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Bill would give Commerce new role reviewing local housing plans and development rules
Summary
SB 5,148 would let the Department of Commerce review housing elements and development regulations — voluntarily or through a targeted review three years after a plan update — and create compliance timelines, minimum objectives and limited remedies if jurisdictions remain out of compliance.
Senators and witnesses at the House Housing Committee hearing on March 20 debated Senate Bill 5,148, which would expand the Department of Commerce’s role in reviewing local housing elements and development regulations under the Growth Management Act.
Audrey Vazic, staff to the committee, told lawmakers the bill “allows a fully planning city or county under the growth management act to submit its housing element and any housing development regulations to the Department of Commerce for voluntary review at any time,” and requires a targeted review no later than three years after a jurisdiction enacts or updates its comprehensive plan. The bill would require Commerce to publish defined minimum objective compliance standards within six months of the bill’s effective date, Vazic said.
Sponsor Senator Bateman framed the bill as an accountability measure after a period of state law…
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