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Bremerton council adopts code changes to meet state permit timelines under SB 5290
Summary
After a staff presentation and public hearing, the Bremerton City Council voted 5–1 Dec. 18 to pass ordinance 5506, amending Title 20 to meet SB 5290 permit timelines (65/100/170 days) and select efficiency options to avoid permit‑refunds; the ordinance keeps public comment but shortens some review steps.
BREMERTON — The Bremerton City Council voted 5–1 on Dec. 18 to adopt ordinance 5506, amending the city’s land‑use code to comply with Washington’s Local Project Review Act changes enacted in SB 5290. The measure shortens some permit decision timelines, narrows when formal hearings are required and authorizes a set of efficiency options the city may use instead of issuing refunds when staff misses state deadlines.
Planning Manager Garrett Jackson presented the ordinance during a public hearing, telling the council that the planning commission “unanimously recommend[ed] adoption of the proposed zoning code amendments.” Jackson summarized three categories of changes: updated permit timelines (65 days for project permits not requiring notice, 100 days for permits that require notice, 170 days for permits requiring notice and hearing), a menu of efficiency measures the city may choose in lieu of refunds, and non‑5290 housekeeping (including design‑review adjustments and signage requirements). He emphasized exceptions for building and fire permits and for projects requiring cultural‑resource coordination with the Suquamish Tribe.
The ordinance would convert several housing project types from conditional uses to outright permitted uses (examples cited included cottage housing, certain group residential developments, senior housing complexes and manufactured‑home parks), maintain approval criteria for those uses but remove conditional‑use process steps that can add time. Staff also proposed shortening applicant response time for requests for information from 90 to 60 days and allowing the city to lapse a permit after three repeated, unaddressed info requests.
At public hearing, resident Jose Camacho warned that removing hearings for some permit phases could “truncate the building permit phase” and limit neighbors’ ability to provide information, repeating allegations that past projects were handled without adequate notice. The Kittad Building Association, represented by Ian Harkins, urged approval, saying builders “strongly support the city's ordinance addressing the new permit timeline bill 5290” and that faster reviews reduce development costs in a housing shortage.
Council debate focused on balancing the state deadline and public notice. Councilor Younger said the change responds to state law requiring expedited reviews; Councilor Mokler and others pushed for clearer, earlier signage and additional protections so neighbors have notice and opportunity to comment. Staff noted proposed informational signage would be posted when an application is deemed complete and remain through final occupancy for affected projects; the council directed follow‑up with the planning commission on signage details in early 2025.
Council voted by roll call: Coughlin — yes; Goodnow — yes; Mauchler — no; Younger — yes; Frey — yes; Chamberlain — yes; the motion carried 5–1. Jackson said SB 5290’s revised timelines take effect Jan. 1, 2025, and the city’s code amendments were presented to align Bremerton’s procedures with that deadline.
The council referred some signage language back to the planning commission for additional review, with a study‑session item expected in late January or February 2025.
