The bill aims to encourage the construction of affordable housing in Washington by streamlining the permitting process and reducing associated costs. It amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to project permits, including the introduction of new terms such as "licensed professional" and "submittal materials." The bill emphasizes the importance of a consolidated permit review process, allowing local governments to integrate multiple project permits into a single application review. This process is designed to simplify the decision-making for applicants and local authorities, ensuring that all necessary permits are considered together.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that local jurisdictions cannot charge applicants for third-party peer reviews of submittal materials that have already been reviewed by a licensed professional within the same jurisdiction, unless there is a dispute. This provision aims to minimize unnecessary costs for applicants while maintaining the integrity of the review process. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate affordable housing development by making the permitting process more efficient and cost-effective.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70B.030, 36.70A.040, 36.70B.140
Engrossed Bill: 36.70B.070, 36.70B.050, 36.70B.140, 18.43.035
Substitute bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.120