2SSB 5290 — Concerning consolidating local permit review processes.

What this bill does

Provides default permit processing time frames applicable January 1, 2025, to local governments that do not, by ordinance or resolution, adopt different time frames. Requires local governments to issue a written determination of completeness on a project permit application within 20 days, and provides that an application is complete if it meets the local government's procedural submission requirements as outlined on the application. Requires local governments to provide refunds of permitting fees if permitting time frames are missed, and provides optional additional project review provisions which, if adopted, can exempt the local government from the refund requirement. Beginning January 1, 2025, replaces current permit processing reporting requirements applicable to certain counties and cities with new reporting requirements, and requires the Department of Commerce (Department) to produce an annual report using the new information. Requires local governments to exclude interior alterations from site plan review, except under certain conditions. Requires the Department to establish a Consolidated Permit Review Grant Program to administer grants to local governments that agree to comply with a specified residential permit application time frame and that establish a fee structure to enable the local government to continue providing review within that timeline. Requires the Department to administer a grant program for local governments that are transitioning from paper permit review systems to digital systems, and to convene a Digital Permitting Process Work Group to examine aspects of digital permitting systems, with a report to the Legislature and the Governor due August 1, 2024.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 10, 2023
  98 yea · 0 nay
• Senate — Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 17, 2023
  47 yea · 0 nay · 2 not voting
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 6, 2023
  49 yea · 0 nay

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