Planners present proposed code updates tied to state housing and permit laws

Consultants from AHBL, Inc. presented proposed amendments to Granite Falls Municipal Code Titles 19 and 21 at the Nov. 5 council meeting to integrate local requirements under the Growth Management Act and recent Washington State legislation.

Patrick Kelly and Wayne Carlson of AHBL reviewed a package of code updates that, as presented, would implement state law changes including HB 1337 on accessory dwelling units, SB 5258 on unit‑lot subdivisions and SB 5290 on local permit review. The presentation also referenced HB 1998 regarding co‑living housing. "The updates include HB 1337, Accessory Dwelling Units; SB 5258, Unit Lot Subdivisions; SB 5290, Local Permit Review," Kelly told the council during the staff report.

Planning Director Amy Hess introduced herself and briefed the council on an ongoing vendor search for online permitting software and the need to get procedures in place in anticipation of lifting the sewer moratorium. The Planning Commission has provided feedback on specific local details, including RV parking, tractor‑trailer parking and proposed home‑occupation standards; council members were asked to forward any comments to City Manager Jeff Balentine for compilation and response.

Why it matters: the amendments are intended to bring local code into compliance with state requirements and to clarify local development standards ahead of anticipated changes in housing and permitting rules. Specific local standards (RV parking, tractor‑trailer parking, home‑occupation requirements) were flagged by the Planning Commission as items needing detailed direction.

Next steps: staff asked council members to submit comments to the city manager so consultants can refine draft code language. No ordinance or vote was recorded at the Nov. 5 meeting.