Bill > SB5633

This bill comprehensively updates Washington state's laws governing land subdivision, replacing the existing chapter 58.17 RCW with a new chapter 58.17A RCW. The legislation aims to modernize the subdivision process by streamlining administrative procedures, integrating requirements from the Growth Management Act (GMA), local project review, and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Key provisions include creating an administrative plat approval process for jurisdictions planning under the GMA, allowing cities to adopt administrative minor plat procedures that enable the division of residential lots into up to two lots, establishing uniform statewide standards for land division, and simplifying review timelines. The bill also addresses housing supply challenges by making subdivision processes more efficient, clarifying requirements for unit lot subdivisions, and providing more predictable review periods for development applications. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2026, with some jurisdictions having until July 1, 2027, to implement the changes, and it repeals the existing comprehensive set of statutes related to land subdivision.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5633&Year=2025&Initiative=false