A Victory for Freedom

Back in 2006, opponents of I-933, the Property Fairness Initiative, pooh-poohed the concerns of citizens who felt that government was exercising regulatory takings of their property without just compensation in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution through acts such as Critical Areas Ordinances and the Growth Management Act.

Today, the Washington State Court of Appeals has vindicated supporters of I-933. The onerous King County Critical Areas Ordinance that requires rural landowners to keep half of their property covered with vegetation has been struck down. The court held that any such ordinance must be tied to the impact of a specific, proposed development.

Now, the court needs to strike down the unfair and expensive Growth Management Act for the same reason.