The following examples have been proposed or adopted in the past few years by small cities and towns as part of the required Growth Management Act update process. This list includes a range of communities, from small towns in relatively arid portions of eastern Washington, to metropolitan suburbs in the central Puget Sound. These provide examples cities and towns can use as they develop their ordinances to include best available science.
The cities and towns developed these ordinances with their communities in mind. As you develop your ordinance, keep in mind that one size does not fit all. Any ordinance you consult must be tailored to the unique factors shaping your community.
These are not model ordinances (except one). Not every aspect of every ordinance represents the best possible solution for your community's problems. These present a range of solutions that have been developed and adopted by a range of communities. When reviewing these examples, keep in mind your particular physical context, rate of growth, remaining ecological function and administrative capability.
Note: some of the documents listed below are large in size and may take longer to open.