Sen. Joe Nguyen (D–White Center) intends to remove a statutory barrier that delays the siting of temporary shelters or encampments during emergencies.

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires government to conduct an environmental review for any decision that may result in an environmental impact, such as issuing a land use permit. Depending on the complexity of the policy, project or site, reviews can sometimes take months.

SB 5428 intends to streamline the siting of temporary sheltering sites for homeless individuals by removing the SEPA requirement before a permit is issued. To qualify for the exemption, the bill requires the local jurisdiction to have first declared a state of emergency on homelessness and that the site:

• Be used for people experiencing homelessness.
• Include no more than 200 beds based on a one person per each bed ratio.
• Be used for no more than three years.
• Not involve a new permanent structure.

The bill defines “temporary shelter” as any use sited in a new or existing structure, or modular structure, that provides temporary quarters for sleeping and shelter. “Transitional encampment” is defined as any use having tents, modular structures, or similar shelters, including vehicles used for shelter, providing temporary quarters for sleeping and shelter. Both kinds of facilities may have common food preparation, shower, or other commonly used facilities that support the shelter.

SB 5428 has passed out of committee and awaits a floor vote in the Senate.