The bill aims to enhance the efficiency and predictability of local permit review processes in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and introducing new provisions. Key changes include allowing local governments to exclude certain project permits from standard review processes based on special circumstances and mandating the exclusion of interior alteration permits from site plan reviews if they do not significantly alter the property. Additionally, the bill establishes a consolidated permit review grant program to fund local governments that adhere to specific timelines for final decisions on residential permit applications. It also requires local governments to transition to digital systems for processing applications and sets clear timeframes for permit actions, including deadlines for final decisions.

Moreover, the bill imposes reporting requirements on counties and cities with populations over 20,000, mandating them to track and report their permit processing performance to the Department of Commerce. It emphasizes the need for accountability by allowing for partial refunds of permit fees if processing deadlines are not met. The Department of Commerce is tasked with providing technical assistance to local governments in establishing reasonable fee structures and developing a reporting template. The new provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and aim to support housing development while improving local governance.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70B.140
Substitute Bill: 36.70B.140, 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.080, 36.70B.160
Second Substitute: 36.70B.140, 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.080, 36.70B.160
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70B.140, 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.080, 36.70B.160
Session Law: 36.70B.140, 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.080, 36.70B.160