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Staff previews repeal-and-replace of DMC 14.8 to streamline permit-review timelines
Summary
Planning staff reviewed a proposed repeal-and-replace of DMC 14.8, required by state action as stated in the transcript, that consolidates review types and sets review clocks (65/100/170 days depending on notice/hearing). Staff announced the item will be noticed for public hearing at the next meeting.
Planning staff provided a detailed recap of proposed changes to DMC 14.8, a full repeal‑and‑replace item intended to simplify permit processing. Staff said the update is required under a state directive cited in the presentation and reorganizes review types and timelines to make the process clearer for applicants.
The presenter said the new code consolidates review types into a clearer Type‑1 through Type‑5 structure, removes items not associated with land‑use processing, and clarifies when the review clock starts and stops. As stated in the presentation, project permits that do not require public noticing would have a 65‑day review clock; project permits that require public noticing would have a 100‑day clock; project permits requiring both notice and a public hearing would have a 170‑day clock. The reviewer clarified the clock starts when an application is deemed complete, pauses when the city issues comments, and restarts when the applicant submits required revisions.
Staff told the commission this overhaul is required by the state action cited in the packet (referred to in the presentation as "Senate Bridal 52 90" and codified in "RCW 36 70 b" as read aloud in the meeting). Staff said the rewrite is intended to align DMC timelines with state law, make the code more user friendly, and clarify which applications require notice of application and what steps each review type requires.
The presenter said the draft also removes elements not associated with land‑use processing and includes clear tables describing review types, review process steps, and noticing/distribution methods so applicants can identify steps required by the application type. Staff said the item will be noticed for a public hearing at the next meeting.
