The Washington State Legislature has adopted Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2929, further amended by RSHB 1025, the Growth Management Act, which requires certain counties and cities to classify and designate critical areas and resource lands of long-term commercial significance. Local governments required to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 must further adopt regulations to ensure the conservation of agricultural, forest and mineral resource lands and development regulations precluding land uses or development that is incompatible with critical areas designated under RCW 36.70A.170. More recent amendments to the Growth Management Act require Kettle Falls to consider the best available science when classifying, designating and protecting critical areas and resource lands. (Ord. 1803, §1, 2022).