This application period has closed.
The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications for permit review process update grants. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to local governments to help reduce permit review timelines. A total of $475,000 is available.
Who is eligible?
All Washington towns, cities and counties are eligible for this program. Please review the grant instructions prior to submitting an application. Eligible costs may include those associated with the following activities:
- Project planning and scoping, purchasing software, and implementation of a permitting system capable of processing digital permit applications, virtual inspections, electronic review, and with capacity for picture/video storage. Eligible for jurisdictions fully or partially using paper permitting processes or outdated electronic systems.
- Staff training in newly adopted application and review procedures.
- Contracting with outside assistance to audit development regulations to identify and correct barriers to housing development.
- Changes to development code that helps improve permit review processes.
- Contracting with a third-party business to conduct permit review or add additional inspection staff.
Pre-application workshop
Commerce hosted a pre-application workshop on July 8 to provide more information about this grant opportunity and how to apply.
Background
In 2023, SB 5290 amended the Local Project Review Act to help streamline permit review for local cities and counties in an effort to address housing shortages across the state. This grant is designed to help jurisdictions update their permit review processes with an emphasis on improving review times for residential permits.
Questions?
Please contact Ryan Shea. Visit Commerce’s Local Project Review webpage for more information.