The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance local government design review processes and promote housing density and affordability. It introduces the concept of "administrative design review," allowing development permit applications to be evaluated against clear and objective design standards without necessitating a public predecision hearing, unless legally required. The terminology has shifted from "design review" to "an architectural control board meeting" for public meetings, and local governments are empowered to use public meetings, hearings, or voluntary review boards for variance requests. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to land use, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse forms of active transportation.

In terms of housing development, the bill sets new requirements for cities based on population size, mandating at least two units per lot in residential zones for cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000, and higher density for larger cities. It also requires a percentage of units to be maintained as affordable for at least 50 years. The bill streamlines the design review process by limiting the requirement to one architectural drawing set for housing development permit applications and mandates concurrent design and project permit reviews. It further allows for various types of middle housing to meet density requirements while limiting off-street parking requirements and establishing exemptions for areas with critical environmental designations. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate efficient housing development while addressing affordability and environmental concerns.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70A.630, 36.70A.635
Substitute Bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70A.030, 36.70A.630, 36.70A.635