Whatcom County v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board

¶1 We granted review of this challenge to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board’s (Board) decision on the validity of Whatcom Coun*658ty’s (County) comprehensive plan and zoning code under the Growth Management Act (GMA or Act), chapter 36.70A RCW. The County argues that the Board’s conclusions are based on an erroneous interpretation of the law and asks us to hold that the County’s comprehensive plan protects the quality and availability of water as required by the GMA.

¶2 We reject the County’s arguments. The GMA requires counties to ensure an adequate water supply before…