For code city comprehensive plan amendments, the statutes (RCW 35A.63.073 and RCW 35A.63.070) require that the planning commission hold at least one public hearing. Notice is to be given as provided by ordinance and published at least ten days prior to the hearing. If continued hearings are held, no additional notices need be published. For non-code cities and towns, the statutes (RCW 35.63.105 and RCW 35.63.100) require that the planning commission hold at least one public hearing. For counties, the statutes (RCW 36.70.410, RCW 36.70.380, and RCW 36.70.390) require that the planning commission hold at least one public hearing. Notice is to be published at least ten days prior to the hearing.

The GMA does not add any specific notice and hearing requirements to the existing requirements with respect to adoption of comprehensive plans and plan amendments.

However, RCW 36.70A.140 requires that cities and counties planning under the act

establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program identifying procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations implementing such plans. The procedures shall provide for broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public meetings after effective notice, provision for open discussion, communication programs, information services, and consideration of and response to public comments.

• Request for Consultant Proposals to Update the City of Longview Comprehensive Plan, 2004.
• Bonney Lake Request for Proposals Comprehensive Development Plan for Eastown Neighborhood, 2004.
• Fremont Urban Neighborhood Coalition Phase II Scope of Work - Fremont Neighborhood Plan, 1997, Seattle.
• First Filing Sub-area Plan - Appendix A (Scope of services), Broomfield Heights, CO, 2000.

MRSC Library Material

We also have the following related material available from our library*:

• "Working with Planning Consultants, Part II," Planning Commissioners Journal, No. 32, Fall 1998.
• "Selecting and Retaining a Planning Consultant," by Eric Damian Kelly, PAS Report No. 443, 1993.
• General Plan Update - Appendix A: Detailed Work Program, Humboldt County, CA.
•  Plan Update Schedule, Work and Staffing Needs, Sacramento, CA.   

* These items are available to Washington State city/town/county employees and elected officials at no charge. Please contact the MRSC Library at (206) 625-1300 or via E-mail mrsc@mrsc.org.