By Mike Richards, The Lens News

Washington homebuilders and realtors are praising a new law that would clarify what land is considered buildable under Growth Management Act (GMA) comprehensive plan updates—a move stakeholders say will help address housing inventory shortages across Washington.

The Senate approved SB 5254 in a 47-2 vote on June 29. On the same day, the bill passed the House in a 85-9 vote, with four excused. On July 6, Governor Jay Inslee signed the measure into law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Governor Signs into Law Permit Process Improvements to Help Housing

New Law Will Create Efficiencies in the Final Plat Approval Process for Subdivisions

Bellevue, Wash—April 27, 2017—Governor Jay Inslee today signed into law Senate Bill 5674, providing a local option to allow administrative approval of the final plat process. The bill, sponsored by Senator Guy Palumbo (D-1st District) and Senator Joe Fain (R-47th District), will provide significant efficiencies in many jurisdictions where it can take a long time to get a final plat through the legislative process.

Shannon Affholter, executive director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, explained why the bill is one of the Association's top legislative priorities: "Allowing local governments to delegate final plat approval to planning directors or other designated authorities will save our members weeks or even months of delay in getting on Council agendas for final approval in what is largely a pro forma action," he said.

"The new law is a positive step forward for housing affordability because it will bring greater efficiency to the permit process," Affholter added. "In homebuilding, time is money. Anything that reduces unnecessary delays in the permit process helps to lower another cost pressure on housing."

The preliminary plat application provides an opportunity to appeal, so making the final plat approval process administrative will not remove the opportunity for public input or appeal.

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With more than 2,800 member companies, the Association is dedicated to membership value, government advocacy, financial stewardship, and promoting the residential building industry in the Puget Sound Region. The Association and its members address many of the concerns and issues affecting the residential housing industry. If you are looking to buy, build, remodel, or maintain your home, trust the MBA for industry professional referrals and practical information to get the job done. mbaks.com

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By Cameron Poague, Bothell Kenmore Reporter

There's an expression that says you should enjoy the small things in life.

Going outside and enjoying a walk on a sunny day, for example. Or getting to work or school and back without assistance or inconvenience. For too many, these tasks are burdensome and dangerous. For a few, getting safely to and from their homes has become downright impossible.