HB 2316 — Shrubsteppe/land use

Summary

Concerning land use development when vegetation associated with shrubsteppe is present in the urban growth areas.

Bill Text

Compared against the Revised Code of Washington as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 1 section(s) of the Revised Code of Washington: RCW 36.70A.110.

• RCW 36.70A.110

  (b) Do not require sewer service because development densities are limited due to wetlands, floodplains, fish and wildlife habitats, or geological hazards. (12) Property within the urban growth area boundaries with bushes and plants associated with shrubsteppe may not be considered wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors, critical areas, vital habitat for safe passage or species migration, conservation areas, or subject to environmental protection that restricts the ability to develop the property. Development regulations, state agency rules, guidance, permits, and policies may not require replacement of shrubs and plants, impose penalties, or require environmental enhancements if shrubs and plants associated with shrubsteppe are damaged or removed from property within urban growth area boundaries. State and local government agencies may not require mitigation, protection, or restoration of shrubsteppe within an urban growth area. The bushes and plants associated with shrubsteppe include, but are not limited to, Wyoming big sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, three-tip sagebrush, stiff sagebrush, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, Thurber's needlegrass, needle-and-thread, balsamroot, buckwheat, lupines, and algae, moss, or lichens which are part of the cryptobiotic crust. Invasive species such as cheat grass, mustards, crested wheat grass, Russian thistle, and tumbleweeds that often mix with shrubsteppe are included for the purposes of this subsection. --- END ---

  amended

Action History

1. January 12, 2026

   First reading, referred to Local Government.

Sponsors

• (Connors) · Primary

Subjects