Anacortes Senior College

What does state law require for local zoning and land use in cities and counties? How do we protect farmland and wetlands while planning for new development? And why do we have to plan for population growth? All of these issues and more are addressed by the state Growth Management Act and implemented through local Comprehensive Plans.

This course will provide background on the legal basis of planning in Washington State, the goals and requirements of the Growth Management Act, and how cities and counties address those requirements through their Comprehensive Plans. Communities throughout Washington State are now engaged in updating their plans—with Skagit County plans due by the end of 2025. Residents who want to engage in those update processes may especially benefit from the context this course will provide.

Instructor: Ryan Walters

Ryan Walters has been a municipal and land use attorney for 17 years, formerly as a deputy prosecuting attorney and planning director, and has been a member of the Anacortes City Council since 2012. Currently in private practice, Ryan consults for a number of local governments and the State of Washington on municipal and land use law and permit process reform.