The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the permit review process for local governments and special purpose districts. It introduces new definitions, such as "development regulations," and clarifies the terms "project permit" and "project permit application." Key provisions include establishing specific timelines for local governments to provide written determinations on project permit applications, with an application deemed "procedurally complete" if it meets submission requirements. Local governments are required to issue final decisions within set timeframes, and if they fail to do so, they must refund 20% of the application fee. The bill also mandates that local governments create a consolidated project permit process by June 30, 2027, designating a permit responsible official and a single point of contact for applicants.

Additionally, the bill encourages local governments to expedite reviews for projects that include affordable housing units and allows for extensions of review periods for complex infrastructure projects, with a maximum total review period of 120 calendar days. It requires annual performance reports from counties and cities regarding permit processing times, which must be submitted to the Department of Commerce. The bill emphasizes the importance of monitoring and enforcing permit decisions while allowing local governments to adopt development regulations that streamline the application process, such as making preapplication meetings optional. Overall, these changes aim to improve the predictability and efficiency of the permitting process while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70A.110, 36.70B.060
Substitute bill: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 36.70B.060
Second substitute: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 36.70B.060
Engrossed second substitute: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 36.70B.060
Bill as passed Legislature: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 36.70B.060
Session law: 36.70B.020, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 36.70B.060