Bill > SB5611

This bill streamlines and clarifies local governments' land use permitting processes by making several key modifications to existing state laws. The bill expands the definition of commercially zoned property to include areas that permit or conditionally permit multifamily residential uses, which allows more flexibility in how local governments can process land divisions and site plans. It amends regulations related to binding site plans, making it easier for cities, towns, and counties to create and approve plans for commercial, industrial, and leased properties. The bill also updates project permit application timelines and reporting requirements, specifying maximum processing times for different types of permits and mandating that local governments track and report on their permitting performance. Additionally, the bill ensures that condominium and cooperative developments cannot be subject to more restrictive zoning or permitting requirements than identical developments under different ownership structures. The changes aim to make land use permitting more efficient, predictable, and transparent, with provisions designed to reduce administrative burdens and provide clearer guidelines for both local governments and property developers.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5611&Year=2025&Initiative=false