Politics & Government

Governor Signs Angel's Bill to Benefit Land and Housing Developers

The bill will help to provide more certainty for land and housing developers who are struggling from hardships in their industry during a difficult economy.

A measure that would clarify timelines for development of plats for subdivisions was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Rep. Jan Angel, who prime-sponsored House Bill 2152, says the legislation will help to provide more certainty for land and housing developers who are struggling from hardships in their industry during a difficult economy.

“The process of submitting a preliminary plat, getting government approval for development of the land, involving various professionals to develop and carry through the plans, and submitting a final drawing of the plat can take years and cost thousands of dollars. During this difficult economy, developers who have invested time and money have been forced to curtail the progress of plat development until they know their investment will pan out,” said Angel, R-Port Orchard.

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“This bill simply preserves the status of work already done with the hope that when the economy begins to recover, those in the construction industry can start where they left off in the development process. It will ensure the large investments of time and money are preserved, as well as the jobs to get the work done.”

A plat is an approximate drawing of a proposed subdivision showing the general layout of streets, alleys, lots, blocks and other elements of land development.

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Under the bill, if a preliminary plat is approved by local government on or before Dec. 31, 2014, a final plat must be submitted for approval within seven years. On or after Jan. 1, 2015, a final plat must be submitted to local government within five years of preliminary plat approval. The bill also provides a nine-year limit for approval of a final plat within city limits not subject to the state’s Shoreline Management Act that was originally filed on or before Dec. 31, 2007.

Angel pointed to a developer in Belfair as an example of why the bill is needed.

“This developer was involved in a family partnership in which they platted 45 acres near Belfair into 129 lots. The process took more than two years and involved various professionals, including a land-use attorney, general practice attorney, wastewater civil engineer, a geotechnical engineer, traffic engineer, professional planner and wildlife biologist. On top of those costs were permits and fees required by local government. By the time this developer had completed preliminary plat approval, he had spent more than 250 thousand dollars. That’s what would have been lost if plat approval expired,” noted Angel.

“This legislation will help those who have made an upfront investment in the plat process and give them time for the economy to recover before they must move forward.”

The measure passed the House and Senate unanimously. It takes effect June 6.

Information provided by Washington House Republicans.


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