1. (1) Design review is a local government process adopted by ordinance by which projects are reviewed for compliance with design standards for the type of use.

2. (2) Design review process:

   1. (a) Must be conducted concurrently, or otherwise logically integrated, with the consolidated review and decision process for project permits set forth in RCW 36.70B.120(3);
   2. (b) May include no more than one public meeting. Continuation of a public meeting for the purposes of design review should be discouraged.

3. (3) Clear and objective development regulations.

   1. (a) Counties and cities may apply in any design review process only clear and objective development regulations governing the exterior design of new development. For the design review process, a clear and objective development regulation:

      1. (i) Must include one or more ascertainable guideline, standard, or criterion by which an applicant can determine whether a given building design is permissible under that development regulation; and
      2. (ii) May not result in a reduction in density, height, bulk, or scale below the generally applicable development regulations for a development proposal in the applicable zone.

   2. (b) Exterior design:

      1. (i) Exterior design of new development may include the exterior of the building(s) including, but not limited to, façade, roof, and any other building features visible from the outside of the building.
      2. (ii) Exterior design may also include site features not part of the building such as, but not limited to, lighting, landscaping, art, pedestrian paths, open space, and parking location.

4. (4) New development.

   1. (a) New development should include development of vacant property. This includes the demolition of existing buildings on a property which is subsequently developed with a new building.
   2. (b) Cities and towns may adopt thresholds for what constitutes new development in situations where there are additions to, or new buildings developed on, property with preexisting development.
   3. (c) Interior remodels or alterations that do not expand the exterior building footprint and which do not modify the exterior of the building or exterior site design features, including routine and minor repair and maintenance, should not constitute new development for design review purposes; nor should the cost of interior improvements be counted towards the determination of what constitutes new development.
   4. (d) Nothing in this section is intended to exempt exterior repair and maintenance or interior remodels and alterations from applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical codes and related permits.
5. (5) The provisions of WAC 365-196-847(1) do not apply to development regulations that apply only to designated landmarks or historic districts established under a local preservation ordinance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.050 and 36.70A.190. WSR 25-17-058, s 365-196-849, filed 8/15/25, effective 9/15/25.]