The bill aims to address the housing crisis in Washington state by streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing construction. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the need for expedited permit approvals, identifying the current permitting process as a significant barrier to increasing housing units. Key amendments to existing laws include provisions that require local governments to provide a written determination of project permit applications within 28 days, outlining whether the application is complete or incomplete. Additionally, the bill establishes that applications submitted with plans prepared by licensed professional engineers or architects are deemed complete, provided they meet specific requirements.

Further amendments include a stipulation that project permit applications consistent with adopted development regulations are automatically approved after six reviews or requests for additional information unless a clear violation is demonstrated. The bill also mandates local governments to exclude certain project permits from lengthy review processes, particularly for interior alterations and expansions that do not significantly change the existing site layout. Overall, the legislation seeks to facilitate the construction of affordable housing by reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.

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