The Washington Department of Commerce, hereafter called "COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from firms interested in participating in a project to implement several measures mandated in Senate Bill 5290 (SB 5290) – Local Permit Review (RCW 36.70B), passed by the state legislature in 2023. The purpose of the project is to consolidate, streamline, and improve project review and permitting for construction and land use project permits, with emphasis on housing development.
Additionally, SB 5290 requires COMMERCE to establish two grant programs for jurisdictions that wish to provide additional efficiencies and coordination in building permit review of residential development.
The objective is to help local governments provide prompt, fair, coordinated review of project development permits, and to strengthen accountability to applicants and the public. Generally, the contractor will assist COMMERCE to facilitate a digital permitting work group and public outreach; develop reports and provide technical assistance; develop guidance on basic project permit review, including fee structures; develop a template for local governments’ annual permit reporting. These activities will require the services of a qualified consultant.
For Scope of Work, please see p. 6 of the RFP listed in Supporting Documents below.
