Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 18.70 Related to Project Permitting Timelines to Ensure Compliance with Updates to State Law
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends approval an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 18.70 related to project permitting timelines to ensure compliance with updates to State law.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 18.70 related to project permitting timelines to ensure compliance with updates to State law.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 18.70 related to project permitting timelines to ensure compliance with updates to State law.
Staff Contact / Presenter:
Nicole Floyd, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3768
Background and Analysis:
In 1995, the State of Washington underwent regulatory reform which resulted in a consistent approach to permit processing statewide. This included a standardized 120-day timeline for most permits and annual reporting requirements. Many jurisdictions, including Olympia, have struggled meeting the standardized timeline, especially as the technical challenges of developing the remaining vacant sites has increased.
Senate Bill 5290 attempts to update the Local Project Review Act to reflect a more modern approach. Some of the bill focuses on ways to help jurisdictions create a digital permitting system, update permitting structures, and assistance with reporting; all of which Olympia has already implemented. Applicable to Olympia are requirements for:
1. Increased clarity regarding permit completeness.
2. Establishing a range of timelines from 65-170 days depending on permit type, rather than a static 120 day clock for all permit types.
3. Creating a framework for...
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