A. All comprehensive plan amendments are considered legislative processes and are not subject to deadlines for issuance of a final decision or project permit applications in Chapter 19.05 GHMC. While the city may consider amendments only once a year, there is no deadline for the city’s final decision on the amendments, nor is there any limitation on the number of hearings that the city may hold to consider the amendments.

B. Annually, the comprehensive plan amendment proposals shall be considered concurrently so that the cumulative effect of all amendments may be ascertained. Environmental review (SEPA) shall be conducted on all proposed amendments at the same time to consider the cumulative impacts of all amendments. Proposals may be considered at separate meetings and hearings, so long as the final action taken considers the cumulative effect of all the proposed amendments.

C. Proportional Share of Costs. Individual applicants will be required to pay for their proportionate share of the costs involved in the SEPA analysis, which may include the preparation of an environmental impact statement if deemed necessary by the responsible SEPA official. If an EIS is deemed necessary, the city will contact the applicant(s) to provide them with an estimate on the cost of the EIS and will require the applicant(s) to pay their proportionate cost before proceeding with the preparation of the EIS. Lack of payment in the time specified by the city will be deemed a withdrawal of the nonpaying applicant’s application. If actual costs of the EIS exceed the estimated cost, the city may bill each applicant for their proportional share of the cost overrun. Payments exceeding actual costs shall likewise be reimbursed proportionately. If payments for all costs due to the city are not paid, the proposed comprehensive plan amendments of the nonpaying applicant shall not be approved.

D. Assessment of Impacts. Except for those land use map amendments associated with a development agreement that limit development to specified uses and floor areas, the most intense use and development of the site allowed under the proposed land use designation will be assumed when reviewing potential impacts to the environment and to public facilities. (Ord. 1177 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1075 § 1, 2007).