Essential Public Facilities

Essential Public Facilities Amendments and Code Updates

Background

State law provides that essential public facilities include those facilities which are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, state or regional transportation facilities, regional transit authority facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities. RCW 36.70A.200; WAC 365-196-550.

The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that the comprehensive plan and development regulations of each county planning under GMA include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. Id.  The GMA also provides that no comprehensive plan or development regulation may preclude the siting of essential public facilities. RCW 36.70A.200(5).

Proposal

The purpose of this project is to propose a new code section, CCC 40.260.077 Essential Public Facilities (EPF), that will create a process for essential public facilities that are typically difficult to site.  Please see RCW 36.70A.200; WAC365-196-550.  In addition, amendments are proposed to various code sections listed in Table 1 summary of code amendments (see Staff Report) that will add a definition for EPF, a new timeline for EPF Pre-Application reviews, a submittal of a narrative for EPF pre-applications, and add a cross reference to the new EPF code for uses that may be subject to the EPF.

This will include amendments to the following existing sections and chapters: 40.100.070 Definitions; 40.510.030 Type III Process Quasi-Judicial Decisions, and 40.510.05 Application Submittal Requirements. Chapters that would be cross referenced and updated are, 40.210 Resource and Rural Districts; 40.220 Urban Residential Districts; 40.230 Commercial, Business, Mixed Use and Industrial Districts; and 40.250 Overlay Districts.

Staff Contact

Michael Sallis
Planner III
564-397- 4544
Michael.Sallis@clark.wa.gov

Public Meetings and Hearings

County Council Meetings and Hearings

County Council - November 28, 2023

County Council will consider approval of the adopting ordinance related to Essential Public Facilities that will create a process for facilities that are typically difficult to site. 

Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the County Council's meeting page.

County Council Hearing -October 17, 2023

The meeting will be held in person at 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, 6th Floor Hearing Room and virtually via Webex. 

Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the County Council's meeting page.

County Council Work Session - September 20, 2023

The meeting will be held in person at 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, 6th Floor Hearing Room and virtually via Webex. The work session is an informational session for the council to be briefed by staff. The public is welcome to attend, however there will be no public comment at that time. 

Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the County Council's meeting page.

Presentation

Planning Commission Meetings

August 17, 2023 Planning Commission Hearing at 6:30 p.m.

PC RECOMMENDATION

August 3, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session at 5:30 p.m.