TRPC Comprehensive Plan Review Guidance & Certification Checklist

Guidance

Overview

The Growth Management Act (GMA) recognizes the importance of coordinating local, regional, and state planning efforts for complex issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries, such as housing, transportation, and the environment. To advance coordination at the regional and local level, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) such as Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) to certify County and local comprehensive plans (including amendments). To be certified by TRPC, plans must demonstrate that their transportation elements are consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan, reflect the guidelines and principles under RCW 47.80.026, and satisfy the requirements of RCW 36.70A.070(6). Certification is required when the comprehensive plan undergoes a major/periodic update.  

TRPC staff will use information provided by the jurisdiction to determine the following:

• Does the transportation element reflect the principles established in the Regional Transportation Plan? (see RCW 47.80.023 (3))
• Is the transportation element consistent with the adopted regional transportation plan? (see WAC 468-86-150 (1))
• Does the transportation element implement – and is it consistent with – the land use element? (see RCW 36.70A.070 and WAC 468-86-150 (1))

Submittal Requirements

Requests for review must be submitted electronically by email to info@trpc.org at least 60 days prior to the adoption of a major update to the Comprehensive Plan or an amendment/update to the transportation element.  

• A Certification Checklist that responds to each item on the checklist.
• In .pdf format, a draft copy of the jurisdiction’s transportation element.  If the transportation element references other documents, provide additional references to locate the information.

Though not required, jurisdictions are encouraged to submit review requests earlier in their update schedule so that feedback from TRPC can be efficiently incorporated into the update process. Jurisdictions may submit review requests when they have a complete draft of the transportation element. Note that a jurisdiction may need to request an updated review if their transportation element or land use element undergoes substantial changes during the adoption process subsequent to TRPC’s certification. 

Certification Determinations

All formal certification determinations will be made in writing and provided to the jurisdiction staff contact indicated on the checklist. The certification determination may be electronically or physically provided to the jurisdiction staff contact.

To be certified by TRPC, the transportation element must meet the following criteria:

• Reflect the principles in the Regional Transportation Plan (see RCW 47.80.023 (3));
• Be consistent with the adopted regional transportation plan (see WAC 468-86-150 (1)); and 
• Implement – and be consistent with – the land use element (see RCW 36.70A.070 and WAC 468-86-150 (1)) 

When Not Certified. When the jurisdiction’s transportation element does not meet the above criteria, the jurisdiction is encouraged to revise the element and resubmit a request for review.  

Substantial Changes During the Adoption Process. When the jurisdiction’s transportation element or land use element undergoes substantial changes during the adoption process (i.e. after a request for review has been submitted and before the jurisdiction takes final action), the jurisdiction is encouraged to submit a new review request.  

Timeline/Process for Review

Submittal Requirements

Requests for review should be submitted electronically by email to info@trpc.org at least 60 days prior to the adoption of a major update to the Comprehensive Plan or an amendment/update to the transportation element. Please submit the following:

• This checklist responding to each item on the list.
• In .pdf format, a draft copy of the jurisdiction’s transportation element. If the transportation element references other documents, provide additional references to locate the information.

Instructions

TRPC staff will use the following checklist to help determine whether the transportation element:

1. Reflects the principles established in the Regional Transportation Plan (see RCW 47.80.023 (3));
2. Is consistent with the adopted Regional Transportation Plan (see WAC 468-86-150 (1)); and
3. Implements – and is it consistent with – the land use element (see RCW 36.70A.070 and WAC 468-86-150 (1)).

For each review item in the checklist, provide a reference to where the information can be found in the jurisdiction’s plan. If the transportation element references other documents, provide additional references to locate the information.

If desired, you can provide any other information you think will be helpful in the notes section.

Find these principles in Chapter 3 of the adopted Regional Transportation Plan.