The bill seeks to improve municipal permitting processes for high-capacity transit projects by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and introducing new provisions. It allows regional transit authorities to enter into development agreements that can establish development standards differing from local regulations, thereby facilitating the construction of transit facilities. Additionally, the bill enables these authorities to apply for land use and construction permits prior to property acquisition, provided they notify the property owner at the time of application. This aims to streamline the permitting process and promote timely development of transit infrastructure.

Further amendments clarify that local governments must accept applications from regional transit authorities regardless of property ownership, as long as the applications are complete. The bill also introduces an exemption for land divisions resulting from property acquisitions by regional transit authorities for facility construction. It specifies that commercially zoned properties can include multifamily residential uses and outlines permissible land divisions. Moreover, it details requirements for binding site plans, which must be approved by local authorities, and establishes expiration and effective dates for certain sections of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70B.170, 58.17.040, 19.27.095
Substitute bill: 36.70B.170, 19.27.095, 36.70B.070, 36.70B.110, 58.17.040