Two bills that we wrote up last week went in different directions at the final cutoff before sine die (session adjournment).
Project permit reform
SB 5964 proposed to create two grant programs—one to help convert local governments to digital permitting platforms
and the other to provide resources to increase permit processing timelines. It also included a provision exempting many interior alterations that do not change the exterior footprint of the building from site plan review. The proposal advanced to
the House Appropriations Committee but did not advance before committee cutoff.
UGA land swap
SB 5593, unfortunately, had a problematic amendment hung in the House Local Government Committee. The underlying bill
dealt with creating a process for swapping land in and out of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) to facilitate cities to grow most effectively. Unfortunately, the committee added an amendment requiring that cities must have authorized accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) and missing middle housing types in certain areas of the city before utilizing this tool. AWC opposed this unnecessary connection, and the House removed the amendment before passing the bill off the floor. The bill now heads to the Governor’s
desk.