The bill aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of land use permitting processes for local governments in Washington State by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Key provisions include allowing cities, towns, or counties to adopt ordinances for land divisions using binding site plans specifically for commercial or industrial properties, as well as for leasing purposes. It clarifies that commercially zoned properties can encompass areas designated for multifamily residential uses and mandates that binding site plans be filed with the county auditor, rendering any non-conforming sales or leases illegal. The bill also addresses exemptions from certain land division regulations and emphasizes the need for development regulations to establish timeframes for local government actions on project permit applications.

Additionally, the bill sets specific deadlines for local government actions on project permit applications, with a 65-day deadline for permits not requiring public notice and a 170-day deadline for those necessitating both public notice and a hearing. It requires jurisdictions to track and report on project permit applications and processing times, particularly for housing-related permits, and mandates annual performance reports to the Department of Commerce. If local governments do not meet the established timeframes, a portion of the permit fee must be refunded to the applicant. The bill also prohibits local governments from requiring extensions of deadlines as a condition for initial permit submissions and includes provisions for the expiration and effective dates of certain sections of the act.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 58.17.035, 58.17.040, 64.90.025, 36.70B.080
Substitute Bill: 58.17.035, 58.17.040, 64.90.025, 36.70B.080
Engrossed Substitute: 58.17.035, 58.17.040, 64.90.025, 36.70B.080
Bill as Passed Legislature: 58.17.035, 58.17.040, 64.90.025, 36.70B.080
Session Law: 58.17.035, 58.17.040, 64.90.025, 36.70B.080