Bill implementing several AWC regulatory reform recommendations moves forward

AWC developed a housing solutions proposal this interim that included a regulatory reform component. HB 1293 contains provisions regarding SEPA reform that are consistent with the AWC proposal, and one on objective design review that may still need work. HB 1293, as amended, passed off the House floor and is en route to the Senate.

On SEPA, the bill provides a categorical exemption for any residential development that:

• Is consistent with all development regulations implementing a city’s comprehensive plan.
• The city’s comprehensive plan has been subject to environmental review under SEPA.
• The city has undertaken an EIS that considers proposed use, density and intensity of use, and addresses transportation impacts.

Cities must also consult with the Department of Transportation on impacts to the state transportation system, and these exemptions do not apply in areas with existing or anticipated transportation safety or operational deficiencies.

These exemptions would become effective six months after the city’s next comprehensive plan update.

Design review

This bill only touches on design standards relating to buildings that, oddly, do not contain residential housing. Cities may apply only clear and objective design regulations, defined as:

• Including one or more ascertainable guideline, standard, or criterion by which an applicant can determine whether a given building design is permissible under that development regulation; and
• May not result in a reduction in density, height, bulk, or scale below the generally applicable development regulations for a development proposal in the applicable zone.

AWC is supporting similar language around residential design review, but some cities desire to retain commercial design review options.

Finally, HB 1293 encourages voluntary adoption of expedited permit review procedures for a variety of low- and moderate-income housing units.