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Federal Way staff outline code changes to meet state permit-timeline law, warn of staffing impact
Summary
Planning staff presented code amendments to Titles 18 and 19 to implement Senate Bill 5290’s permit-review timelines, proposing shorter review windows (65/100/170 days). Staff said Federal Way’s fees are generally lower than neighboring jurisdictions and that the city will monitor capacity to meet the new timelines and report to the state.
Planning staff told the committee that legislative changes tied to Senate Bill 5290 require Federal Way to align local permit-review timelines, review fees for reasonableness, and provide consolidated review procedures.
Holly Bozak, Planning Manager, said the 2023 law establishes three review periods: 65 days for permits that do not require public notice, 100 days for permits that do require public notice, and 170 days for land‑use permits requiring a hearing. Bozak said the city’s existing consolidated review process and fee structure largely meet the law’s requirements, though timelines in local code must be adjusted.
Why it matters: Shorter statutory review windows are intended to accelerate project delivery statewide, but they can increase workload for planning departments. Bozak and council members discussed potential staffing impacts, reporting requirements to the state and the possibility of fee refunds to applicants if the city fails to meet the timelines.
Key points from the discussion: - The city’s current fees for common reviews (short plats, site-plan review, sign permits) are generally lower than several neighboring jurisdictions; examples cited: sign fees $88 in Federal Way vs. $170 in Des Moines and $357 in Kent. Site plan review comparisons were explained as valuation‑based in other cities. - Bozak said the timelines represent a “test year”: the city must track actual review durations and report back to the state after one year to demonstrate feasibility. - Council members asked if staff anticipated needing additional planners. Bozak said it is possible and that the city will know more within a few months; she estimated that meeting the new timelines could require roughly one to two additional planners depending on workload. - Legal/code drafting: staff referenced RCW 36.70B.080 to simplify code language that previously referenced an explicit 120‑day rule.
Outcome: The committee voted to forward proposed Title 18 and Title 19 ordinance amendments to the City Council for first reading on Jan. 21, 2025.
What’s next: Staff will adopt the code changes through the council process, monitor timelines during the coming year, and report to the state as required.
