(1) Regional agencies and special purpose districts possess statutorily defined powers which include:

(a) Planning;

(b) Development;

(c) Regulatory;

(d) Facility management; and

(e) Taxing functions.

(2) Such entities include:

(a) Regional air pollution control authorities;

(b) Metropolitan municipal corporations;

(c) Fire protection districts;

(d) Port districts;

(e) Public utility districts;

(f) School districts;

(g) Sewer districts;

(h) Water districts;

(i) Irrigation districts;

(j) Flood control districts;

(k) Diking and drainage districts; and

(l) Park and recreation districts.

(3) Except as otherwise provided by the legislature, the act requires that regional agencies and special purpose districts comply with the comprehensive plans and development regulations adopted under the act. WAC 365-196-745 lists statutes that provide direction to maintain consistency between special district plans and comprehensive plans.

(4) The plans of regional agencies and special purpose districts should be developed using local comprehensive plans as a basis for determining future development patterns. Regional agencies and special purpose districts should consult the land use, housing, and other relevant elements of the plans for information on future growth and development patterns, and should contact the local governments to ensure that special purpose districts can provide adequate public facilities to the area over the twenty-year life of the plan.