For the sixth time, the Lewis County Commission approved a building moratorium on agricultural lands Monday as it awaits a decision from the state’s Western Washington Growth Management Hearing Board.

    The county submitted a new plan to come into compliance with the 1990 Growth Management Act in August and expects a ruling from the board by the end of the year.

    For the better part of six years, county leaders have been attempting to make their land designation codes fit with the state land use planning law so the growth board will lift an invalidity order on the county’s land designation process. That would give the county more local control over which lands can be rezoned for development.

    The GMA requires designation and protection of agricultural lands that are not already characterized by urban growth and that have long-term significance for the commercial production of food or other agricultural products.

    The most recent plan could add an additional 90,000 acres to the county’s designated agricultural lands.

    Appeals have already been submitted to the board by those who disagree with the process, among them former county commissioner Dennis Hadaller, Tri-Cities resident and local landowner Vince Panesko, and Chehalis resident Eugene Butler.

    Commissioner Ron Averill said he hopes this will be the final time through the GMA hearings process. He said the work of staff, legal council and consultants all culminated in the final plan — which included a public hearing — and that he hopes it marks the end of a long process.

    “I second that prayer,” said Commissioner Lee Grose.

    Eric Schwartz: (360) 807-8245