[Editor note: in case this is confusing, this means no changes are being made to the comprehensive plan through this process in this cycle. The next cycle for review is in 2 years. Citizens rarely submit comp plan amendments, it is usually developers. Citizens just have to spend time watching, commenting and trying not to have any awful changes.]

PIERCE COUNTY PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS — The County Council will not initiate proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments this July as part of the two-year amendment cycle to accommodate the Growth Management Act (GMA) mandated Comprehensive Plan periodic review due December 31, 2024. Unless the Council takes action to revise the two-year docket cycle, such proposed amendments will be accepted in the normal course July 1 through July 31, 2026.

The County sincerely regrets the inconvenience this may cause, but it must comply with the GMA mandated periodic review process and procedural rules. Questions may be directed to Leila Willoughby-Oakes at leila.willoughby-oakes@piercecountywa.gov or 253-798-6049.

Why?

The GMA requires the County to periodic review and, if needed, revise its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations every ten years according to the schedule established in RCW 36.70A.130(1)(a) and (5)(a). To comply with the GMA, the County must complete its current periodic review by December 31, 2024, per RCW 36.70A.130(5)(a). Additionally, Pierce County allows proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments to be initiated and docketed during a two-year amendment cycle where applications for amendments are accepted by the Council between July 1 and July 31 in even numbered years. PCC 19C.19.070. The process is completed in odd numbered years after extensive screening and review by Planning and Public Works, the Planning Commission, and the Council per PCC 19C.10.070.

If the County commences the two-year docket cycle July 1, 2024, while it is conducting the periodic review, it must combine such review with the current periodic review process and may not conduct separate reviews in the same year per WAC 365-196-610(3)(a). Under the circumstances, the County cannot combine the two review processes and meet the County’s December 2024 deadline for adoption of the periodic review amendments. Hence, the County will not commence the initiated Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle July 1, 2024.