The "Housing Accountability Act" aims to improve compliance with housing element requirements under the Growth Management Act by establishing 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 and any amendments to the department for review within ten days of final action or within six months after comprehensive plan updates or five-year implementation progress reports. The department's review will ensure compliance with various housing-related laws, and the housing elements or regulations will not take effect until a final decision is issued. The bill also introduces provisions that prevent the denial of affordable or moderate-income housing developments unless a compliance determination has been received from the department, and mandates legally binding restrictions to maintain affordability for a minimum of 25 years.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to incorporate new compliance measures and appeals processes, allowing for challenges to the department's decisions if deemed clearly erroneous. It establishes new requirements for counties regarding implementation progress reports, which will be mandatory for those meeting specific population density and growth criteria starting April 1, 2021. The bill also exempts certain actions taken by cities and counties from administrative or judicial appeals, specifically those related to housing element requirements. New legal language clarifies that the adoption of ordinances and development regulations aimed at fulfilling housing element requirements will not be subject to appeals, ensuring that the act's objectives are met efficiently.

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