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: a) Wetlands; ( b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; ( c) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; ( d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas. Counties and cities are required to include the best available science in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas ( RCW 36.70A.172 ). For more information, see our page on Critical Areas or the Department of Commerce's page on Critical Areas, including its useful Critical Areas Handbook. Comprehensive Plans
The GMA establishes the primacy of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the centerpiece of local planning and articulates a series of goals, objectives, policies, actions, and standards that are intended to guide day-to-day decisions be elected officials and local government staff. The GMA lays out the following mandatory and optional comprehensive elements: