(1) The lead agency for an environmental review under this chapter utilizing an environmental checklist developed by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 43.21C.110 may identify within the checklist provided to applicants instances where questions on the checklist are adequately covered by a locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority.

(2) If a lead agency identifies an instance as described in subsection (1) of this section, it still must consider whether the action has an impact on the particular element or elements of the environment in question.

(3) In instances where the locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority provide the necessary information to answer a specific question, the lead agency must explain how the proposed project satisfies the underlying local legal authority.

(4) If the lead agency identifies instances where questions on the checklist are adequately covered by a locally adopted ordinance, development regulation, land use plan, or other legal authority, an applicant may still provide answers to any questions on the checklist.

(5) Nothing in this section authorizes a lead agency to ignore or delete a question on the checklist.

(6) Nothing in this section changes the standard for whether an environmental impact statement is required for an action that may have a probable significant, adverse environmental impact pursuant to RCW 43.21C.030.

(7) Nothing in this section affects the appeal provisions provided in this chapter.

(8) Nothing in this section modifies existing rules for determining the lead agency, as defined in WAC 197-11-922 through 197-11-948, nor does it modify agency procedures for complying with the state environmental policy act when an agency other than a local government is serving as the lead agency.

Finding—Intent—Limitation—Jurisdiction/authority of Indian tribe under act—2012 1st sp.s. c 1: See notes following RCW 77.55.011.

Authority of department of fish and wildlife under act—2012 1st sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 76.09.040.