WA HB1235

Counties and cities planning under the Growth Management Act must submit housing elements and housing development regulations to the Department of Commerce for compliance review within 10 days of adoption and within 6 months of comprehensive plan updates

Housing elements and development regulations do not take effect until the department issues a final compliance decision within 90 days; decisions can be appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board

Cities and counties that have not received department compliance approval cannot deny affordable or moderate-income housing developments (20%+ units at 60-80% AMI, or 100% units at 100-120% AMI) unless specific exemptions apply, such as location outside urban growth areas or in critical areas

Affordable housing developments approved under these provisions require minimum 25-year deed restrictions ensuring affordability, with periodic compliance audits by the local jurisdiction

The department must publish minimum objective compliance standards within 6 months and maintain a public compliance list tracking each jurisdiction's status; adoption of housing element regulations is exempt from SEPA appeals