This month: Rural guidebook, accessory dwelling units, Planning Pointers, Commerce survey
Seeking comment: New guidebook to help counties develop rural element
The Department of Commerce is seeking feedback on draft guidance designed to assist counties in developing the rural lands element of their comprehensive plans.
The new Rural Element Guidebook is available in draft form for public comment until May 23 on Commerce’s website. Comments can be submitted through an online form. The Growth Management Act requires most counties in Washington to include a rural element in their comprehensive plan designed to help define and protect rural character. Once finalized, the Rural Element Guidebook will serve to assist counties in creating and updating their rural lands element consistent with the Growth Management Act. For questions, contact Deanah Watson at [email protected]
Important deadline for FY 2025 periodic update grant recipients
Jurisdictions with a periodic update grant for fiscal year 2025 are reminded that all contract deliverables must be submitted to Commerce by June 13, 2025.
Please note the contract deliverables due date is separate from the Dec. 31 periodic update deadline. Contact Ashley Murphy at [email protected] with contract questions.
Planning Pointers: De-designating natural resource lands
Planning Pointers responds to real-world questions from local planners by sharing practical guidance, common issues and examples of Commerce’s technical assistance.
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Welcome to Planning Pointers, a new section where we highlight recent examples of technical assistance we’ve provided to local jurisdictions.
This month we’re focusing on an important reminder about the final steps involved when a jurisdiction is considering de-designating natural resource lands.
The details for how to classify, designate and de-designate natural resource lands are outlined in Part 3 of WAC 365-190. If a jurisdiction moves forward with de-designation, RCW 37.70A.067 specifies that the change only becomes effective after the later of these two events:
- 60 days after publishing notice of the adoption of the comprehensive plan or development regulation (or amendment) that implements the change.
- Or, if a petition is filed to the Growth Management Hearings Board, after the board issues its final order.
Remember that natural resources are carefully protected under state law. If your jurisdiction is considering action that would result in a de-designation or re-classification, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how state requirements may apply to your circumstances. We’re always here to help.
How are we doing? Commerce seeks feedback via community survey
Commerce is committed to providing excellent customer service in every interaction. Listening and learning from the people we serve is a top priority for Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn, as well as Gov. Bob Ferguson.
To better understand how we can support the communities we serve, Commerce is seeking feedback. We’ve come up with three ways you can provide feedback on your experience with Commerce:
- Register for online listening sessions (weekly opportunities)
- Register for a local, in-person focus group near you (several will be held around the state)
Visit the Commerce Community Engagement page to view all of your participation options.
The survey will close at the end of May. If you need any assistance accessing the information or completing the survey, please email [email protected].
End of legislative session
The state Legislature concluded its first legislative session under Gov. Ferguson. Despite a challenging budget scenario, the Legislature moved an ambitious agenda that included strong support for local planning. Look for a special edition of this newsletter coming soon with a summary for planners.
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 Climate updates
Climate planning grant applications due June 2
Commerce recently announced grants to support local jurisdictions that must include a climate change and resilience element in their next comprehensive plan update.
Grants are available to support activities including public outreach, staff reports and emissions studies. Implementation activities are not eligible.
The grant application period is open now. Applications are due by June 2, 2025.
Find application materials and more information on Commerce’s website.
Housing updates
Commerce launches accessory dwelling unit webpage, upcoming workshop
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are increasingly common as cities and counties across Washington adapt to the rising demand for these smaller housing units.
An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained living space within or on the same property as a principal dwelling. ADUs are generally smaller in size than traditional single-family homes, meaning they are often more affordable and blend in well with low- and moderate-density development.
Soon, two ADUs will be allowed on all residential lots in an urban growth area that allows single-family homes. To support jurisdictions planning for ADUs, Commerce has published an accessory dwelling unit webpage with resources designed to assist local governments in implementing the new requirement.
The page also provides support for homeowners considering an ADU, including information about possible tax exemptions and pre-approved building plans.
Workshop: Encouraging accessory dwelling units in your community
The Municipal Research and Services Center will host a workshop June 4 to explore how municipalities are adapting to new ADU requirements, what strategies they are using to encourage ADU development, and the lessons they are learning along the way.
Register for the workshop on MRSC’s website.
Staff update
William Simpson
Please join us in welcoming William Simpson back to Commerce. William is returning after taking a year-long sabbatical to live and travel in Asia.
William joins the Climate and Ecosystem Services team to administer Commerce’s role in the Puget Sound National Estuary Program and implement the Puget Sound Action Agenda to protect and restore the sound.
He has 12 years of planning experience in state and local government, including more than nine years with Commerce as a senior planner and a senior policy analyst. William previously worked as a long-range planner for Island County and as a project manager for the University of Washington’s Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory.
William has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Washington University and a master’s in urban and regional planning from Eastern Washington University. He joined the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2016.
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From our partners
Major update to the WGS Quaternary active faults database
On April 28, the Washington Geological Survey released a major update of its Quaternary active faults database. This involved a systematic review of the accuracy of all the fault traces in the database, as well as an addition of new faults and revision of existing faults. The new database can be viewed on the Geologic Information Portal or downloaded from the WGS GIS Data and Databases page.
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Upcoming events
Join Commerce for a workshop on using TDR and LCLIP
Commerce and the City of Bellevue Community Development Department will co-host a workshop to share feasibility and policy guidance for local governments to successfully promote and implement Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Land Conservation and Local Infrastructure Programs (LCLIP) in the Puget Sound region.
The workshop will include panelists from local jurisdictions sharing lessons learned. This also will be an opportunity for local jurisdictions to review a toolkit and guidebook and learn about how to develop their own TDR and LCLIP programs.
This event is available to attend in-person at Bellevue City Hall or virtually. Light food and beverages will be provided at the in-person event, and there will be time to network afterward.
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Date: June 11
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Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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In person: Bellevue City Hall, Room 1E-113
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Virtual: A meeting link will be emailed to participants who RSVP as attending remotely.
- RSVP by Friday, May 23
For questions about this workshop, please contact Angela San Filippo at [email protected].
Regional Planners’ Forums
Commerce, the Planning Association of Washington and the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association collaboratively present the Regional Planners’ Forums.
The Planners’ Forums offer a free opportunity for planners, planning commissioners, elected officials and community members to talk informally about local issues, share ideas and receive updates from state and federal agencies.
The Planners’ Forums also satisfy requirements for credentialed planners toward professional development through advanced-level presentations on timely and relevant planning subjects.
Peninsula Planners’ Forum: 9-11:30 a.m. May 22 | Register for the Peninsula Planners' Forum
Northwest Planners’ Forum: June 26 | In-person in Whatcom County | Registration coming soon
Take survey: If you have attended a Regional Planners’ Forum or are considering doing so, Commerce invites you to take our 2025 survey. This survey will help Commerce determine training needs for the upcoming year.
Periodic Update Workshops
Commerce routinely hosts workshops on specific elements of the periodic update process. These workshops provide valuable opportunities for local jurisdictions to understand and meet the requirements of the periodic update. Please consider joining us to learn more about planning in Washington state.
Partially Planning Workshop
10 a.m.-12 p.m. June 4
Register for the Partially Planning Workshop on Zoom
This workshop will include:
- Periodic update overview and resources
- Periodic update grants and application instructions
- Examples and tips from local jurisdictions
- Discussion and Q&A
2027 Series Kick-off
10 a.m.-12 p.m. June 12
Register for the 2027 Series Kick-off on Zoom
This workshop will include:
- An overview of the periodic update for both fully and partially planning jurisdictions
- A summary of new legislation
- Commerce grant availability and application process
- What’s new in planning for housing
- Tribal planning overview and resources
- Discussion and Q&A
The Short Course on Local Planning
The Short Course on Local Planning offers an overview of land use planning laws in Washington, an introduction to comprehensive planning and plan implementation under the Growth Management Act, a review of roles in planning, and mandatory training on the Open Public Meetings Act for local government officials. All courses are online, free and open to the public.
Ask about local presentations
Commerce also offers e-visits to local planning commissions or other meetings. Topics include comprehensive plan basics and roles in the planning process.
Contact your regional planner to request a presentation.
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