Draft rules for housing, urban growth areas and rural planning

The Department of Commerce has filed draft rules (CR-102) to update Washington’s Administrative Codes (WAC) that seek to incorporate 24 housing-related bills passed into law between 2019 and 2024.

These bills relate to housing, urban growth areas and rural planning, and the draft rules will support how local governments plan for affordable housing and increase residential density. This includes accessory dwelling units, tiny houses, design review, local project review, urban growth area swaps and infill development in limited areas of more intensive rural development.

Together, the proposed rules will assist counties and cities in further implementing the Growth Management Act requirements through local comprehensive plans and development regulations. Effective land use planning is critical to sustainable economic development, conservation of natural resource lands and industries, supporting a healthy natural environment, fiscally responsible infrastructure investments, and providing predictability to communities and developers.

How to participate

• Review these draft updates to WAC 365-196 and WAC 365-199 on the Commerce rulemaking page.
• Attend a virtual public hearing on Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. to provide feedback on these draft rules.
• Submit written comments via email to Deborah Jacobs by Jan. 13.

Virtual Public hearing

Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Register to attend (Zoom)