Agency: 468 - Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office
Last Updated: 10/08/2025
A002 - Environmental Adjudication
The Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) and Shorelines Hearings Board (SHB) within the Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office are independent, quasi-judicial adjudicative boards that hear appeals of certain local, regional, and state agency environmental decisions related to permitting and enforcement. The Boards conduct evidentiary hearings, evaluate scientific and other factual evidence, and produce written legal decisions that interpret, apply, and enforce state environmental laws related to water rights, water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, forest practices, and shoreline management.
| Account | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | Biennium Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTE | 12.3 | 13 | 13 |
| 001 - General Fund | |||
| State | 2,643,000 | 2,760,000 | 5,403,000 |
| 23P - Model Toxics Control Operating Acct | |||
| State | 109,000 | 136,000 | 245,000 |
| 26B - Climate Investment Account | |||
| State | 50,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 |
| FY 2026 | FY 2027 | Biennium Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTES | 12.3 | 13 | 12.7 |
| GFS | 2,643,000 | 2,760,000 | 5,403,000 |
| Other | 159,000 | 186,000 | 345,000 |
| Totals | 2,802,000 | 2,946,000 | 5,748,000 |
Expected Results
The PCHB and SHB provide independent review of agency decisions in an expedited, cost-effective, and uniform manner. Citizens and businesses receive timely access to justice regarding environmental permitting and enforcement decisions that protect the state's natural resources and environmental quality while allowing for appropriate development and commercial/industrial activity.
A003 - Land Use Planning Adjudication
The Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) within the Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office is an independent, quasi-judicial adjudicative board that resolves disputes regarding local government compliance with the land use planning requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA) and related matters. The GMHB uses regional panels to hear appeals related to local government comprehensive plans, development regulations, and other components of the GMA. The final products from the GMHB are legal decisions which enforce the State's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A).
| Account | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | Biennium Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTE | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 001 - General Fund | |||
| State | 1,354,000 | 1,358,000 | 2,712,000 |
| FY 2026 | FY 2027 | Biennium Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTES | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| GFS | 1,354,000 | 1,358,000 | 2,712,000 |
| Other | |||
| Totals | 1,354,000 | 1,358,000 | 2,712,000 |
Expected Results
Achievement of stated agency mission and fulfillment of statute (RCW 36.70A); to help local governments manage growth and to serve the citizens of Washington by making informed decisions on appeals arising from the implementation of the Growth Management Act in a clear, consistent, timely, and impartial manner that recognizes the diversity of their jurisdictional regions.