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Commission backs code update to meet new state permit timelines under SB 5290
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended changes to Oak Harbor’s procedural code to align review timelines with SB 5290 and RCW 36.70B, changing maximum review periods and specifying calendar‑day counts.
The Oak Harbor Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council approve amendments to Chapter 18.20 to align the city’s permit review timelines with state legislation (SB 5290) and RCW 36.70B. The amendments were presented by planner Nolan Grunska and will be transmitted to council as the commission’s recommendation.
Grunska told the commission the change updates the city’s timelines to reflect new statutory deadlines that became effective Jan. 1, 2025. “65 days is the maximum timeline for projects that do not require public notice, otherwise known as Type 1 projects; 100 days for projects requiring public notice, Type 2 projects; and 170 days for projects requiring a public hearing, Type 3 and 4 projects,” he said, adding that Type 5 projects are exempt from the timelines. The prior code used a 120‑day standard for Type 2–4 reviews.
Grunska said the legislation requires counting calendar days (not business days) and that the city will need to update its permitting procedures and software—he named Llama as the permitting software being adjusted—to reflect the new calendars. He said the staff does not expect the shorter timelines to create a workload problem because Type 1 and Type 2 permits are generally straightforward.
Commissioner Frye moved to recommend approval; the motion passed unanimously.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
