During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed Ordinance No. 2024-5, which aims to update the development code administration in response to new state requirements. Brad Madrid, presenting the ordinance, acknowledged the complexity of the 111-page document and the tight timeline for its review, urging council members to ask questions for clarity.

The ordinance is a direct response to Senate Bill 5290, signed by Governor Ainsley in May 2023, which modifies the state's permit review and approval processes. The goal of the legislation is to ensure timely processing of permits and to enhance predictability for users across the state. Madrid emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that if the city council does not approve the proposed changes by the end of the month, the existing local processes will be overridden by state law.

The planning commission held a public hearing on the ordinance on November 12, following several work sessions to discuss the proposed changes. Their recommendation included approval with some considerations, which were taken into account in the final version presented to the council. Additionally, the general government committee provided friendly amendments to the ordinance language, which Madrid also addressed during the meeting.

The ordinance primarily modifies Title 14 of the Tumwater Municipal Code, which governs the review of development projects, public notice procedures, and the decision and appeal processes. Madrid indicated that several new provisions would be introduced as part of these updates, reflecting the collaborative efforts of both the planning commission and the general government committee.