| |
Bailey introduces series of
land-use bills to restore local control,
help farmers
Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak
Harbor, introduced three measures today aimed at restoring local control
in land-use decisions, providing more accountability with the state’s
growth hearings boards, and allowing activities on agricultural lands
that involve or support farming.
House Bill 2906 would change the makeup of the growth hearings boards to
require that at least one member of each board is a property owner
subject to critical area ordinance regulations. In addition, the bill
changes terms from six years down to four years and limits members’
service to no more than two consecutive terms. Bailey’s measure would
also require all governor-appointed members to be confirmed by the
Senate prior to serving on the growth hearings boards.
"My objective is to bring more control back to the local communities.
The Growth Management Hearings Board is an appointed body, not an
elected body. As such, it operates as a sovereign entity, handing down
decisions to our local communities. Those decisions have great
implications on the local communities who are subject to sanctions
imposed by the governor," said Bailey, a member of the House Economic
Development, Agriculture and Trade Committee. "Every community is
different. Our local officials and communities know best in planning for
growth and land use. One size does not fit all when it comes to growth
management. The ultimate control of land-use decisions should be with
elected officials who can be held accountable by the citizens. This
legislation gives back authority to local communities over their lands."
House Bill 2905 would allow nonagricultural activities that support
farming to be conducted on land designated for agricultural use.
"It’s becoming so much harder for farmers to make a living because, in
many cases, much of their land has been restricted because of land-use
ordinances. This legislation would allow farmers to have a supplemental
income of a small business on the property, which hopefully would allow
those farming operations to continue. I see this as an opportunity to
reinforce our farming communities by allowing them accessory uses of
their land," said Bailey. "Part of this bill also says that once
policies are set by the local government, and as long as the accessory
use meets the regulations developed by the local governments, they
cannot be reviewed by the growth management hearings boards. It leaves
the decision in the hands of the local governments – again providing
more local control."
House Bill 2907 would allow pre-existing activities to continue on
agricultural lands.
"Strict interpretations of critical area ordinances are threatening the
ability for long-time local property owners to continue their
agricultural-type land uses. Farming, gardening, 4-H and other related
activities add to the quality of life for all of our 10th District
citizens. We need to preserve these activities. This bill seeks to
protect the ability of people to continue their farm activities on their
agricultural lands," noted Bailey.
All three bills have been referred to the House Local Government
Committee for further consideration.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|
|