Citizen participation is an important element of the Growth Management Act (GMA). The comprehensive plan development and amendment process, as well as the development and amendment of implementation regulations, should be a "bottom up" effort, involving early and continuous public participation (RCW 36.70A.140 and WAC 365-195-600).
The city of Colville will encourage citizen involvement that goes beyond the minimum legal public notification requirements found in the GMA. The city's basic framework for achieving an interactive dialogue between local decision makers, city staff, and the public will be formed through this article and will apply throughout the local planning process including the adoption and development of the comprehensive plan, amendments thereto, and the adoption of development regulations which implement the comprehensive plan of the city.
Cities and counties planning under the GMA must establish procedures "providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations implementing such plans" (RCW 36.70A.140). These procedures shall include opportunities for public review of proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comment, public meetings after effective notice, provision for open discussion, communications programs, information services, and consideration of and response to public comments. While a public participation program is required under the GMA, cities may determine their own methods of soliciting public participation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.035 and 36.70A.140.
The following guidelines reflect the basis for public participation related to GMA and the city of Colville's local planning process.
(Ord. 1322 NS § 1, 2004)
A. 
The city of Colville will publicize public workshops and hearings to ensure that the community is made aware of the opportunities to become involved in the planning process. At a minimum, the requirements of Chapter 36.70A RCW pertaining to public hearings and notification will be satisfied.
B. 
The city of Colville will inform citizens through various techniques including, but not limited to, the following:
1. 
Posting the property using appropriate signage for site-specific proposals.
2. 
Publishing notice in the Colville Statesman-Examiner. Such notice will be accompanied by a news release to provide more information to the public.
3. 
Sending notice to all citizens and community organizations that sign up on a mailing list. Citizens may request to be included on the mailing list to receive notice of planning commission or other planning-related public meetings in either an electronic mail or regular mail format. Names will be removed on the last business day of the calendar year if no response is received from an invitation to re-enroll sent by December 15th. An invitation to re-enroll will be included on notices prior to the end of the year.
4. 
Providing press releases to KCRK/KCVL radio and other media outlets.
5. 
Meeting notices and minutes from the Colville planning commission and technical review committee will be posted on-line along with notices of applications including actions reviewed under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process.
6. 
Compiling, on an ongoing basis, a list of parties interested in the GMA and local planning issues. Names should come from meetings and hearings, sign-in sheets, written correspondence, and known community groups, as well as specific requests to be included. Notice will be sent to all parties who reasonably appear to have an interest in the matter being considered, where such determination is not possible.
7. 
Issuing press releases, public service announcements, and media packets as appropriate to inform the public about GMA issues, local planning activities, availability of documents, or meeting and hearing dates.
(Ord. 1322 NS § 2, 2004)
The city of Colville will provide citizens the opportunity to review documents, analyze alternatives, and provide feedback to ensure the community has the opportunity to become involved in the planning process. These methods include the following:
A. 
Pertinent documents will be available for review in a timely manner at the department of building and planning, located in Colville City Hall at 170 S. Oak Street. Copies will be made available for the cost of reproduction.
B. 
At least two public hearings will be conducted prior to making an official decision on a comprehensive plan, a development regulation implementing the plan, or an amendment to either. The city council may hold additional public hearings if deemed necessary.
C. 
Public meetings and hearings shall be advertised at least 14 days before the scheduled date.
D. 
Notices for public meetings and hearings shall include the name and address of the person to whom written comments should be sent, along with a deadline for submittal.
E. 
All written comments and public testimony at meetings or hearings shall be considered by the decision-makers, and addressed as time permits. Relevant comments will be addressed in the findings-of-fact portion of the decision-maker's written decision or recommendation.
F. 
Two-way communication between the public and planning staff will be encouraged.
G. 
As appropriate, given the specific proposal, public workshops should be hosted prior to public hearings as a means to involve and educate the public and solicit their opinions, reactions, or suggestions. The number of workshops should be based upon the specific circumstances of the case.
H. 
The public shall also have the opportunity to attend regular or special meetings to observe and aid in discussion topics.
(Ord. 1322 NS § 3, 2004)
The city of Colville will seek opportunities to work directly with citizens throughout the planning process to ensure their concerns are understood and considered, and provide opportunities for open discussion.
A. 
The planning commission will host periodic public meetings in each of Colville's three council wards. At least one council representative from the ward will be encouraged to attend. An opportunity for public comment and discussion will be provided at each meeting.
B. 
The department of building and planning will host topical workshops on matters of local concern at least once annually. Topics may include affordable housing, transportation alternatives, community development projects, and other subjects of broad public interest.
C. 
The city will invite citizens to serve on local boards, committees, and commissions through local newspaper or web page announcements.
(Ord. 1322 NS § 4, 2004)
The city of Colville will provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the adoption and amendment of the city's comprehensive plan and the development regulations which implement the plan as set forth in this article and the following procedures:
A. 
One informational meeting shall be held by the planning commission, at least 30 days prior to the first public hearing, at a neighborhood or community center in the affected council ward(s) or at Colville City Hall, the location at the discretion of the director of building and planning. The meeting shall be announced using methods described in CMC § 17.96.060.
B. 
A description of the proposal will be presented to the public. Discussion between the public, staff members and the planning commission will be encouraged.
C. 
No decisions or recommendations on the outcome of the proposal will be made during the informational meeting.
D. 
The planning commission or staff members shall provide the public a copy of the hearings process, and proposed hearing dates if known.
(Ord. 1322 NS § 5, 2004)