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State Land Use Enacted Legislation
| Bill # | State | Year | Party | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HB 1293 |
WA | 2023 | R | Affordable housing incentives and financing, Density Increases, Other streamlining, Streamline hearings |
Provided by Furman
Summary
- Planning cities and counties under the Growth Management Act may apply only local design review standards that are “clear and objective.”
- “Clear and objective” regulations must include one or more ascertainable standard by which an applicant can determine whether a given building design is permissible under that development regulation; and may not result in a reduction in the density, height, bulk, or scale below the generally applicable bulk zoning regulations for the area.
- The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework for
- counties and cities in Washington.
- The design review process must be conducted concurrently with the consolidated review and decision process for project permits and cannot require more than one public meeting.
- Additionally, the design review process is encouraged to be objective and expedited for low-income or moderate-income households.
- Sets forth a categorical exemption from the State Environmental Policy Act for residential housing units within an urban growth area.
- The State Environmental Policy Act establishes a review process for state and local governments to identify environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions, such as the issuance of permits or the adoption of land use plans.
- Exceptions are allowed for designated landmarks or historic districts established under a local preservation ordinance.
Provided by lawmakers
Bill Title
Streamlining development regulations - limiting power of design review
Related resources
Enacted Legislation Related Posts
Research and analysis from the Furman Center on this and related housing policy topics.
