Bill > SB5173

This bill amends Washington state law regarding county and city comprehensive land use plans and development regulations, establishing a structured approach for periodic review and update of these plans. The legislation requires counties and cities to review their comprehensive plans and development regulations every 10 years to ensure compliance with growth management requirements, with staggered deadlines for different counties based on their population and characteristics. The bill introduces flexibility for smaller cities and counties, allowing some to opt out of full reviews or have extended timelines for compliance. Notably, the bill provides special provisions for cities with populations under 500 and counties with specific population growth rates, enabling them to conduct partial reviews. Additionally, the legislation mandates that counties review their urban growth areas, considering development patterns and projected growth, with strict guidelines about expanding these areas. For counties participating in watershed protection programs, there are specific conditions under which they may modify development regulations related to agricultural activities. The bill also requires certain counties and cities to submit implementation progress reports five years after plan updates, focusing on housing affordability, permit processing, and progress toward greenhouse gas reduction goals. Counties and cities meeting specific population density and growth criteria will need to provide more detailed implementation reports and work plans.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5173&Year=2025&Initiative=false