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Bill would clarify use of binding site plans and bar permit-timeline waivers at initial submission
Summary
Senate Bill 5611 would clarify that binding site plans can be used to include multifamily residential uses in mixed‑use commercial/industrial projects and prohibit planners from requiring applicants to waive permit‑timeline deadlines at initial submission.
The committee heard engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5611, which clarifies when developers may use a binding site plan and restricts local-planning offices from requiring applicants to sign away statutory permit-timeline protections at initial submission.
Elizabeth Allison, committee staff, explained that a binding site plan is an alternative land-division method used for commercial or industrial property; the bill would explicitly allow binding site plans to be used when the commercial zone permits or conditionally permits multifamily residential uses. Allison also summarized current statutory requirements that local jurisdictions establish time periods for permit decisions and said the bill would prevent jurisdictions from conditioning initial applications on a waiver of those prescribed timelines.
Sen. Solomon, sponsor, described the bill as a “supply-side” measure that clarifies existing code to allow mixed-use projects and prevents local planning offices from using deadline waivers as a condition of accepting applications. “You can’t strong-arm people to say, well, you know, if you want us to process this, you have to waive your timeline,” Solomon said.
Committee members asked clarifying questions; staff said jurisdictions may still agree in writing to extend time periods after application if both parties consent. No committee vote occurred on the bill during this hearing.
