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AUG. 21, 2025

Rulemaking notice: Commerce announces final rules to support planning for housing

Rules will take effect Sept. 20

This week, the Department of Commerce wrapped up years of work on new administrative rules that will guide local communities as they implement the Growth Management Act.

These rules covered 24 pieces of housing-related legislation [ [link removed] ] enacted between 2019 and 2024. They will support how local governments plan for affordable housing and increase residential density.

The update includes revisions to:


* Chapter 365-196 WAC, Procedural Criteria for Adopting Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations
* Chapter 365-199 WAC, Procedures for making determinations of compliance for jurisdictions seeking voluntary reversion to partial planning status, certification of an empirical parking study, and certification and approval of alternative pathways to comply with density requirements

Commerce initiated rulemaking in June 2023, and final rules take effect Sept. 20, 2025.

Growth Management Services thanks everyone who participated in this complex and important process. They also remind folks that the Commerce website [ [link removed] ] is full of comprehensive and engaging resources for cities, counties and others tasked with land-use implementation. Providing expertise and technical assistance is core to the Growth Management Services mission.

Relevant documents

* CR-101 (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* CR-102 (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* CR-103 (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Revisions to Chapter 365-196 (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Revisions to Chapter 365-199 (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Concise Explanatory Statement and Response to Comments (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* State Environmental Policy Act Comments (PDF) [ [link removed] ]







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Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

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