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Ruston council reviews first reading of ordinance to align permit timelines with state law
Summary
Council heard first reading of ORD 1588 to revise Ruston Municipal Code Title 19 so local permit-processing deadlines and 'shot clock' rules match Washington SSSB 5290; council members raised implementation, workload, and fee-refund concerns.
Mayor Bruce Hopkins opened discussion of Ordinance 1588, a first reading to update Title 19 of the Ruston Municipal Code so the city's permit-processing rules conform to Washington's Second Substitute Senate Bill 5290, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. Staff summarized key changes: a notice-of-complete/notice-of-incomplete deadline of 28 calendar days, a 14-day timeline for review after resubmittal, and staggered maximum review periods measured from the notice of complete — 65 days for standard reviews, 100 days for permits without public notice requirements, and 170 days for permits requiring public notice and a hearing.
Staff also explained how the statutory 'shot clock' must count every calendar day and is paused when the city requests additional information, when an applicant pauses processing, or while an administrative appeal is pending. The ordinance proposes exemptions (for example, certain SEPA-exempt building and grading permits, legislative actions and comprehensive plan amendments, street vacations, and development agreements). Staff noted that failure to meet deadlines could require the city to refund 10%–20% of permit fees unless the city adopts multiple administrative practices described in RCW 36.70B.160(1)(a)-(j).
