The bill amends RCW 43.21C.229 to establish categorical exemptions for multiunit housing development within incorporated areas of urban growth areas under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). It allows cities and counties to exempt certain government actions related to residential, mixed-use, or commercial developments up to 65,000 square feet, provided these developments align with the density and intensity goals of their comprehensive plans. The bill specifies that project actions proposing to develop two or more residential housing units or middle housing units in cities with populations of 700,000 or more west of the Cascade Mountains will be exempt until September 30, 2028. Additionally, it introduces a new exemption for projects proposing to develop four or more attached residential units in urban growth areas until September 30, 2027.

The bill also emphasizes that these exemptions do not waive or preempt existing state or local development regulations, including those related to zoning and environmental protections. It requires local governments to conduct environmental analyses that consider transportation impacts and to notify affected tribes and agencies before finalizing these analyses. The categorical exemptions will take effect 30 days after the local government completes the required notifications. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate housing development while ensuring that environmental and regulatory standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.21C.229