Much of what we call infrastructure is out of sight, buried in the ground. A small percentage is visible and inspiring.
February 25, 2013
Down Under – Space Beneath Bridges
February 25, 2013
See what cities are doing to reclaim those scary places under bridges and freeways.
The Development Game
February 21, 2013
A few months ago I gave a presentation to a group of business people in the community wanting to learn more about the challenges of development. I thought long and hard about a medium that could best explain land use…
The TIFF About TIF
February 18, 2013
Here is some interesting data compiled by Chris Comeau, AICP, Transportation Planner with Bellingham Public Works, for traffic impact fee (“TIF”) rates in the state of Washington as of December 2012. These TIF rates appear to be calculated on the cost…
A Subtle Change Makes A Huge Difference in New SEPA Exemptions
February 14, 2013
As previously reported on this blog, the Washington Legislature directed the Department of Ecology to revise and amend the SEPA rules to streamline permitting processes. The first process concluded on December 31, 2012, and included changes to SEPA exemptions. These exemptions just went…
Why Do We Build Cities?
February 13, 2013
Have sociologists, economists, and historians fully explained why we invest so much time and treasure in this enterprise?
Energy Efficiency and Home Inspection Bills
January 23, 2013
Washington Senate Bill 5076 and accompanying companion House Bill 1181 would require home inspectors to include in their written report to prospective homeowners information describing the components and systems of homes that affect energy efficiency. Washington’s Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board has developed standards…
County Can Set Reasonable Conditions Absent Express Language
January 22, 2013
Today, January 22, 2013, Division III of the Washington Court of Appeals issued a decision affirming the ability of the Benton County Board of Adjustment to set reasonable conditions on the use of land under a special use permit. David and Charlotte…
U.S. Supreme Court Hears New Takings Case
January 21, 2013
On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in the Koontz v. St. Johns River Management District case. There are two questions presented in Koontz. First, whether the government commits a taking if it refuses to issue a land use permit…
2013 Legislative Forecast
January 16, 2013
With 2012 in the history books, we pulled out the crystal ball to look at what issues will arise in the legislature in 2013. With a new governor and a very unusual make up in the Washington legislature, 2013 looks…
