The bill aims to enhance the siting and development processes for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters within urban growth areas in Washington State. It prohibits local comprehensive plans or development regulations from denying permit applications for these types of housing in residential or commercial zones. The bill mandates that counties and cities must review such permit applications using an administrative process only and allows applicants to seek waivers from local regulations that may hinder the siting of these facilities. Additionally, it establishes a dispute resolution process through the department to address disagreements between applicants and local governments regarding permit applications.

The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that cities and code cities cannot prohibit transitional or permanent supportive housing in zones where residential units or hotels are allowed. It specifies that reasonable occupancy and spacing requirements may be imposed but must not prevent the necessary siting of these housing types to meet projected needs. Furthermore, it restricts permit approvals for these housing types in areas zoned for industrial use and requires that permit applications be processed through an administrative design review. The bill includes provisions for the department to take corrective actions if local governments fail to comply with the new requirements, including withholding certain state revenues until compliance is achieved.

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