The bill amends existing laws governing comprehensive planning for counties and cities in Washington State, with a particular focus on housing and transportation infrastructure. It mandates that comprehensive plans include a housing element that identifies infrastructure barriers affecting housing development, especially those related to public infrastructure and frontage improvement requirements that disproportionately impact infill or middle housing. The bill also emphasizes addressing racial disparities and displacement in housing policies, ensuring that local regulations do not contribute to exclusion. Additionally, it requires comprehensive plans to incorporate elements such as land use, housing, capital facilities, utilities, and transportation, all aligned with future land use maps, while establishing antidisplacement policies and ensuring adequate provisions for low-income households.

Moreover, the bill requires local jurisdictions to conduct a comprehensive inventory of state-owned transportation facilities and establish multimodal level of service standards. It mandates the forecasting of transportation demand for at least ten years and the development of a transition plan for accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Local jurisdictions must also evaluate their street and frontage standards to ensure they align with housing goals, particularly for infill development. The bill introduces a public participation program for reviewing and amending comprehensive plans, with updates occurring no more than once a year, while allowing for more frequent amendments under specific circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to enhance housing availability, promote sustainable urban development, and ensure responsiveness to community needs through structured planning and public engagement.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70A.070