WA HB1438

Requires automatic project approval and building permit issuance on the next business day if permit time periods expire, provided the project is in an urban growth area, contains residential units, includes plans stamped by a licensed engineer or architect, and has no serious public health or safety issues identified in writing

Establishes maximum permit review timeframes: 65 days for permits not requiring public notice, 100 days for permits requiring public notice, and 170 days for permits requiring public notice and a public hearing

Mandates partial permit fee refunds when deadlines are missed: 10% refund if decision exceeds deadline by up to 20% of the original time period, 20% refund if exceeding by more than 20%

Applies to projects submitted after January 1, 2025, and allows local governments to modify permit categories, differentiate between residential and nonresidential permits, and extend deadlines by mutual agreement with applicants