Amending WAC 194-24 – Updating certain appliance energy efficiency standards and testing methods 

Commerce is considering version updates to any existing appliances that use an adopted reference standard or test method under WAC 194-24. Commerce is not considering any new products or standards.

A CR-101 preproposal statement of inquiry was filed on September 22, 2021. Commerce is soliciting written comments on the scope of this rulemaking by October 13, 2021. Interested parties may add their names to the email distribution list at commerce.wa.gov/appliances.

Questions or comments may be submitted to Liz Reichart, at appliances@commerce.wa.gov.

CR-101 (PDF)

Expedited rulemaking revising WAC 365-135-070 – Modifying allocation dates for exempt facility applicants for the Bond Cap Allocation Program

This rulemaking provides conformance with the provisions of RCW 39.86, which were amended in 2010, to alter release/allocation dates for initial bond cap set-asides from September 1 to July 1. This affects the timing of certain release/reallocation provisions but does not change the overall amount of private activity volume cap. It may assist in maximizing use of volume cap within a specific calendar year.

A CR-105 was filed on May 19, 2021, with proposed revisions to six references in WAC 365-135. No written objections were received and a CR-103 was filed on July 20, 2021, adopting the rule changes. The changes will take effect on August 20, 2021.

This rulemaking is authorized under RCW 34.05.353(1)(b) and (1)(d), which allows for an expedited process to rule changes that bring WAC provisions into conformance with dates identified in statute. Any questions can be directed to Allan Johnson at allan.johnson@commerce.wa.gov.

CR-105 (PDF)
CR-103 (PDF)
WAC 365-135 revisions (PDF) Public Inquiries (PDF)

WAC 365-135-070 Update

This rulemaking will modify the allocation date for the maximum bond cap allocation for an exempt facility applicant from July 1 to May 1. This will affect the timing of exempt facility release/reallocation provisions but will not change the overall amount of private activity volume cap available. It may assist in maximizing use of volume cap within the calendar year.

A CR-105 was filed on April 20, 2022 for the proposed revisions to WAC 365-135-070. Commerce is soliciting additional comment until June 20, 2022.

Comments can be directed to Dave Pringle at Dave.Pringle@Commerce.wa.gov.

CR-105 (PDF)

Amending WAC 365-230 Lead-Based Paint

Commerce is updating WAC 365-230, to align Commerce with the EPA’s newly lowered clearance standards for lead-based paint on floors and windows and existing definitions for “landlord” and “property manager.” The proposed rules also amend certain training and certification requirements to reflect programmatic updates and to clarify language for firms and employees.

A CR-101 was filed on March 9, 2021. A CR-102 was filed on July 7, 2021. The CR-103 with the final adopted language was filed on Oct. 29, 2021.

CR-101 (PDF)
CR-102 (PDF)
Proposed WAC 365-230 revisions (PDF)
CR-103 (PDF)
Final Adopted Language (PDF)

Updating Growth Management Act administrative rules and guidance for cities and counties 

Commerce is updating administrative rules and guidance to the Growth Management Act (GMA) to bring the rules into conformance with legislative changes and new case law, and to clarify any statutory requirements based on feedback from local governments. This ensures cities and counties planning under the GMA will have the most recent and accurate guidance when undertaking their periodic updates. The purpose of Commerce’s administrative rules is to help with interpretation of the GMA and to provide recommendations to local governments for meeting the requirements.

The scope of rule-making activities includes:

• Chapter 365-196 WAC, Procedural Criteria for Adopting Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations
• Chapter 365-190 WAC, Minimum Guidelines to Classify Agricultural, Forest and Mineral Lands and Critical Areas
• Chapter 365-195 WAC, Best Available Science

Commerce is also working with state agency subject matter experts and other external stakeholders to identify any necessary or recommended changes to the existing administrative rules.

A CR-101 was filed on December 29, 2020 with the intent to finalize the rulemaking in summer 2022.

Questions or comments may be submitted to the project manager, William Simpson, at william.simpson@commerce.wa.gov, or by calling 509-280-3602.

You can find additional information on the project webpage: Growth Management Act WAC Update

• CR-101 (PDF)
• Proposed WAC 365-190 revisions (PDF)
• Proposed WAC 365-195 revisions (PDF)
• Proposed WAC 365-196 revisions (PDF)