A. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a siting process for essential public facilities (EPFs). This process involves the community and is intended to assist in the identification and minimization of adverse impacts.

B. Essential public facilities are defined in AMC 19.12.020. EPFs include, but are not limited to, those facilities which are difficult to site, such as state and regional transportation facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities and in-patient facilities (including substance abuse, mental health and group home facilities). The Growth Management Act mandates that no local development regulation may preclude the siting of essential public facilities. Secure Community Transition Facilities are also included. The Anacortes Airport is excluded.

C. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to waive the city’s rights to assert lead agency status to conduct environmental review under Washington State’s Environmental Policy Act pursuant to Chapter 43.21C RCW and WAC 197-11 as now and hereafter amended. (Ord. 2794 § 1 (Att. A), 2008)