The "Housing Accountability Act" aims to strengthen compliance with housing element requirements under the Growth Management Act by instituting a new review process for housing elements and related regulations. Counties and cities planning under RCW 36.70A.040 are required to submit their housing elements for departmental review within specified timeframes, with the department mandated to issue a compliance decision within 90 days. The housing elements or regulations will not take effect until compliance is confirmed. The bill also introduces a local government compliance list to monitor adherence and outlines the necessary components for the review application. Additionally, it restricts local governments from denying affordable or moderate-income housing developments unless they have received a compliance determination from the department and mandates legally binding affordability restrictions for a minimum of 25 years.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws to enhance the review and evaluation of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations, emphasizing public participation in the planning process. It establishes specific deadlines for compliance and allows for early reviews, particularly accommodating smaller jurisdictions with extended timelines. Counties meeting certain population density and growth criteria will be required to submit implementation progress reports starting April 1, 2021, detailing indicators related to housing affordability and other relevant metrics. The legislation also exempts certain actions from administrative or judicial appeals, specifically those related to housing element requirements, ensuring that the adoption of ordinances aimed at fulfilling these requirements is not subject to appeals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.290, 36.70A.320, 36.70A.130