Washington State Senate Passes SB 5042 to close the Growth Management Act Sprawl Loophole
SB 5042 is a bill to close a loophole in the Growth Management Act that currently allows for growth in rural landscapes that does not comply with the GMA. The loophole undermines the intent of the GMA by allowing counties to subvert the Growth Management Hearing Board appeals process to build sprawling developments that gobble up farmlands, forests, and critical habitats, put a financial strain on jurisdictions to provide adequate infrastructure, facilities, and services to new developments.