Washington requires local governments to provide notice to military representatives for certain planning actions—which is based on best practices that center on communication for well-informed decisions about local land use. Coordination between communities and military representatives serves a crucial role in planning future development patterns that balance local interests with military mission requirements. The following resources promote civilian-military partnership and consultation to support uses of land, sea, and air which preserve security and safety for service members and civilians alike.
Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA) requires communities near military installations to provide a 60-day notice and request for written comments from the base commander before amending or adopting comprehensive plans and development regulations.
The GMA states a priority to protect lands around military installations from development that would reduce the ability of personnel to fulfill mission requirements (RCW 36.70A.530). Development that is incompatible with this priority poses risks to operational efficiency as well as the safety of military personnel and the public.
Energy developers and reviewers are advised to have early and ongoing consultation with the Department of Defense (DoD) across all project phases to identify and plan around potential conflicts with military operations and safety. Washington law also requires counties to provide the DoD with written notice for alternative-energy permit applications (RCW 35.63.270/RCW 35A.63.290/RCW 36.01.320 and WAC 365-16-475). If you are working on plans or permits related to energy siting, contact our region’s military representatives for consultation:
Kimberly Peacher
Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC)
8730 N. Charles Porter Ave.
Oak Harbor, WA 98278-5000
Phone: 360-930-4085
Fax: 360-257-1852
United States Air Force Western Regional Environmental Office (AFCEE/RO-W)
50 Fremont Street, Room 2450
San Francisco, CA 94105-2236
Phone: 415-977-8884
Fax: 415-977-8900
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse (the Clearinghouse): Visit DOD’s Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse to opt into a project-review process under the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
In partnership with the State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and the Department of Defense, Commerce led an effort to produce tools and resources to promote consultation between energy developers, permitting authorities, and military representatives. The Compatible Energy Siting Assessment (CESA) resulted in a written report on military missions across Washington, statewide energy trends, developers’ siting requirements, local government planning regulations to support coordination
- The 2022 Compatible Energy Siting Assessment (PDF) which documents the study’s review of military missions, energy trends, siting practices, and permitting processes.
- The 2022 CESA Map Tool (Prototype) is an interactive prototype application demonstrating the value and practicality of site-specific consultation guidance for energy siting.
- The 2019 Washington State Guidebook on Military and Community Compatibility (PDF) – A reference for compatibility planning practices for civilian and military members of the statewide community.
- The Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) page details a grant program and legislative report that the Legislature initiated to support local compatibility projects, Substitute Senate Bill 5748 (PDF).
- The Compatible Energy Siting Assessment (CESA) – A project promoting consultation between energy project developers, proponents, reviewing/permitting entities, and the military throughout the development process.
- 2016 legislative report, Civilian-Military Land Use Study (PDF), prepared by TSG.
- Defense Industry Adjustment Program