(1) The council shall conduct an informational public hearing in the county of the proposed site as soon as practicable but not later than sixty days after receipt of an application for site certification. However, the place of such public hearing shall be as close as practical to the proposed site.

     (2) Subsequent to the informational public hearing, the council shall conduct a public hearing to determine whether or not the proposed site is consistent and in compliance with city, county, or regional land use plans or zoning ordinances. If it is determined that the proposed site does conform with existing land use plans or zoning ordinances in effect as of the date of the application, the city, county, or regional planning authority shall not thereafter change such land use plans or zoning ordinances so as to affect the proposed site.

     (3) Prior to the issuance of a council recommendation to the governor under RCW 80.50.100 a public hearing, conducted as an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, shall be held. At such public hearing any person shall be entitled to be heard in support of or in opposition to the application for certification.

     (4) Additional public hearings shall be held as deemed appropriate by the council in the exercise of its functions under this chapter.

[2006 c 205 § 3; 2006 c 196 § 6; 2001 c 214 § 7; 1989 c 175 § 173; 1970 ex.s. c 45 § 9.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2006 c 196 § 6 and by 2006 c 205 § 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

     Severability -- Effective date -- 2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010.

     Findings -- 2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010.

     Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.