.


Incorporate design provisions in local comprehensive plans, standards and

development regulations – cities may want to consider including an urban design

element in their comprehensive plans.

Address preservation of significant historic, visual, and cultural resources.

Establish design guidelines to encourage construction of healthy (and green)

buildings and facilities.

Address the design of public buildings so that they contribute to a sense of

community and a sense of place.

Use natural features and boundaries to help determine the routes and placement of

public facilities and services.

Apply the Transportation 2040 Physical Design Guidelines (see Appendix E-2) in

planning for high capacity transit station areas. These guidelines may have

application to other types of compact urban communities as well.


Demonstrate that the Transportation 2040 Physical Design Guidelines (see Appendix

E-2) are applied in planning for development and services in each regional growth

center. (While these guidelines to not apply to manufacturing/industrial centers,

those centers should address urban design mitigate aesthetic and other impacts of

manufacturing and industrial activities both within the center and on adjacent

areas)


Ensure that planning and programming takes steps to preserve significant historic,

visual, and cultural resources.

Design facilities to fit the context of the communities in which they are located and

to contribute to a sense of community and a sense of place.

Consider natural features and boundaries to help determine the routes and placement

of public facilities and services.

HEALTH AND ACTIVE LIVING

VISION 2040 recognizes the important relationship between a healthy environment – both

the natural and built environment – and healthy people. As a result, health issues, including

environmental health, pollution exposure, and transportation‘s impact on health, are

addressed throughout VISION 2040. Attention to health in planning and infrastructure

decisions can pay dividends in terms of improved quality of life, reduced health care costs, and

reduced costs from lost productivity. VISION 2040 provides guidance for addressing the


Growth Management Act requirement for local plan land use elements to address ―planning

approaches that promote physical activity‖ (RCW 36.70A.070(1)).


Incorporate health considerations into countywide decision-making, including the

location and operation of public facilities and services.

Provide guidance for planning that addresses the three major health-related themes

of (1) healthy environment, (2) physical activity and well-being, and (3) safety.

Address creating an improved environment for walking and bicycling, including

pedestrian and bicycle facilities that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Support local food production within the region – including protecting productive

agricultural lands.

for Local Comprehensive Plans, including Cities with Designated Regional Centers

Incorporate health into local decision-making, including the location and operation

of public facilities and services.

Include health provisions in local comprehensive plans that address (1) healthy

environment, (2) physical activity and well-being, and (3) safety.

Consider developing a health element in the comprehensive plan.

Develop design guidelines to facilitate the construction of healthy buildings and

facilities.

Improve the built environment for walking and bicycling.

Develop opportunities to promote local food production.


Incorporate health considerations into planning and decision-making, including

planning for a healthy environment, physical activity and well-being, and safety.

Protect and enhance the environment and public health when providing public

facilities and services.

Design for and support improvements that provide walking and bicycling access to

transit routes and stations.

HOUSING

VISION 2040 encourages sufficient housing production to meet existing and future needs. It

places a major emphasis on the location of housing, increased housing diversity and

affordability, and promotes fair and equal access to housing. VISION 2040 calls for preserving

and expanding affordable housing options for households at all income levels, incorporating

quality and environmentally friendly design in homebuilding, and offering healthy and safe

housing choices for all the region‘s residents.



Provide direction for increasing housing production, including diverse types and

styles, for all demographic segments of the population.

Provide direction for addressing affordable housing, including housing for all

economic segments of the population and parameters for its distribution.

Consider addressing affordable housing needs through a countywide fair share

housing strategy.

Provide direction for addressing jobs-housing balance at the countywide level,

consistent with the Regional Growth Strategy, and for promoting affordable

workforce housing options throughout the county for workers at all wage levels with

good access to employment centers.

Promote housing production, including

affordable housing, in centers.

Advance strategies for providing homeownership

opportunities for low- and middle-income

households.

Promote strategies and best housing practices to

encourage regulatory streamlining, innovative

techniques, and interjurisdictional cooperative

efforts and public-private partnerships to

advance the provision of affordable and special

needs housing.


Express the local growth target in terms of housing units.

Refine housing element, as needed, to

advance regional housing objectives

described in VISION 2040.

Address changing demographics and the

need for housing to serve all segments of

the population

Consider establishing affordable housing

production goals for households at: (a)

less than 50 percent of the area median

income, (b) between 50 and 80 percent

of the area median income, and (c) 80 to

120 percent of area median income to

guide development of local housing

provisions.

Identify ―show-your-work‖ provisions

in the housing element and related sections of the local comprehensive plan – such

provisions outline existing measures in place as well as new commitments and

anticipated actions to increase housing diversity and the supply of affordable housing

to meet the needs of households at all income levels. Documentation should include

HealthScape

A King County effort to promote health by

improving how communities are build and how we

travel. Land use patterns and transportation

investments can play key roles in making

communities healthier. Well-planned

neighborhoods have features like connected street

networks, nearby shopping, walking paths, and

transit service. These reduce dependency on cars,

increase opportunities to be physically active, and

improve air quality.

Resources and related materials are available at:

www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/healthscape.aspx

Housing

Jurisdictions should address housing diversity,

housing affordability, special needs housing,

housing in centers, and innovative approaches

to stimulate housing production. Planning for

and ensuring the production of housing should

be coordinated regionally and with other

jurisdictions and agencies.

For further assistance, see

www.prosperitypartnership.org/foundation/hou

sing/

http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/healthscape.aspx

http://www.prosperitypartnership.org/foundation/housing/index.htm

http://www.prosperitypartnership.org/foundation/housing/index.htm


“Show-Your-Work” on Housing

In reporting on the housing provisions, local

jurisdictions are asked to describe not only

their planning policies, but also actions and

programs to increase the supply of housing –

including affordable housing.

Documentation should include

implementation actions, timelines, and

monitoring programs,

PSRC will compile this information

regionally and provide an assessment report

on progress and challenges in meeting

regional housing needs. Where there are

gaps, PSRC will work with member

jurisdictions to determine how to close those

gaps.

implementation actions, timelines, monitoring programs for addressing housing

targets and goals.

Include strategies and programs to provide homeownership opportunities for low-

and middle-income households.

Include strategies and programs to advance workforce housing, including transit-

oriented development, with good access to employment centers.

Revise codes and regulations to promote efficient and streamlined development

processes, environmentally friendly housing design, and safe and healthy housing.

Advance innovative approaches to encourage production of diverse and affordable

housing.

for Cities with Designated Regional Growth Centers

Increase housing production within each center, including diverse

types and affordable options, for all segments of the population.

Consider establishing affordable housing targets for each center for

households at: (a) less than 50 percent of the area median income,

(b) between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income, and (c) 80

to 120 percent of the area median income.

Document strategies and programs to promote additional supply of

housing in each center and to address affordable workforce housing

objectives.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency Planning – including Special Service

Districts

Target investments and services to advance regional and local housing

objectives in a manner that implements the Regional Growth Strategy

Prioritize investments and services to centers to support the

development of housing

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

VISION 2040‘s overarching economic goal is to achieve a thriving and

sustainable economy, embodied by a favorable business atmosphere with new

jobs, as well as a focus on environmental stewardship, centers, cultural

diversity, and high quality of life. Its economic provisions are organized

around the topics of business, people, and places. The multicounty planning

policies emphasize enriching the region‘s businesses and employment market

through job retention, growth, and diversification. The region‘s designated

growth centers and manufacturing/industrial centers are primary locations of

commerce of employment and are therefore prioritized for economic

development and transportation funding.


Address economic development strategies for economically

Regional Economic

Strategy

Regional Economic Strategy

for the Central Puget Sound

Region is a set of detailed

action initiatives focused on

strengthening our region‘s

leading industry clusters and

rebuilding the foundations of

our economy. Information

and related resources are

available at:

www.prosperitypartnership.

org/strategy/

http://www.prosperitypartnership.org/strategy/

http://www.prosperitypartnership.org/strategy/


distressed areas.

Advance programs for promoting investments in communities.

Address planning for industry clusters.


Include an economic development element in the comprehensive plan (Ec-Action-6), that

addresses:

Business, people and places

Small and locally owned businesses

Industry clusters

Economically distressed areas

for Cities with Designated Regional Growth Centers

Craft approaches for promoting development to support increased housing and jobs

within each center.

Include strategies to promote affordable housing within each center.


Develop plans and programs that support the safe and reliable movement of people,

goods and services, and information through the region in a manner that supports the

Regional Growth Strategy and the Regional Economic Strategy.

PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES As the region plans for growth, both improved efficiencies in providing services and

conservation are essential for meeting many of the region‘s present and future service needs.

VISION 2040 stresses the benefits of conservation, including the financial and energy savings

from maximizing the use of existing facilities, reducing pollution, and curbing waste. The

Regional Growth Strategy highlights the need for strategic investments in services and

facilities, especially to support growth and development in centers and compact urban

communities.


Address the consistency of capital improvement programming with local

comprehensive plans, countywide planning policies, and VISION 2040.

Advance conservation principles for the provision of services (reuse, recycle, renew).

Provide guidance for counties (and, where appropriate, cities) to review special

district plans for consistency with local comprehensive plans and VISION 2040; also,

provide guidance for the review of special district criteria for location and design of

schools and other public facilities.

Develop strategies to reduce the number of special districts.

Provide guidance for locating facilities serving urban population within the urban

growth area, precluding urban services in rural areas, and ensuring that facilities in

rural area are rural in character.

Identify strategies to promote renewable energy, alternative energy sources.


Promote strategies to use water more efficiently, as well as strategies to ensure

adequate water supply, including adapting to climate change.

for Local Comprehensive Plans, including Cities with Designated Centers

Demonstrate conservation principles for the provision of services (reuse, recycle,

renew), including demand management before capacity expansion

Include a financial plan for providing services to support the local land use element

and Regional Growth Strategy.

Include a consistency assessment of the jurisdiction‘s capital improvement program

with the local comprehensive plan and VISION 2040 (PS-Action-8).

Work with special districts to ensure consistency with local plans and VISION 2040,

including the review of special district criteria for location and design of schools and

other public facilities (note: schools should be avoided in manufacturing industrial

centers).

Identify opportunities for co-location of facilities, such as schools and parks (note:

schools and parks should be avoided in manufacturing industrial centers).

Develop actions to transfer public facility and service responsibilities to cities, where

appropriate.

Locate facilities serving urban population within the urban growth area (note:

population should be avoided in manufacturing industrial centers).

Address failing septic systems.

Promote renewable energy and alternative energy sources.

Include strategies to use water more efficiently, as well as strategies to ensure adequate

water supply, including adapting to climate change.


Use conservation principles for the provision of services (reuse, recycle, renew),

including demand management before capacity expansion.

Include a financial plan for providing services to support the Regional Growth Strategy

and local jurisdictions‘ comprehensive plans.

Transit agencies and special service districts should make their plans available to

counties (and where appropriate to cities) for review.

Ensure that criteria for location and design of schools and other public facilities are

consistent with the Regional Growth Strategy and local growth management planning

objectives

Identify opportunities for co-location of facilities.

Develop processes, where appropriate, to transfer the provision of urban services to

cities.

Ensure that facilities serving urban populations are located within the urban growth

area; do not extend urban services into rural areas, and ensure that facilities in the rural

area are rural in character.


TRANSPORTATION

The transportation provisions in VISION 2040 are organized around three broad areas:

(1) maintenance, management and safety, (2) supporting the Regional Growth Strategy, and

(3) greater options and mobility. VISION 2040 addresses federal and state laws and directives

designed to ensure mobility for people, goods, and services by focusing on maintenance,

management, and safety. Protecting and enhancing the environment, promoting energy

conservation, and improving the quality of life must be considered as part of meeting our

current and future mobility needs.

VISION 2040 calls for better-integrated land use and transportation planning and provides

guidance for the development of a transportation system that will support the Regional Growth

Strategy. VISION 2040‘s emphasis on developing centers includes prioritizing transportation

investments in regional growth centers and manufacturing/industrial centers. VISION 2040 is

committed to increasing transportation choices while improving the region‘s natural

environment. There is an emphasis on transportation investments that offer greater mobility

options, more alternatives to driving alone (and therefore reduced vehicle miles traveled), and

lower transportation-related energy consumption, which in turn lowers particulate pollution

and greenhouse gas emissions.


MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY

Address the development of a clean regional transportation system, including changes

in fuels, technologies (including renewable resources for energy), and how we travel.

Provide direction for decision-making that promotes environmentally sensitive

transportation activities that reduce water and air pollution – with attention to

human health, low-impact design, and environmentally friendly (i.e., green) streets.

Provide direction for ensuring that strategies, programs and investment decision-

making identify reliable and predictable revenues for maintaining and preserving the

existing system.

Provide direction for reducing the need for new projects and facilities through

improved operations, system management and demand management strategies.

Identify cooperative strategies and programs to protect the transportation system

against disasters, develop prevention and

recovery strategies, and plan for coordinated

responses for transportation in an

emergency.

SUPPORTING THE GROWTH STRATEGY

Prioritize transportation investments that

serve centers, including key projects and

programs in centers, as well as connecting

centers with a highly efficient multimodal

network. Give additional priority to

projects that advance housing development,

Green Streets

A street that uses vegetated facilities to manage

stormwater runoff at its source is often referred to as

a ―green street.‖ VISION 2040 advances sustainable

stormwater strategies for street and roadways, as well

as other features to improve the environment of

urban streets – including landscaping and pedestrian-

friendly treatments.

Resources are available through the Environmental

Protection Agency at:

www.epa.gov/owow/podcasts/greenstreetsusa.html

See also the Low Impact Development Center at:

www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/greenstreets/

http://www.epa.gov/owow/podcasts/greenstreetsusa.html

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/greenstreets/


including affordable housing, in regional

growth centers.

Promote joint- and mixed-use development

projects as ways to improve mobility and

accessibility

Provide direction for the development of

―complete streets,‖ including transportation

corridors that pass through more than one

jurisdiction.

Advance the application of urban design

principles, especially in centers and transit

station areas

GREATER OPTIONS AND MOBILITY

Provide direction for travel options to driving

alone and overall reduction of vehicle miles

traveled.

Address the role of bicycling and walking as

important travel modes by providing guidance

for improving nonmotorized mobility and safe

access.

Provide direction to ensure the compatibility level-of-service standards between

jurisdictions and across jurisdictional boundaries.

Develop provisions to improve the compatibility of concurrency programs, as well as

to address multimodal solutions.

Coordinate planning for rail among jurisdictions, including

the preservation of right-of-way for high-capacity transit.

Address transportation financing methods that sustain

maintenance, preservation, and operations of facilities.



Develop clean transportation programs and facilities that use

alternative fuels and new technologies (including renewable

resources for energy), and provide alternatives for how we

travel.

Take demonstrable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

related to transportation.

Develop practices for transportation activities that reduce water and air pollution,

including low-impact design and green streets.


attention to human health and safety.

Complete Streets

A ―complete street‖ is a roadway that is designed

and operated with all users in mind – including

bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and

riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Such streets are designed to be safer, more

livable, and welcoming to everyone.

Resources and more information are available

through the National Complete Streets Coalition

at: www.completestreets.org/.

Context Sensitive Design

This approach to the design of transportation

facility takes into account the specific

community or physical setting in which a

street or roadway is located. The design

addresses scenic, aesthetic, historic and

environmental features, while maintaining

safety and mobility.

More information and resources are available

through the Federal Highway Administration

at: www.fhwa.dot.gov/context/index.cfm

See also the following:

Institute of Transportation Engineers at:

www.ite.org/css/

Context Sensitive Solutions at:

www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/

Washington State Department of

Transportation at:

www.wsdot.wa.gov/Biz/csd/

http://www.completestreets.org/

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/context/index.cfm

http://www.ite.org/css/

http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Biz/csd/


Identify stable and predictable funding sources for maintaining and preserving

existing transportation facilities and services.

Reduce need for new projects through improved operations, system management and

demand management strategies – such as signalization, channelization, ramp meeting,

and bus bypasses.

Identify programs and strategies to protect the transportation system against disaster,

develop prevention and recover strategies, plan for coordinated responses to

emergencies.


Invest in and promote joint- and mixed-use developments in order to improve overall

mobility and accessibility.

Develop full standards for transportation facilities to improve travel for all users –

including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and the delivery of goods and services (i.e.,

―complete streets‖).

Improve local street patterns for walking, biking, and transit use.

Address multiple modes of transportation in concurrency programs that factor in the

movement of people, goods, and services, and not only the movement of vehicles.

Design transportation facilities to fit within their context.

Apply urban design principles for transportation facilities, especially in centers and

transit station areas.


Prevent or minimize adverse impacts of transportation facilities on lower-income,

minority, and special needs populations.

Ensure mobility for people with special needs.

Emphasize alternatives to driving alone, increase proportion of trips made by

alternatives to driving alone; establish goals for reducing driving alone (consistent

with RCW 47.01.440 and RCW 70.235.020).

Establish level-of-service standards that address people-moving capacity over vehicle

movement

Avoid new or expanded facilities in rural areas.

Incorporate bicycling and walking as important travel modes by improving and

adding facilities and reliable connections.

Address freight transportation.

Preserve rights-of-way for high-capacity transit.

Encourage public/private sector partnerships for transportation projects.


and operations of facilities.



Improve local street patterns within centers for walking, bicycling, and transit use,

including smaller blocks (note: this is not applicable to manufacturing industrial

centers)

Prioritize investments to regional growth centers and regional

manufacturing/industrial centers

Improve multimodal connections for access to centers from adjacent areas

Establish mode split goals for regionally designated centers (DP-Action-18)

Tailor concurrency programs for centers.



Advance programs and services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including

changes in fuels, technologies, and travel patterns.

Develop practices for transportation activities that reduce water and air pollution.


attention to human health and safety.

Develop programs and strategies to protect the transportation system against disaster,

develop prevention and recover strategies, plan for coordinated responses to

emergencies.


Ensure that joint and mixed use developments are supported with regular transit

service; invest in transportation facilities and services that support housing in


Prioritize investments to regional growth centers and regional manufacturing centers.

Improve multimodal connections for access to centers from areas that are adjacent.

Work with jurisdictions to develop full standards for streets and urban roadways to

serve all users (i.e., ―complete streets‖); improve local street patterns for walking,

biking, and transit use; incorporate bicycle and pedestrian travel as important modes

by providing facilities and reliable connections.

Design transportation facilities to fit within their context; apply urban design

principles, especially in centers and transit station areas.


Work with jurisdictions to increase the proportion of trips made by alternatives to

driving alone; develop plans and programs that help to reduce driving alone.

Improve connections among modes of travel.

Prevent or minimize adverse impacts to lower-income, minority, and special needs

populations.

Ensure mobility and access for people with special needs.


Work with jurisdictions to develop multimodal approaches to concurrency.

Avoid new or expanded facilities in rural areas; ensure that service within the rural

area focuses on connections to and between rural towns.

Coordinate planning for rail.

Promote right-of-way preservation for high-capacity transit.

Encourage public/private sector partnerships for transportation projects.


and operations of facilities.




APPENDIX E-2: CONSISTENCY WITH TRANSPORTATION 2040

State planning law requires countywide planning policies and the transportation-related

provisions in local comprehensive plans to be consistent with the adopted regional

transportation plan. Together, VISION 2040 and its functional transportation plan,

Transportation 2040, adopted in May 2010, provide the policy and planning framework for

transportation planning in the central Puget Sound region.

VISION 2040 is the region‘s long-range integrated strategy for environmental, growth

management, economic development, and transportation planning. The multicounty planning

policies in VISION 2040 provide the full policy framework for both Transportation 2040 and the

Regional Economic Strategy (which is also a functional plan of VISION 2040). Because VISION

2040 provides this framework, consistency with the adopted regional transportation plan

incorporates many of the factors discussed in Appendix A-1.

Transportation 2040 is organized into seven chapters: (1) Toward a Sustainable

Transportation System, (2) A Strategic Approach to Regional Mobility, (3) A Sustainable

Environment, (4) A Sustainable Financial Framework, (5) Regional Programs and Projects, (6)

Monitoring Implementation and System Performance, and (7) Future Planning, Programming,

and Implementation. Each chapter is briefly summarized below, along with guidance on how

Transportation 2040 applies to countywide planning efforts, local comprehensive planning,

and other agency planning.

Toward a Sustainable Transportation System

This chapter establishes three integrated strategies for addressing (1) congestion and mobility,

(2) the environment, and (3) transportation funding. Investments are prioritized for centers

and compact urban communities. Transportation 2040 calls for a transportation system that is

safe, secure, and efficient. This includes moving people and goods in ways that support a

healthy environment and a strong economy. Sustainable transportation means relying on

cleaner and renewable sources of energy, as well as more environmentally friendly design and

construction to reduce impacts. Transportation sets the region on a course to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions. It also takes steps toward sustainable financing.


Provide guidance for countywide and local transportation planning efforts, consistent

with the objectives of Transportation 2040, to address:

o Prioritization for developing centers.

o Safety, security, and efficiency.

o Transportation that supports a healthy environment and strong economy.

o Clean and renewable sources of energy.

o Environmentally friendly transportation design and construction practices.

o Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

o Sustainable transportation financing.


Ensure that local transportation planning provisions advance regional planning

objectives, including:









for Transit Agencies and Other Agency Planning, including Special Districts

Ensure that agency transportation provisions advance regional planning objectives,

including:








Physical Design Guidelines

A set of 10 guidelines have been established to address design principles and site development

characteristics that advance the mutually supportive relationship between land use and

transportation. The physical design guidelines are specifically directed to designated regional

centers and high-capacity transit station areas. However, they have applicability to all types

of centers and compact urban development within the region. The physical design guidelines

include:

1. Encourage a mix of complementary land uses.

2. Encourage compact growth by addressing density.

3. Link neighborhoods, connect streets, sidewalks and trails.

4. Integrate activity areas with surrounding neighborhoods.

5. Locate public and semipublic uses near stations.

6. Design for pedestrians and bicyclists.

7. Provide usable open spaces.

8. Manage the supply of parking.

9. Promote the benefits of on-street parking.

10. Reduce and mitigate the effects of parking.


Provide additional detail and specificity for addressing the physical design guidelines

at the local level, especially for various types of centers and high capacity transit

station areas.



Apply the physical design guidelines to planning for high capacity transit station

areas. Also, work with the guidelines in other aspects of comprehensive planning,

including development review, to create compact urban communities that are

walkable and transit-oriented.

for Cities with Designated Centers

For each designated regional growth center

and high-capacity transit station area,

demonstrate that the ten physical design

guidelines in Transportation 2040 have been

addressed. For manufacturing/industrial

centers, develop design standards to mitigate

aesthetic and other impacts of manufacturing

and industrial activities both within the center and on adjacent areas.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency Planning, including Special Service Districts

Address the physical design guidelines in planning efforts and decision-making for

regional growth centers and high-capacity transit station areas.

A Strategic Approach to Regional Mobility

This chapter addresses mobility and congestion relief through (1) land use planning, (2)

managing system demand, (3) transportation system management and operations, and (4)

strategically adding capacity to the transportation system.


Provide additional detail and specificity to guide countywide and local planning for:

o Land use planning – including planning for centers and compact

communities, and ensuring that in rural areas new highways or major roads

expansions are avoided.

o Managing system demand.

o Transportation system management and operations.

o Strategically adding capacity to the transportation system.

o Developing ―complete streets‖ provisions for making roadways better serve

all users, including motorists, transit, bicyclists, and pedestrians.


Incorporate provisions and strategies for improving accessibility and mobility

through:

o Land use planning, including prioritizing centers, developing more compact

urban communities that are walkable and more transit-friendly, and

avoiding new highways and road expansions in rural areas

o Advancing a full array of demand management strategies. Examples include

ridesharing, telecommuting, alternatives to driving alone, flexible work

schedules.

Physical Design Guidelines

For further guidance and information, see the

Design Guidelines Manual (2003) on-line at:

http://www.psrc.org/assets/254/designmanual.pdf

http://www.psrc.org/assets/254/designmanual.pdf


o Advancing a complete array of system management strategies.

Examples include traffic signal coordination, transit prioritization

treatments, parking management.

o strategically adding capacity to the transportation system in a manner

consistent with adopted regional policy and local comprehensive planning

objectives.

o Developing a ―complete streets‖ programs for evolving roadways into

multimodal transportation facilities that better serve all users, including

motorists, transit, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Consider developing a typology

of different kinds of complete street approaches for different types of

roadways and streets.


Incorporate provisions and strategies for improving accessibility and mobility in

centers through:

o Land use planning, including developing plans and actions for transit-

oriented development in regional growth centers, as well as related

provisions and strategies to improve walking, bicycling, and access to transit

– including complete street design for centers.

o Managing system demand, including parking management planning.


o Strategically adding capacity to the transportation system in a manner

consistent with mode split goals established for each designated center.


Incorporate provisions and strategies for improving accessibility and mobility in

centers through:

o Land use planning, including transit system planning focused on centers,

route planning that serves compact urban communities, partnering with

local jurisdictions to develop plans and actions for transit-oriented

development, focusing rural service to connecting towns in the rural area.

o Managing system demand.


o Strategically adding capacity to the transportation system in a manner

consistent with adopted regional policy and local comprehensive planning

objectives.

Mobility for Those with Special Needs

Special needs transportation services provides a range of mobility options for those who

cannot or do not drive. Community and private operators provide mostly demand response

services. Student transportation services may be provided by public transportation agencies or

by school districts.


Provide additional detail and specificity to guide countywide and local planning to

serve the mobility and accessibility needs of those who cannot or do not drive.



Incorporate provisions and strategies for improving the mobility of those who do not

or cannot drive by addressing barrier-free accessibility in the built environment,

improved opportunities for walking, bicycling, and using transit, and siting schools

and facilities housing public services in locations more central to the populations

being served.


Identify opportunities to increase frequency of

all-day core transit service.

Regularly update paratransit plans to serve the

needs of a growing and changing population.

Regularly review and, as needed, revise

programs for demand response service.

A Sustainable Environment

Transportation 2040 addresses the relationship between transportation and the environment.

The plan was developed with a focus on reducing the potential environmental impacts of

transportation infrastructure and operations. Transportation 2040 speaks to (1) maintaining

and improving air quality, (2) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, (3) improving water quality,

and (4) improving and promoting health.


Provide additional detail and specificity to

guide countywide and local planning to reduce

transportation-related impacts on air quality

and climate, water quality and habitat, and on

public health, including exposure to pollutants

and noise, as well as improving opportunities

for walking and bicycling.

for Local Comprehensive Plans, including Cities

with Designated Centers

Incorporate provisions and strategies,

including construction practices and for

transportation operations, that measurably improve air quality, water quality, and

habitat.

Develop ―green street‖ programs and strategies that integrate innovative stormwater

management practices for roads and other transportation facilities, as well as provide

for enhanced landscaping and vegetation along thoroughfares and other streets.

Develop a jurisdictional-level greenhouse gas reduction strategy that addresses (1)

land use, including the development of compact, walkable communities, (2) user fees,

Coordinated Transit-Human Services

Transportation Plan

For further information, see Appendix K in

Transportation 2040 –or – go on-line to:

www.psrc.org/transportation/special-needs/

Four-Part Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy

A variety of strategies and tools will be required to

effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from

transportation. Transportation 2040 discusses a

four-part strategy:

Land Use – continue to develop compact urban communities

User Fees – transition over time to a roadway pricing system to reduce vehicle miles traveled

Choices – continue to provide more options to driving alone

Technology – improvements in fuel efficiency and the transition to alternative forms of energy

http://www.psrc.org/transportation/special-needs/


including parking fees, (3) improved choices for alternatives to driving alone, and (4)

technology, including the use of more fuel-efficient vehicles in the jurisdiction‘s fleet.

Address public health in planning for and operating transportation, including

creating improved opportunities for walking and bicycling, and reducing the public‘s

exposure to air, water, and noise pollution from transportation facilities.

Develop factors for addressing health impacts and emissions reductions in

transportation decision-making


Incorporate provisions and strategies, including construction practices and for

transportation operations, that measurably improve air quality, water quality, and

habitat.

Develop programs and strategies that integrate innovative stormwater management

practices, as well as provide for enhanced landscaping and vegetation.

Work with regional agencies and local jurisdictions to continue to develop viable

alternatives to driving alone.

Develop factors for addressing health impacts and emissions reductions in transportation

decision-making.

A Sustainable Financial Framework

Transportation 2040 advances a financing strategy designed to address the challenges

associated with funding transportation investments. The strategy envisions local actions to

adjust levy rates, impact and development fees, and parking pricing. State efforts are needed

to identify additional local option taxes, secure transit funding, and distribute state

transportation revenues in a manner that supports best practices. Tolls and other user fees

would also become a more prominent part of funding transportation.


Provide guidance for transportation investments at the countywide and local level,

based on Transportation 2040 financing strategy and overall transportation objectives.


Demonstrate that local transportation improvement programs and related

investments commit to maintenance and preservation of local transportation facilities

and services.

Show that local investment strategies prioritize transportation improvements in

centers – including regional growth centers and locally identified centers.

Develop parking management plans that include strategies for parking pricing.

Maximize efforts to support investments through levies, impact and development

fees, and other local financing options.



Prioritize investments in regional growth centers and manufacturing/industrial

centers.

Strategically leverage investments in regional growth centers to support the development

of housing.

Consider establishing improvement districts to pay for infrastructure and other

investments in centers.


Demonstrate that agency programs commit to maintenance and preservation of

transportation facilities and services.

Show that local investment strategies prioritize transportation improvements in

centers and high-capacity transit station areas.

Maximize efforts to stabilize funding for transit infrastructure and service.

Regional Programs and Projects

This chapter describes programs and projects that have been identified to implement the

region‘s transportation strategy. Two broad categories of investments are presented: (1)

constrained and (2) unprogrammed. Constrained investments in the plan‘s financial strategy

are funded through currently available and/or reasonably expected new revenue sources. The

unprogrammed portion needs additional funding or financial analysis.


Provide guidance to ensure that programs and projects identified in countywide and local

transportation planning are consistent with adopted regional policy and included in

Transportation 2040.


Demonstrate strategies and actions to maintain and preserve local streets, roads,

sidewalks, and pathways to serve mobility and the movement of goods.


Maximize efforts to reliably finance transit operations and capital replacements.

Monitoring Implementation and System Performance

Transportation 2040 includes a commitment to regularly report on how the region is doing to

take the steps necessary to implement VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040. While VISION

2040 includes an integrated approach to measuring both implementation of regional goals and

performance in achieving a broad range of desired policy outcomes, Transportation 2040

discuss the monitoring of mobility and accessibility, mode split for various travel options,

addressing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, preserving water quality, the

application of tolling and user fees, and expenditures for transportation.



Provide guidance for ensuring compatibility among regional, countywide, and local

monitoring and reporting efforts.


Provide data and information needed to support regional, countywide, and local

monitoring efforts.

Provide the outcomes of monitoring to local officials to help inform decision-making

processes.


Establish mode-split goals for designated regional centers, and regularly report on

travel by driving alone, ridesharing (including carpools and vanpools), transit, and

nonmotorized travel.


Regularly report on transit ridership and cooperative planning efforts for transit-

oriented development.

Future Planning, Programming, and Implementation

Transportation 2040 is designed to be a planning document that continues to evolve. It

includes implementation actions, information on amending the plan, a discussion of corridor

planning, and descriptions of the region‘s transportation improvement program (TIP) and plan

review process.


Provide guidance for implementation of Transportation 2040 at the countywide level

and locally.


As regional transportation planning efforts evolve, local comprehensive plans should

be regularly reviewed and routinely updated to reflect changes and new provisions in

VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040.


As regional transportation planning efforts evolve, local comprehensive plans should

be regularly reviewed and routinely updated to reflect changes and new provisions in

VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040.




APPENDIX E-3: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORTATION-RELATED PROVISIONS

A final part of the certification responsibilities of regional transportation planning

organizations is to ensure that the transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive

plans conform with comprehensive planning provisions for transportation in the Growth

Management Act. The transportation element in local comprehensive plans is required to

contain, at a minimum, the following seven sub-elements:

Land use assumptions used in estimating travel.

Estimated traffic impacts to state-owned transportation facilities resulting from land

use assumptions.

Identification of facilities and service needs.

Discussion of financing for transportation facilities and services.

Intergovernmental coordination efforts.

Transportation demand management strategies.

Pedestrian and bicycle component.

The Act outlines specific provisions to be addressed for each of the

subelements. The Regional Council‘s review of the

transportation-related provisions in local comprehensive plans

incorporates a review of each subelement for conformity with the

provisions of the Act.

Note: Since these requirements are specifically directed to local comprehensive plans, the

following discussion focuses in more detail on how they are to be addressed by local

jurisdictions. The discussion of countywide planning policies and other agency planning

efforts is therefore more generalized, offering recommendations of how they can add value to

local planning efforts.

Land Use Assumptions and Forecast of Travel Demand

The land use assumptions used in estimating travel demand help determine where future

transportation improvements and infrastructure are most needed and play a major role in

capital facilities planning. Under the Growth Management Act, the comprehensive plan must

include a forecast of travel demand for a period of at least 10 years. The forecast must

demonstrate the application of land use assumptions.


Provide guidance for coordinating the land use assumptions of adjacent jurisdictions

in the development of the transportation element in local comprehensive plans.

Washington Administrative Code

Besides the guidance provided in this

Appendix for transportation planning,

jurisdictions should also consult Section

365-195-325 of the Washington

Administrative Code.



Demonstrate that travel demand forecast and transportation needs assessments are

always based on land use assumptions, are consistent with adopted growth targets.

Ensure that population and employment assumptions, as well adopted land use maps,

are consistent throughout the plan (e.g. land use element, transportation element,

housing element).

Ensure that population and employment assumptions in the transportation element

are consistent with the most recently adopted growth targets.

Document that travel demand forecasts extend for a period of at least 10 years.

Include state-owned facilities included in the travel demand model. Estimate impacts

on state facilities.


Demonstrate that needs assessments and service decisions for transportation are

consistent with established growth targets and locally adopted comprehensive plans

Service and Facility Needs

The transportation-related provisions in local plans are required to address service and

facilities needs. The identification of needs should include an inventory of transportation

facilities, regionally coordinated level-of-service standards for all locally owned arterials and

transit routes, level-of-service standards for state-owned highways, a list of specific actions for

locally owned transportation facilities or services as they relate to addressing established

standards, and identification of state and local system needs to meet current and future

demands.

Facility Inventories

As a basis for future planning, local transportation facility inventories define existing capital

facilities and travel levels. Under the Act, comprehensive plans must include an inventory of

air, water, and ground transportation facilities within the borders of a jurisdiction. The

inventory in local comprehensive plans must include both local and state-owned facilities.


Provide guidance for needs assessment and infrastructure decision-making, such as

common formats for developing facility inventories.


Include inventories for each transportation system, including roadways, transit,

bicycles, pedestrians, freight, airports (where appropriate), and ferry facilities (where

appropriate).

Consider including maps and descriptions of conditions.

Include state-owned facilities in the inventory.



Consider including inventories for each transportation system. These inventories should

be coordinated with local jurisdictions.

Level-of-Service Standards

Local jurisdictions are required to adopt level-of-service standards for locally owned arterials and

transit routes to help ensure that transportation improvements and services are available to serve

existing communities and proposed development. The Growth Management Act stresses that

level-of-service standards be regionally coordinated, and requires that local jurisdictions include in

their transportation elements the adopted level-of-service standards for all highways of regional

and statewide significance.

VISION 2040 states that level-of-service standards

should focus on the movement of people and goods, not

just on the movement of vehicles (see Policy MPP-DP-

54). Jurisdictions therefore should develop level-of-

service standards that take into account various modes

of travel besides vehicles.


provide guidance for addressing service

standards and mobility issues that transcend

local jurisdiction boundaries, including

multimodal approaches to transportation

concurrency and issues related to pass-through

travel.

Provide guidance to transit agencies for

establishing level-of-service standards and/or

performance standards, and how those

standards are stated in local comprehensive

plans.

Consider providing guidance for establishing

level-of-service standards for other modes of

travel.


Include adopted level-of-service standards for

arterials.

Emphasize people-moving capacity rather than

vehicles in establishing level-of-service

standards.

Consider establishing service or performance

standards for other transportation modes, including for bicycling and pedestrian facilities.

Level-of-Service Standards

Transit Service. Regarding the directive in

the Growth Management Act to adopt level-

of-service standards for transit, service is

provided in central Puget Sound by transit

agencies that operate at the countywide level,

rather than by individual cities and towns

(with the exception of Everett Transit). As a

result, the Regional Council encourages

transit agencies to coordinate with local

jurisdictions in establishing service or

performance standards for transit. The

agencies should then provide information to

cities and counties regarding how to express

the established service standards in local

comprehensive plans.

Standards for Highways of Statewide

Significance. Fir information on level-of-

service standards for state facilities, see

WSDOT‘s Highway System Plan, Appendix

E. /www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E2120591-

893A-4BB4-AFDC-

121A41210E5D/0/10Appendix.pdf

Standards for Regionally Significant State

Highways, PSRC has adopted level-of-service

standards for regionally significant state

highwsy. Information is on-line at:

www.psrc.org/transportation/destination2030/lo

s/

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E2120591-893A-4BB4-AFDC-121A41210E5D/0/10Appendix.pdf



http://www.psrc.org/transportation/destination2030/los/

http://www.psrc.org/transportation/destination2030/los/


Reference and discuss the service standards for neighboring jurisdictions, including the

consistency of these standards.

Cite level-of-service or performance standards for transit.

State how adopted level-of-service standards for state and regional facilities are

reflected in the plan‘s transportation provisions.


Establish level-of-service standards or performance standards for transit – and other

services.

Develop these standards in cooperation with local jurisdictions to advance regional

and local growth management planning objectives.

Provide guidance to cities and counties for expressing established standards in their

local comprehensive plans.

Related Issue: Concurrency

The Growth Management Act emphasizes the provision of public facilities to adequately

support existing communities and new development as it occurs. As a result, the Act requires

that local jurisdictions to adopt a concurrency ordinance to ensure the provision of adequate

transportation facilities to serve development at the time it is to be occupied, or within six

years. In 2005, the Act was amended to encourage multimodal transportation considerations

in addressing concurrency – including walking, bicycling, and transit – in addressing

transportation impacts and solutions.


Provide guidance for developing compatible approaches

to concurrency among local jurisdictions.

Address consistency of concurrency programs along

jurisdictional boundaries and for facilities that serve more

than one jurisdiction.


Has the city or county established a concurrency

ordinance?

Are there specific policies or provisions in the

comprehensive plan that address concurrency?

Does the concurrency program account for multimodal

travel?

Is the concurrency program coordinated with and supportive of neighboring

jurisdictions‘ land use plans and transportation systems?


Address multimodal aspects of concurrency and coordinate efforts with local

jurisdictions to identify multimodal solutions to transportation needs.

Concurrency

The Regional Council has developed a

series of repots on transportation

concurrency, including analysis of

practices in the region,

recommendations for local concurrency

programs, and options for making

concurrency more multimodal.

These reports and other resources are

available at:

www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/impl

ementation/concurrency

http://www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/implementation/concurrency

http://www.psrc.org/growth/vision2040/implementation/concurrency


Financing

The Growth Management Act requires that the transportation-related provisions of

comprehensive plans address the financing of the local transportation system. The local plan

must include a multiyear financing plan with: (1) an analysis of estimated costs related to

maintenance, construction, and operations, (2) an analysis of funding capability, including

revenues and probable funding sources, and (3) a reassessment of funding that identifies how

the jurisdiction will respond should probable funding not be available. (See discussion below.)

The multiyear financing plans serve as the basis for the six-year street, road, or transit

program for cities, counties, and public transportation systems and should be coordinated with

the state‘s six-year transportation improvement program.

Reassessment Strategy

Under the Act, each jurisdiction must craft a ―reassessment strategy‖ to be in place to guide

decision-making should a funding shortfall occur. The reassessment strategy must address one

or more of the following factors: (1) how additional funding would be raised, (2) how level-of-

service standards would be adjusted, or (3) how land use assumptions would be reassessed.

The Regional Council encourages jurisdictions to craft reassessment strategies that first

consider identifying additional funding or adjusting level-of-service standards, before

considering reassessment of land use assumptions.


Provide guidance for common approaches to (1) analyzing funding capabilities,

(2) developing provisions to include in a multiyear financing plan, and (3) addressing

possible funding shortfalls in a reassessment strategy.

Provide guidance for investment decision-making and accessing new transportation

revenues.

Describe county level and interjurisdictional sources of funding.


Fully account for both existing and new sources of revenue.

Fully describe investment decision methodologies.

Include a multiyear financing plan, based on the local transportation system needs.

Include an analysis of funding capability relative to probable funding resources.

Include a reassessment strategy in the event of a funding shortfall.


Fully account for both existing and new sources of revenue.

Fully describe investment decision methodologies.

Develop a multiyear financing plan, in cooperation with local jurisdictions.



The Growth Management Act places an emphasis on coordinating local, regional, and state

planning efforts. Under the Act, the comprehensive plan of each county or city is to be

coordinated and consistent with the comprehensive plans of other jurisdictions with which it

shares common borders or related regional issues. The plan must include an assessment of the

impacts of the transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of

adjacent cities and counties. It should also explicitly address how its land use assumptions and

transportation network impact transportation in adjacent jurisdictions.21


Provide guidance for addressing

coordination and joint planning for

transportation facilities and services, as

well as for mobility issues that have

interjurisdictional implications, such as

pass-through travel and related traffic


Include provisions addressing

coordination with neighboring cities, the

county, regional agencies, special districts

providing transportation, and the state.

Address whether transportation facilities

and standards compatible at shared

jurisdictional borders.

Include provisions for joint planning for

transportation facilities in

unincorporated urban growth areas.

for Transit Agencies and Other Agency Planning,

including Special Service Districts

Coordinate agency planning with that of

local jurisdictions and other service providers.

Demand Management

By working to alter or reduce travel demand instead of increasing roadway supply, transportation

demand management strategies play a critical role in alleviating congestion and mitigating

transportation-related impacts on the natural environment. The Growth Management Act requires

transportation demand management strategies and programs to be included in local plans.

Examples include efforts to shift trips outside of peak travel time, efforts to shift trips to transit,

21 Examples include referencing outputs from a travel demand model when an impact is shown on

neighboring jurisdictions or including some discussion of the implications of a particular land use

strategy on neighboring jurisdictions.

Demand Management

Transportation demand management (TDM) strategies

and programs include:

Investing in the infrastructure to support

alternatives to driving alone, including transit

alignments and stations, high-occupancy

vehicle (HOV) lanes and business and transit

(BAT) lanes, bikeways and complete streets

Transit-supportive land uses and compact

urban form

Ridesharing, vansharing, and carpooling

Telecommuting and flexible work schedules

Parking management

On-line resources include:

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

www.wsdot.wa.gov/TDM

VICTORIA TRANSPORT INSTITUTE

www.vtpi.org/tdm/

NATIONAL TDM AND TELEWORK CLEARINGHOUSE

www.nctr.usf.edu/clearinghouse/

MUNICIPAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES CENTER

www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Transpo/TDM.aspx

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TDM

http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/

http://www.nctr.usf.edu/clearinghouse/

http://www.mrsc.org/Subjects/Transpo/TDM.aspx


ridesharing, bicycling or walking, efforts to decrease trip lengths, and efforts to eliminate certain

vehicle trips all together.

A specific transportation demand strategy required in Washington is the Commute Trip

Reduction Program. The Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law requires major employers to

develop and implement a commute trip reduction program that is designed to reduce the number

and length of drive-alone commute trips made to the worksite. Examples include vanpools,

telecommuting options, providing for flexible work schedules, and public transit subsidies.


Provide guidance for offering comprehensive programs for alternatives to driving alone,

including transit and ridesharing, flexible work schedules and telecommuting.

Address coordination of demand management programs that are multi-jurisdictional in

nature.


Include programs and strategies designed to manage travel demand – including transit

and ridesharing, telecommuting, parking management, bicycling and pedestrian travel.

Include commute trip reduction programs.


Coordinate service provisions with local

and regional efforts to provide alternatives

to driving alone.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Component

Planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities that are

well-designed and strategically sited helps to

improve accessibility and mobility – and offers

travel choices that are safe, clean, and efficient, and

increase physical activity. In 2005, the Growth

Management Act was amended to require

comprehensive plans to ―include a pedestrian and

bicycle component to include collaborative efforts to

identify and designate planned improvements for

pedestrian and bicycle facilities and corridors that

address and encourage enhanced community access

and promote healthy lifestyles‖ [RCW

36.70A.070(6)(a)(7)].


Address the development of bicycle and

pedestrian transportation networks that

cross local jurisdictional boundaries.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

Excerpts from the Regional Bicycle &

Pedestrian Implementation Strategy (2002)

Provide for safe and convenient

bicycle and pedestrian use on streets

and roadway projects.

Maintain and improve existing bicycle

and pedestrian facilities; design

projects according to established

standards

Invest to achieve greater system

continuity by addressing missing

linking and removing barriers and

deterrents

Locate new pedestrian and bicycle

facilities in centers and other compact

communities

Provide for education on safe biking

and walking; enforce safety laws

Further guidance and information is on-line at:

www.psrc.org/transportation/bikeped/

http://www.psrc.org/transportation/bikeped/



Include a bicycle and pedestrian component in the transportation element

Include strategies, programs, and projects that address bicycle and pedestrian travel as a

safe and efficient transportation options – including pedestrian and bicycle planning,

project funding and capital investments, education and encouragement, safety

improvements and enforcement, and ongoing monitoring.

Improve local street patterns to enhance walking and biking; design streets to safely

accommodate all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

Include provisions to promote physical health and active living (land use-based

approaches, transportation-based approaches).


Design facilities and services to better accommodate walking and biking to transit stops

and stations.

Land Uses Adjacent to Airports

Washington State law includes provisions to protect public use general aviation airports from

land use encroachment (RCW 36.70.547). Any county or city that has a general aviation

airport within or adjacent to its jurisdictional

boundaries is required to discourage the siting of

incompatible uses next to the airport. The Regional

Council has developed review criteria for airport

planning and reviews airport compatible land use as

part of its comprehensive plan review and certification

process.


Provide guidance for coordinating land use

planning in areas adjacent to airports,

especially where more than one jurisdiction

abuts an airport.


Identify and address airport(s) located within

or adjacent to the jurisdiction.

Provide an inventory of existing and planned

land use near the airport.

Include policies and/or reference development regulations that prevent land use

encroachment and discourage incompatible land uses adjacent to the airport.

Address height hazard areas, safety zones, and noise impact areas for the airport in

the plan and/or development regulations.

Identify the ground transportation access.

Review Criteria for Compatible Land Use

Adjacent to Airports

List airports in or adjacent to your jurisdiction.

If the airport is owned by the jurisdiction,

include it in the transportation and capital

facilities plan elements; the airport should also

be designated as an essential public facility.

Include a Land Use Inventory for airport

property and adjacent areas:

Identify existing and planned land uses in the

vicinity of the airport. Document residential

densities.

Document places of public assembly (indoors

and outdoors) in the vicinity of the airport

(include schools, civic centers, theaters, malls,

office buildings).

Document existing vacant land and

contiguous open space, for example,

critical areas, passive use parks.



Coordinate the provision of services in a manner that does not create incompatible

uses next to airports.




APPENDIX E-4: CENTER PLANS22

VISION 2040 describes multiple types of centers, including regionally designated centers

(regional growth centers and regional manufacturing industrial centers), other centers

(centers in Larger Cities and centers in Small Cities/Town Centers), and other central

places (such as neighborhood centers, activity nodes, and station areas).

The creation and development of growth centers as mixed-use, walkable locations of more

intense residential and employment development is key to implementing VISION 2040.

Each city in the region should take steps to identify one or more centers (or central places)

as a compact area with a mix of housing, employment, shops, cultural facilities, and

entertainment. Similarly, the creation and development of manufacturing industrial

centers as concentrations of basic industries that provide family wage jobs is essential the

region‘s economic health. Centers that are the most regionally significant have been

designated as regional growth centers or manufacturing/industrial centers.

VISION 2040 directs local jurisdictions having one or more regionally designated centers

to prepare a subarea plan for each such center (see DP-Action-17 and VISION 2040 –Part

IV: Implementation) within four years of designation. Subarea plans must be consistent

with the jurisdiction-wide comprehensive plan and are required to fully address all

planning requirements in the Growth Management Act. (Subarea plans should be a

chapter or section in the comprehensive plan.)

The Regional Council established criteria for consideration when a center is proposed for

designation (Executive Board, June 2003). These criteria are incorporated in the Center

Plan Checklists and discussion below.

What follows is an outline of key concepts and provisions that jurisdictions should use in

planning for their designated centers. The criteria for both regional growth centers and

manufacturing/industrial centers are available on-line, along with other planning

resources, at: http://www.psrc.org/growth/centers.

GROWTH CENTERS

Center Plan Concept (or “Vision”)

The center plan should include a vision for the center, as well as an overview which

describes its commitment to human scale urban form. The plan should address its

relationship to the jurisdiction‘s overall comprehensive plan, as well as to VISION 2040

and relevant countywide planning policies. Additionally, an explanation of the center‘s

relationship to other adjacent and nearby places is useful. A market analysis of the

center‘s development potential, including total developed and undeveloped area, as well as

22 Revised June 2014 to reflect updated Center Plan Checklist

http://www.psrc.org/growth/centers


infill and redevelopment potential, could also be included. A market analysis is

recommended for all jurisdictions with centers, and expected for designation of new

centers.

Environment

Planning for centers needs to consider the natural environment as well as the built

environment. A center subarea plan should address critical areas, parks and open space,

habitat, water quality, air quality, and climate change.

Identify critical areas and develop provisions to protect environmentally sensitive

areas.

Address parks and open space, including public spaces and civic places and

include provisions to encourage accessible open space.

Include or reference policies and programs for innovative stormwater management.

Include or reference policies and programs to reduce air pollution and


Land Use

The center should have defined boundaries, and planning area boundaries should fully

encompass the designated regional growth center. Each center should be compact in size

and integrated into the larger fabric of the surrounding community. General guidance is

for regional growth centers to be approximately one square mile in size, or walkable from

a central point to the edge in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This suggests a roughly

uniform shape. Unless there is a clear rationale and objective, centers should not be

elongated or gerrymandered.

The center should have an allocated portion that represents a significant share of the

jurisdiction‘s overall residential growth targets (expressed in housing units) and

employment growth targets. Both existing and planned urban form, including residential

densities and building intensities, should be described.

Each center should contain a mix of land uses appropriate to its size and function. The center

plan should include land use policies and maps that describe the distribution and location of

existing and future land uses, including housing, commercial, retail, public facilities, transit

and utility facilities, and open space. Also, design standards should be pedestrian-friendly and

stimulate transit ridership and transit-oriented development. Transition(s) to adjacent

neighborhoods and districts are also important so that the center is well-integrated with

surrounding areas.

Housing

Center plans should provide for a variety of housing types, including housing affordable to all

income groups. (Note: Housing is discouraged in manufacturing/industrial centers.) The plan

should enumerate total existing and targeted housing units for a 20-year planning period. The


center plan should delineate a diversity of housing types with policies and provisions

addressing the following:

Dwelling types

Density standards

Affordable housing (for households that are (a) below 50 percent of the average

median income, (b) between 50 and 80 percent, and (c) 80 to 120 percent of average)

Special needs housing

Jurisdictions should identify strategies and implementation plans to meet housing targets and

goals. Regular reporting on meeting targets and goals is to take place through both local and

regional monitoring efforts.

Economy

The center plan should address the economic and residential role the center plays within

the jurisdiction, along with description of key sectors and industry clusters and policies

and programs addressing economic development in the center. (See discussion of

employment growth targets under Land Use above.)

Public Facilities

The center plan should reference or describe existing and planned capital facilities,

including how each will be financed (such as sewer, water, gas, electric,

telecommunications). Both public and semi-public facilities and services should be

identified, such as civic buildings, libraries, fire and police stations, arts centers, and

related facilities. Efforts should be demonstrated to locate public facilities near transit

stations.

Transportation

One of the hallmarks of VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040 is their emphasis on

integrating land use and transportation planning as mutually reinforcing. Center plans must

develop their transportation provisions based on land use assumptions. Transportation

planning for centers should address or reference:

An integrated multimodal transportation network, including pedestrian and bicycle

facilities, as well as linkages to adjacent neighborhoods and districts.

Relationship to regional high-capacity transit (i.e., bus-rapid transit, commuter rail,

light rail, and ferry)

―Complete street‖ treatments to design roadways for all users, including transit,

pedestrians, cyclists, and freight.

Context-sensitive design for transportation facilities to fit the urban character of

the center

―Green street‖ treatments should emphasize protection of the environment,

reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and aesthetic street-scaping.


Transportation system management and demand management programs and

services.

Level-of-service standards and concurrency provisions should be specifically tailored to

address the unique circumstances and character of each designated center. The standards

should be multimodal and stress the movement of people rather than only vehicles.

Center plans should have well-developed parking management strategies to:

Manage the supply of parking.

Promote benefits of on-street parking.

Reduce and mitigate the effects of parking.

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIAL CENTERS

Center Plan Concept (or “Vision”)

The center plan should include a vision for the center as well as an overview which

clearly describes its commitment to the preservation of its urban industrial land base and

the economic role of the center within the city, county and the region. The plan should

describe its relationship to the jurisdiction‘s overall comprehensive plan, as well as to

VISION 2040 and relevant countywide planning policies. Additionally, an explanation of

the center‘s relationship to other adjacent and nearby places is useful. When considering

the development of a center plan, it will be useful to include a market analysis of the

center‘s development potential, including total developed and undeveloped area, as well as

infill and redevelopment potential. A market analysis is recommended for all jurisdictions

with centers, and expected for designation of new centers.

Environment

Planning for centers needs to consider the natural environment as well as the built

environment, even in these areas of intense employment activity. The center plan should

address critical areas, parks and open space (as appropriate to these areas), water quality, air

quality, and climate change.

If applicable, identify critical/environmentally sensitive areas in the

manufacturing/industrial center and reference relevant policies and programs to

protect those areas.

As appropriate, address open spaces and open space connections.

Include or reference policies and programs for innovative stormwater management

(related to Public Services).

Include or reference policies and programs to reduce air pollution and



Land Use

The center should have defined boundaries, and the planning area boundaries should fully

encompass the designated regional manufacturing/industrial center. Manufacturing

industrial centers will assume a variety of sizes and shapes, based upon their location, the

type of manufacturing or industrial activity they contain, the extent of land parcels zoned

for manufacturing and industrial uses, and the presence of supporting infrastructure.

Although it is not critical that MICs be physically compact, jurisdictions should have a

clear rationale for why particular boundaries or configurations are in place.

The center should have an allocated portion of the jurisdiction‘s employment target and

should demonstrate the capacity to accommodate the planned levels of growth.

The center plan should ensure that a high percentage of the property within the

manufacturing industrial center boundaries have planned future land use and current zoning

designations for industrial and manufacturing uses. In addition, the center plan should

include complementary regulatory strategies to restrict land uses that are incompatible with

manufacturing, industrial uses, such as large retail uses, housing, or non-related office uses.

The sizes of office and retail uses should be limited primarily to accessory uses. This may

include regulations and plans to preserve and encourage the aggregation of vacant parcels and

parcels with non-industrial uses within the center to create lots of sufficient size for expanded

or new manufacturing and industrial uses. Large parcels and blocks are often desirable for

manufacturing and industrial activity.

The center plan should include design standards that are used to mitigate aesthetic and other

impacts of manufacturing and industrial activities both within the center and on adjacent

areas.

Economy

The center plan should describe strategies to support or maintain manufacturing industrial

industries (i.e., workforce, apprenticeships, land value policies, parcel aggregation, etc.) as well

as key sectors and industry clusters in the center. (See discussion of employment growth

targets under Land Use above.)

Public Facilities

The center plan should describe or reference local capital plans for infrastructure (such as

sewer, water, gas, electric, telecommunications), including how each will be financed.

The plan should explain strategies to ensure facilities are provided consistent with

targeted growth. Both public and semi-public facilities and services should be identified.

Transportation

All proposed centers should have a plan to identify and address deficiencies in street,

sidewalk, and trail/bicycle path networks. The center plan should assess the current adequacy


and availability of transportation facilities and services necessary to support industrial and

manufacturing uses, and describe how the jurisdiction plans to provide adequate capacity to

serve planned activity levels.

Transportation networks within manufacturing industrial centers should provide for the

needs of freight movement and employee commuting by ensuring a variety of transportation

modes, such as fixed-route and high-capacity transit, rail, trucking facilities, or waterway, as

appropriate.

Document the jurisdiction‘s plans and capital program for the provision of infrastructure,

services and amenities to support planned growth within the center. This may include

identification of physical gaps or barriers in the transportation system as well as projects that

improve safety, reduce modal conflicts, or improve access for one or more modes to major

employment sites.



Page F-1 Policy and Plan Review Manual

APPENDIX F: EXAMPLE OF A PLAN REVIEW REPORT

Note: This example is for illustrative purposes only – the actual formatting of plan review

reports may be revised as needed.

CERTIFICATION & CONSISTENCY REPORT

for

THE CITY‘S 2011 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

January 2, 2012

BACKGROUND and DISCUSSION

Within the central Puget Sound region, member agencies and the Puget Sound Regional Council

have worked together to develop an overall process for reviewing local, countywide, regional, and

transportation agency policies and plans for compatibility and consistency.23 This process also

provides an opportunity to coordinate and share information related to local and regional planning.

The City adopted its first comprehensive plan in 1994 and was certified in 1995. Minor

amendments were adopted in 1998 and 2002. The city‘s 2004 update focused on more detailed

strategies related to mixed use, neighborhood development, housing opportunities, and the

retention of natural vegetation.

The most recent update was adopted on December 1, 2011. The plan now includes an

environmental element that addresses water quality, climate change, and public health. A new

section has been added on compact urban develop and design. In addition, the transportation

element emphasizes clean transportation solutions for addressing existing and future mobility

needs, including new stormwater treatment regulations for streets and roadways, improved

pedestrian and bicycle connections to transit routes, and converting the city‘s motor vehicle fleet to

hybrid automobiles.

Based on review of the adopted plan, the following recommendation is proposed for action.

Recommendation for Certification

The Executive Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council should certify that the transportation-

related provisions in the City‘s 2011 Comprehensive Plan update conform to the Growth

Management Act and are consistent with Transportation 2040.

23 The certification requirement in the Growth Management Act is described Chapter 47.80, Revised

Code of Washington (RCW). The specific requirements for transportation planning in local

comprehensive plans are spelled out in Chapter 36.70A.070, RCW. The Regional Council‘s

Interlocal Agreement, Section VII, also provides direction for the review of local comprehensive

plans and countywide policies (Resolution A-91-01, amended March 1998). VISION 2040‘s

Implementation chapter (Part IV) provides further guidance for the review of policies and plans and

the certification of transportation-related provisions.

Puget Sound Regional Council Page F-2

Conformity with state requirements for transportation

Washington state law requires that transportation provisions in local comprehensive plans conform

with the following: (1) established regional guidelines and principles, (2) the adopted long-range

regional transportation plan, and (3) transportation planning requirements in the Growth

Management Act. Within the central Puget Sound region, the multicounty planning policies have

been established as the guidelines and principles to guide regional and local planning.

Multicounty Planning Policies

Environment. The City‘s comprehensive plan commits to environmental stewardship, to maintain

and restore the natural environment, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan includes

policies to encourage changes in fuels, technologies, and travel patterns. The City commits to

incorporate an evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions as part of the environmental analysis it

conducts under the State Environmental Policy Act.

Comment: The City‘s systems approach to environmental planning is noteworthy, especially the

steps described in the plan to protect critical areas and habitat. However, it is recommended that

when the City next updates its plan, that it further address the Action Plan developed by the Puget

Sound Partnership.

Development Patterns and Housing. The land use element in the plan further advances the City‘s

commitment to compact urban development by identifying a series of neighborhood centers as key

locations for mixed-use, transit-oriented development. A set of design guidelines have been

developed to ensure that higher density development creates vibrant streets and transitions well

with adjacent single family neighborhoods. The City has developed a detailed program for

ensuring that diverse and affordable housing is provided in its town center and districts identified

for redevelopment.

Comment: The City‘s housing element addresses regional housing goals and fully achieves its

contribution to meet affordable housing objectives in the region. The City may want to consider

tailoring its concurrency provisions for its town center and to establish mode-split goals for that

area, even though it is not a formally designated regional growth center.

Economic Development. The 2011 includes the City‘s first economic development element in its

comprehensive plan. The element includes three subsections that reflect the Economy section in

VISION 2040: business, people, and places. The City has applied its growth targets for housing and

employment in a manner that helps it to better achieve a jobs-housing balance.

Comment: The economic development element provides a detailed discussion of the city‘s role in

the clean technology sector described in the Regional Economic Strategy.

Public Services. The City commits to conservation principles in the provision of needed services

and infrastructure to accommodate its growth targets. The plan describes programs and strategies

to reduce and reuse water, as well as to work with its energy provider to identify alternative forms

of energy. The City has also worked with the school district to establish new development

standards that would allow for multistory school buildings in the town center.

The City‘s capital facilities plan also have been revised to prioritize improvements and investments

which best address multiple regional and local growth management objectives, including compact

urban development, the reduction in vehicle miles traveled, and public health and well-being.


Comment: The City‘s policies and programs for providing services emphasize clean solutions.

Particularly noteworthy is the climate change assessment it conducts as part of its capital

improvement program process.

Transportation. The City has developed an agreement with the state department of transportation

to ensure that context-sensitive design is applied to transportation projects along key state

highways within the jurisdiction. The City commits to applying complete facility standards for

major arterials to ensure that streets accommodate all user groups, including pedestrians, bicyclists,

transit, vehicles, and freight. It has incorporated a bicycle network plan into the transportation

element, which includes both dedicated bike lanes and off-street bicycle trails connecting each of

the neighborhoods with the town center.

Comment: The City‘s approach to multimodal transportation solutions demonstrates a strong

commitment to providing its residents and employees with improved transportation choices. (For

additional comments on transportation-provisions see the Growth Management Act section

below.)

Consistency with Transportation 2040

Transportation 2040, the region‘s long-range transportation plans, calls for the development of a

regionwide, multimodal transportation system that links centers with high capacity transit. It

addresses sustainable transportation, maintenance and safety, supporting the Regional Growth

Strategy, and greater travel options to improve mobility.

Maintenance and Safety. The City‘s overall goal for its transportation system is to ―establish a safe

and efficient transportation system that responds to the needs of a growing and diverse resident

population, supports future commercial and industrial development, and provides convenient

access to areas within the city and to areas in the surrounding region.‖ The City has developed a

program for ensuring that locally-generated revenues are adequate for routine maintenance of

streets and trails.

Comment: Several policies in the City‘s plan reinforce its dedication to maintaining and preserving

its transportation system in a safe, usable state, which is consistent with Transportation 2040.

However, the plan should also address in more detail how the City‘s anticipates dealing with

transportation functions in the case of an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster.

Supporting the Growth Strategy. The City prioritizes transportation projects that help to develop

the street network and transportation network to create a pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented

town center. It has also invested in improved pedestrian connections between its civic center

complex in the town center and its Sound Transit high-capacity transit station.

Comment: The priority on transportation investments in the town center is consistent with

VISION 2040 and the multicounty planning policies.

Offering Greater Mobility Options. The City is planning to enhance connections between modes

of travel. For example, the City is also working with the state department of transportation to

create a more direct access for transit to high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the state highway. The

transportation element also discusses a rail alignment located adjacent to the city‘s boundaries and

plans to preserve the right-of-way.


Comment: The City demonstrates a commitment to improving alternatives to driving alone.

However, when the plan is next updates, the City should include a more complete discussion of

freight access from its industrial district.

Growth Management Act Requirements for Transportation Planning

Land Use Assumptions. The transportation element includes a background section which

demonstrates how the revised 10-year traffic forecast is based on the growth targets and

development strategy described in the land use element.

Comment: The City satisfies this requirement in the Growth Management Act.

Facility and Service Needs. The transportation element includes an inventory of local streets,

nonmotorized facilities, and transit routes with a discussion of needs to meet the demands based on

the growth targets and development strategy. The City has developed a multimodal approach to its

level-of-service standards, which considers the movement of people instead of vehicle flow. Both

state and regional level-of-service standards are also identified. In addition, the transportation

element addresses how the transit agency‘s performance standards are used to evaluate transit

needs to serve future residential growth targets in the City.

Comment: The City satisfies this requirement in the Growth Management Act. The multimodal

approach to level-of-service is particularly noteworthy.

Financing. The capital facilities element describes current funding sources for transportation

investments, including the City ‗s impact fees program. The reassessment strategy in the case of a

funding shortfall commits the City to first seeking to identify new revenue sources, and then to

adjust its level-of-service standards, before considering any adjustments to its land use strategy.

Comment: The City satisfies this requirement in the Growth Management Act – however, the City

should provide a cross-reference in the transportation element to the discussion of financing in the

capital facilities element.

Intergovernmental Coordination. The transportation element describes a number of cooperative

projects with the local transit agency and state department of transportation. The background

section of the element describes coordination that took place with adjacent cities in establishing

level of service standards and concurrency provisions. The plan also discusses coordination among

jurisdictions to ensure that transportation and land use planning are mutually reinforced.

Comment: The City satisfies this requirement in the Growth Management Act. As Sound Transit

plans for expanded service in the jurisdiction, the City should also address coordination with that

transportation agency.

Transportation Demand Management. The City encourages flex schedules for city employees and

participates in regional rideshare programs. It is working with its local cable provider to improve

computer-access connections in homes, schools, businesses, and other employment sites to

encourage telework. The nonmotorized network includes route signage to bus stops and transit

stations.

Comment: When the plan is next updated, the city should consider developing a parking

management plan for its town center area and other employment districts.


Pedestrian and Bicycle Component. The City‘s nonmotorized network calls for connecting each

neighborhood with nearby schools, the town center, parks and recreation areas, and the regional

transit center. The transportation element calls for improved signage at key locations with

information on bicycle and pedestrian safety. Street improvement projects are to reconstruct

existing arterials to established standards for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

Comment: The City satisfies this requirement in the Growth Management Act.

Consistency with VISION 2040

The Growth Management Act requires coordination among jurisdictions and agencies where there

are common borders or related regional issues. VISION 2040 represents regional, agreement on

how the region will grow over coming decades. While the multicounty planning policies

contained within VISION 2040 satisfy certain Growth Management Act requirements, VISION

2040 also provides guidance for other areas of regional agreement – including the Regional Growth

Strategy, implementation actions, and monitoring.

VISION 2040 Statement

The City‘s VISION 2040 Statement describes a commitment to advance sustainable approaches to

accommodating residential and employment growth targets. The statement addresses goals to

maintain and restore critical areas and key habitats. Steps are identified to ensure that a health

environment remains available for future generations. The City commits to conservation methods

in the provision of public services. The statement advocates for cleaner transportation and

mobility.

The Regional Growth Strategy

The City worked through its countywide planning body to establish both housing and employment

growth targets for the year 2031. These targets were negotiated with other cities in the county

identified as Larger Cities, one of the regional geography categories in VISION 2040.

Approximately 50 percent of new development will be directed to the town center, and the

adjacent corridor slated for redevelopment. The City has also completed a joint planning

agreement with the county to ensure that its municipal development standards are being applied to

development projects in its potential annexation area.

Comment: The City‘s targets are in line with the guidance provided by the Regional Growth

Strategy. The joint planning agreement with the county serves as a model effort for

intergovernmental cooperation.

Implementation Actions

Identification of Underutilized Lands. The City completed an inventory of redevelopment and

infill sites as part of the plan update. Following the adoption of the citywide plan update, the City

has developed a work program to create a subarea plan for one of the districts with a large

concentration of potential infill sites.

Collaboration with Special Districts. The City and the school district have revised development

standards for school buildings located in the town center to enable midrise structures that are more

urban in character.


Comment: The City has addressed key implementation actions in VISION 2040. It is encouraged to

work other special districts to ensure that their facilities are sited and designed in a manner that

support regional and local growth management objectives.

Monitoring

Among the implementation actions and strategies identified in the City‘s 2011 comprehensive plan

is a monitoring program. The City plans to report regularly on permitting and development

occurring in the jurisdiction. Additional monitoring efforts are related to joint work the City

conducts with the state department of ecology on water resources and with the county public

health department on chronic diseases. The City has also begun to work with the Puget Sound

Clean Air Agency to establish a citywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

Comment: The City has an excellent start on monitoring its performance and implementation

efforts related to many of its key comprehensive planning provisions. It is encouraged to also work

with the county to evaluate and monitor the conditions of critical areas and wildlife habitat.

1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500

Seattle, Washington 98104-1035

206-464-7090 | FAX 206-587-4815

psrc.org

Documents

Plan Review Manual · plans (including their transportation-related provisions), center plans, and transit plans. The reporting tools include two parts: a checklist and a set of related