HB 1438 was introduced this legislative session by Rep. April Connors (R–Kennewick) with a goal of speeding up residential project permitting. Unfortunately, the bill approaches this desirable goal in a very concerning way.

HB 1438 is built on the framework of SB 5290 from last session which put a new permitting timeline structure in place, including penalties for exceeding review timelines. Under the bill, if the statutorily or locally developed permit timeline deadline passes, the project is automatically approved if the following conditions are met:

1. The project is in an urban growth area;
2. The project contains one or more residential dwelling units;
3. The application included plans, computations, or specifications that were prepared, stamped, and signed by a professional engineer or architect, licensed under the laws of the state of Washington, in the specific discipline as appropriate; and
4. The city does not identify, in writing, serious public health or safety issues that prevent approval of the project.

We have historically had significant concerns about projects being automatically approved when they have not been determined to meet local and state laws and requirements. Please share any feedback with Shannon McClelland on this proposal, especially any potential unintended consequences your community may face.

Date to remember

HB 1438 is scheduled for a committee vote in the House Local Government Committee on Friday, February 7 at 10:30 am.