This bill establishes new provisions to facilitate the resolution of disputes related to the siting and construction of transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing in Washington State. It mandates that the Department of Commerce provide services to assist cities, applicants, and developers in resolving disputes over project permits and development agreements. If disputes cannot be resolved, cities are required to submit relevant documentation to the Department of Commerce for review. The Department has the authority to reverse decisions that violate specific state laws regarding housing siting and to issue determinations of noncompliance if zoning ordinances hinder the development of such housing.

Additionally, the bill outlines consequences for cities that fail to comply with the Department's determinations, including the withholding of certain state revenues until compliance is achieved. It also allows applicants to submit their project documents to the Department for review and to appeal decisions made by the Department. The provisions of this bill are set to expire on July 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 35.21.683, 35A.21.430