The bill amends several sections of Washington state law to enhance the reporting requirements for project permit application processing timelines. It specifies that counties and cities with populations of at least 20,000 must identify the total number of project permit applications and establish deadlines for issuing final decisions. Additionally, these jurisdictions are required to prepare an annual performance report that includes detailed information about permit processing times, the number of decisions issued, and compliance with established deadlines. The report must also outline time frames for specific permit types related to housing and must be submitted to the Department of Commerce by March 1st each year.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that prohibits the Department of Commerce from awarding grants from the growth management planning and environmental review fund to any county or city that does not comply with the new reporting requirements. This ensures that local governments are held accountable for their permit processing timelines and encourages them to improve their efficiency in handling project permits. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process while maintaining environmental quality and promoting transparency in local government operations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.080, 36.70A.500
Substitute Bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.080, 36.70A.500