Title: MRSC - Growth Management Act
Headings: Growth Management Act
Growth Management Act
Overview
GMA Goals
( RCW 36.70A.020)
Who is Required to Plan Under GMA?
Natural Resource Lands and Critical Areas
Comprehensive Plans
Mandatory Comp Plan Elements
( RCW 36.70A.070)
Optional Comp Plan Elements
Urban Growth Areas and Accommodating Future Growth
Growth Management Hearings Board
Recommended Resources

Content: MRSC - Growth Management Act
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This page provides an overview of the Growth Management Act (GMA) in Washington State, including its legal requirements and links to related MRSC pages and other helpful resources. On this Page
On this Page
Overview
Who is Required to Plan Under GMA? Natural Resource Lands and Critical Areas
Comprehensive Plans
Urban Growth Areas and Accommodating Future Growth
Growth Management Hearings Board
Recommended Resources
Overview
The Growth Management Act (GMA) is a series of state statutes, first adopted in 1990, that requires fast-growing cities and counties to develop a comprehensive plan to manage their population growth. It is primarily codified under Chapter 36.70A RCW, although it has been amended and added to in several other parts of the RCW. Under RCW 36.70A.020, the GMA establishes a series of 13 goals that should act as the basis of all comprehensive plans. The legislature added the goals and policies of the Shoreline Management Act as the fourteenth GMA goal ( RCW 36.70A.480 ). The shoreline goals may be found at RCW 90.58.020. GMA Goals
( RCW 36.70A.020)
Concentrated urban growth
Sprawl reduction
Regional transportation
Affordable housing
Economic development
Property rights
Permit processing
Natural resource industries
Open space and recreation
Environmental protection
Early and continuous public participation
Public facilities and services
Historic preservation
Shoreline management ( RCW 36.70A.480)
The Washington State Department of Commerce is the primary state-level contact for GMA-related issues. They provide technical assistance to help local governments comply with the GMA and implement their comprehensive plans effectively.