Commerce launches Housing Dispute Resolution program
There is a significant need for supportive housing and emergency housing projects statewide, however siting them can be difficult. The Washington State Department of Commerce is now offering dispute resolution services for local governments and service providers seeking to site supportive housing and emergency housing projects.
Through June 2025, a dispute resolution consultant is available to work with both parties to resolve disputes about permitting and siting emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (STEP) projects.
When is STEP housing dispute resolution available?
Dispute resolution is available to developers, operators or project applicants of STEP projects, or a county, city or town in which a STEP project is planned, has applied for a permit, or is located.
Dispute resolution services can be accessed when one of the following takes place:
- A jurisdiction denies a permit for a STEP project.
- Disputes arise between jurisdictions and developers of STEP projects during the permitting process, as early as the pre-application meeting.
- A local government attempts to close an operating STEP project.
- A jurisdiction’s regulations operate to prevent the siting of STEP projects and may be inconsistent with state requirements. Such disputes will be eligible for mediation regardless of whether the jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan periodic update is complete.
How to access STEP housing dispute resolution
To submit dispute resolution requests, send an email to [email protected]. Please address "ATTN: Laura Hodgson" in your subject line and provide the following information in the email:
- Name of the jurisdiction in which the project is located and, if available, the jurisdiction’s contact name and information,
- STEP project representative or developer and their respective contact information,
- Description of the project, including location and permitting status,
- Description of the concern or disagreement, including any relevant local regulations (if applicable), and
- Steps taken to-date to resolve the disagreement or concern.
After Commerce has determined if the request meets the minimum requirements for dispute resolution, the department will contact each party to confirm that both parties are willing to engage in dispute resolution, and explain next steps.
If the request is not eligible for dispute resolution, Commerce will inform the applicant about why the request was not eligible for dispute resolution.
STEP support tools
To assist cities and counties in integrating effective STEP planning into local regulations, Commerce developed a portfolio of new guidance documents and tools:
Questions?
For more information, please view the Housing Dispute Resolution Plan or visit the Updating GMA Housing Elements webpage. Please contact Laura Hodgson at [email protected] with any questions.
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