This page provides information about the Housing Accountability Act in Washington state.
In 2025, the Housing Accountability Act (Chapter 269, Laws of 2025) established a process for the Washington State Department of Commerce to review local governments’ comprehensive plans and housing development regulations for consistency with state law.
The law provides local governments a formal avenue to request Commerce review of their housing elements and development regulations. It also enables Commerce to select up to 10 cities and counties each year for review. In either process, local regulations are reviewed against the requirements listed in RCW 36.70A.835(7)(a).
Guidance for local governments
The Housing Accountability Act supports robust and accountable housing planning by ensuring compliance with the housing requirements of the Growth Management Act. Local governments can refer to the following guidance documents for detailed information about the law and implementation of this program.
- Housing Accountability Act – fact sheet (PDF)
- Housing Accountability Act – frequently asked questions (PDF)
Checklists
Local governments can use these checklists as guides to update their housing element and development regulations consistent with state law.
Local governments can request Commerce review their housing elements and development regulations by following these steps.
- Provide a written notice of intent to apply for voluntary review at least 120 days prior to application and at least 110 days prior to final adoption. Notice can be submitted via email to GMSHAA@Commerce.wa.gov.
- Provide proposed housing element and housing-related development regulations to Commerce for review. Commerce will review the proposed housing element and regulations, provide technical assistance, and advise the jurisdiction of the actions necessary to receive approval. Commerce will hold a joint public hearing with the local government prior to adoption.
- Submit a formal HAA voluntary review application to Commerce within 10 days of final action to amend, repeal or replace the housing element and housing development regulations.
Voluntary review requests
The following jurisdictions have notified Commerce of their intent to apply for voluntary review:
Commerce may select up to 10 cities or counties for selected review each calendar year to review their housing element and housing development regulations for compliance with state law. Selection criteria are described in the Housing Accountability Act – selected review criteria and procedures (PDF) document.
Commerce will provide technical assistance to selected jurisdictions to align plans and regulations with state requirements. Commerce will review adopted materials and make a determination of compliance.
Jurisdictions determined to be non-compliant may not deny affordable or moderate-income housing developments and may not be eligible for certain state grants and loans until they submit required materials that are compliant with state requirements.
Jurisdictions selected for review in 2026:
Tracking implementation
Local governments typically update their housing elements and development regulations in accordance with their periodic update schedule. Therefore, new housing laws are implemented at different times across the state. Commerce developed the following dashboard to record local implementation of new state housing laws.
The dashboard reflects materials that jurisdictions submitted to Commerce as required under RCW 36.70A.106. For full periodic update status, including critical areas, see the periodic update status report.
See outdated data? Notify your regional planner.
You can also open the dashboard in a separate window.