The bill amends existing laws regarding short subdivisions in Washington State, specifically increasing the threshold for the number of lots that can be created under a short plat. It establishes that outside of urban growth areas, cities, towns, or counties may allow divisions of land into four or fewer lots, but can increase this number to a maximum of nine through local ordinance. Inside urban growth areas, the bill allows for divisions into nine or fewer lots, with the possibility of increasing this to 30 if the average lot size does not exceed the minimum lot size set by local regulations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the regulations surrounding the approval process for short plats and short subdivisions, requiring that they may only be approved if certain written findings are made by administrative personnel. It also stipulates that land in short subdivisions cannot be further divided within five years without filing a final plat, although exceptions are made for short plats containing fewer than the maximum number of lots allowed. The bill emphasizes the need for clear and objective design standards and includes provisions for unit lot subdivisions, ensuring that they comply with existing land use and development standards.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 58.17.060