The bill amends several sections of the Washington State Growth Management Act to establish new timelines for the review and update of comprehensive land use plans and development regulations. It allows smaller cities and towns with populations under 500, not located near larger cities, to opt out of full reviews if they notify the department of their intent to participate in a partial review. Key changes include the insertion of new deadlines for compliance, such as changing the review date for specific counties from June 30 to December 31, 2026, with subsequent reviews every ten years. The bill emphasizes public participation in the planning process and requires counties and cities to report on their implementation progress regarding comprehensive plans.

Additionally, the bill sets clear and objective development regulations for the exterior design of new developments, mandating that design reviews occur concurrently with project permit reviews and limiting them to a single public meeting. It establishes specific density requirements for cities based on population size, promoting affordable housing by requiring cities with populations of 25,000 to 75,000 to allow at least two units per lot, and those over 75,000 to allow at least four units per lot. The bill also includes provisions for middle housing and limits parking requirements near major transit stops while ensuring that areas with critical environmental designations are exempt from these density requirements.

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