WA SB5613

Cities and counties must adopt and apply only "clear and objective" development regulations for residential development by January 1, 2029, meaning standards that involve no subjective judgment and are based on measurable written or graphic criteria

Department of Commerce must form a stakeholder work group with representatives from cities, counties, building industry, construction trades, planners, architects, and sustainable land use advocates to analyze regulatory barriers to housing

Department of Commerce must develop and publish a model code meeting clear and objective standards by June 30, 2027, which jurisdictions may adopt as a compliance pathway

Jurisdictions may offer an alternative approval process using subjective design criteria (like aesthetics), but applicants must retain the option to use the clear and objective process, and subjective criteria alone cannot be the sole basis for denial

Requirements apply only within urban growth areas and do not restrict jurisdictions from setting housing type approval standards, imposing special conditions on specific projects, or establishing approval procedures