This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to establish new timelines for the review and update of growth management comprehensive plans and development regulations by counties and cities. It mandates continuous review and evaluation of land use plans, with legislative action required to meet compliance deadlines. Notably, smaller cities or towns with populations under 500, not near larger cities, and with low growth rates can opt out of full reviews, provided they update critical areas regulations. The bill also shifts some review deadlines from June 30 to December 31 for certain counties and introduces provisions for enhanced public participation in the review process, emphasizing the need for counties to adjust urban growth areas to accommodate projected growth.

Additionally, the bill sets clear and objective development regulations for the exterior design of new developments, ensuring that these do not reduce density or height below applicable standards. It requires concurrent design review processes with project permit reviews and limits public meetings to one. The compliance timeline for these requirements aligns with the jurisdiction's next periodic comprehensive plan update. Furthermore, the bill establishes specific density requirements for residential development based on city population size, promoting affordable housing by mandating that cities with populations of 25,000 to 75,000 allow at least two units per lot, and those over 75,000 allow at least four units per lot, with additional provisions for transit proximity and equitable distribution of affordable units.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.130
Substitute Bill: 36.70A.130, 36.70A.630, 36.70A.210
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70A.130, 36.70A.630, 36.70A.210
Session Law: 36.70A.130, 36.70A.630, 36.70A.210