Rep. Joshua Penner introduces legislation to modernize subdivision and platting laws

To address longstanding challenges in how land is divided and developed across Washington state, Rep. Joshua Penner has introduced House Bill 1818, a forward-thinking approach to modernize the state’s subdivision and platting laws, ensuring a more effective and consistent process for property owners, developers, and local governments. The bill removes regulatory barriers that can delay projects and complicated land use decisions by streamlining how land is divided for housing, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development. 

“For too long, property owners—whether they want to build homes, businesses, or other developments—have faced complex processes that can vary depending on where they live,” said Penner, R-Orting. “This bill modernizes the system so that cities and counties follow a straightforward process. One that makes it easier to move projects forward while still ensuring strong planning and environmental safeguards.”

Under current law, some local governments treat small-scale land divisions the same as large subdivisions with dozens of buildings, creating unnecessary regulatory hurdles for property owners looking to improve their land. HB 1818 rewrites subdivision statutes, allowing cities and counties to adopt a single, standardized administrative process rather than forcing them to navigate multiple timelines and procedures. The bill also aligns the platting process with the Local Project Review statute, ensuring that approval timelines are clear, predictable, and applied consistently across jurisdictions.

HB 1818 builds on previous reforms, including HB 1293, signed into law in 2023. While HB 1293 reformed the design review process, ensuring local governments apply clear, objective standards instead of arbitrary aesthetic rules, HB 1818 focuses on the land division process—ensuring property owners can move projects through subdivision approvals without redundant steps or conflicting requirements. Together, these efforts are intended to improve the government’s approval process, helping to increase the state’s housing and commercial capacity, support economic growth, and provide greater clarity for property owners.

“This bill isn’t just about housing. It’s about making sure that property owners across Washington have a fair, transparent, and practical process to improve their land,” Penner added. “By replacing outdated laws with a modern approach, we’re creating a better system for everyone.”

HB 1818 has been referred to the House Local Government Committee and is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 10:30 a.m.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov