Proposed legislation would preclude cities from establishing or utilizing external design review boards for determining whether housing development meets design guidelines. However, cities would retain the ability to address design standards administratively. The bill is scheduled for a hearing the first week of the 2023 legislative session.

HB 1026, sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen (D–Kirkland), provides that cities planning under the Growth Management Act may only require administrative design review to determine compliance with local design standards for housing developments. The bill proposes the following two definitions:

• Administrative design review: “a determination of compliance with design-related development regulations conducted solely by local government employees without either a public meeting or review by an external board.”
• Housing development: “a proposed or existing structure that is used as a home, residence, or place to sleep by one or more persons including, but not limited to, single-family residences, manufactured homes, multifamily housing, group homes, and foster care facilities.” This appears to include hotels, which may not be intended.

The concept of eliminating external design review boards was advanced and supported by the AWC Housing Solutions Group to expedite housing development. AWC supports this proposal. We expect that there may still be refinement needed on some of the definitions—please provide comments to Carl or Shannon.

Date to remember

HB 1026 will be heard on Tuesday, January 10 at 4 pm in the House Committee on Housing.