reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 43.42.005 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.005 - Findings—Intent.

RCW 43.42.005 Findings—Intent.(1) The legislature finds that: The health and safety of its citizens and environment are of vital interest to the state's long-term quality of life; Washington state is a national leader in protecting its environment; and Washington state has a vibrant and diverse economy that is dependent on the state maintaining high environmental standards. Further, the legislature finds that a complex and confusing network of environmental and land use laws and business regulations can create obstacles to sustainable growth.It is the intent of the legislature to promote accountability, timeliness, and predictability for citizens, business, and state, federal, and local permitting agencies, and to provide information and assistance on the regulatory process through the creation of the office of regulatory assistance in the governor's office.(2) The office of regulatory assistance is created to work to continually improve the function of environmental and business regulatory processes by identifying conflicts and overlap in the state's rules, statutes, and operational practices; the office is to provide project proponents and business owners with active assistance for all permitting, licensing, and other regulatory procedures required for completion of specific projects; and the office is to ensure that citizens, businesses, and local governments have access to, and clear information regarding, regulatory processes for permitting and business regulation, including state rules, permit and license requirements, and agency rule-making processes.(3) The legislature declares that the purpose of this chapter is to provide direction, practical resources, and a range of innovative and optional service delivery options for improving the regulatory process and for providing assistance through the regulatory process on individual projects in furtherance of the state's goals of governmental transparency and accountability.(4) The legislature intends that establishing an office of regulatory assistance will provide these services without abrogating or limiting the authority of any agency to make decisions on permits, licenses, regulatory requirements, or agency rule making. The legislature further intends that the office of regulatory assistance shall have authority to provide services but shall not have any authority to make decisions on permits.[ 2010 c 162 § 1; 2009 c 97 § 1; 2007 c 94 § 1; 2003 c 71 § 1; 2002 c 153 § 1.]NOTES:Effective date—2010 c 162: See note following RCW 43.42.090.
WA Rev Code § 43.42.020 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.020 - Operating principle—Providing information regarding permits.

RCW 43.42.020 Operating principle—Providing information regarding permits.(1) Principles of accountability and transparency shall guide the office in its operations. The office shall provide the following information regarding permits to citizens and businesses:(a) An agency's average turnaround time from the date of application to date of decision for the required permit, licenses, or other necessary regulatory decisions, or the most relevant information the agency can provide, for projects of a comparable size and complexity;(b) The information required for an agency to make a decision on a permit or regulatory requirement, including the agency's best estimate of the number of times projects of a similar size and complexity have been asked to clarify, improve, or provide supplemental information before a decision, and the expected agency response time, recognizing that changes in the project or other circumstances may change the information required; and(c) An estimate of the maximum amount of costs in fees to be paid to state agencies, the type of any studies an agency expects to need, and the timing of any expected public processes for the project.(2) This section does not create an independent cause of action, affect any existing cause of action, or establish time limits for purposes of RCW 64.40.020.[ 2009 c 97 § 2; 2007 c 94 § 3; 2002 c 153 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.030 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.030 - Definitions.

RCW 43.42.030 Definitions.The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Director" means the director of the office of regulatory assistance.(2) "Fully coordinated permit process" means a comprehensive coordinated permitting assistance approach supported by a written agreement between the project proponent, the office of regulatory assistance, and the agencies participating in the fully coordinated permit process.(3) "General coordination services" means services that bring interested parties together to explore opportunities for cooperation and to resolve conflicts. General coordination services may be provided as a stand-alone event or as an element of broader project assistance, nonproject-related interagency coordination, or policy and planning teamwork.(4) "Office" means the office of regulatory assistance established in RCW 43.42.010.(5) "Permit" means any permit, license, certificate, use authorization, or other form of governmental review or approval required in order to construct, expand, or operate a project in the state of Washington.(6) "Permit agency" means any state, local, or federal agency authorized by law to issue permits.(7) "Project" means any activity, the conduct of which requires a permit or permits from one or more permit agencies.(8) "Project proponent" means a citizen, business, or any entity applying for or seeking a permit or permits in the state of Washington.(9) "Project scoping" means the identification of relevant issues and information needs of a project proponent and the permitting agencies, and reaching a common understanding regarding the process, timing, and sequencing for obtaining applicable permits.[ 2009 c 97 § 3; 2007 c 94 § 4; 2003 c 71 § 3; 2002 c 153 § 4.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.040 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.040 - Maintaining and furnishing information—Contact point—Service center—Website.

RCW 43.42.040 Maintaining and furnishing information—Contact point—Service center—Website.(1) The office shall assist citizens, businesses, and project proponents by maintaining and furnishing information, including, but not limited to:(a) To the extent possible, compiling and periodically updating one or more handbooks containing lists and explanations of permit laws, including all relevant local, state, federal, and tribal laws. In providing this information, the office shall seek the cooperation of relevant local, state, and federal agencies and tribal governments;(b) Establishing and providing notice of a point of contact for obtaining information;(c) Working closely and cooperatively with business license centers to provide efficient and nonduplicative service; and(d) Developing a service center and a website.(2) The office shall coordinate among state agencies to develop an office website that is linked through the office of the governor's website and that contains information regarding permitting and regulatory requirements for businesses and citizens in Washington state. At a minimum, the website shall provide information or links to information on:(a) Federal, state, and local rule-making processes and permitting and regulatory requirements applicable to Washington businesses and citizens;(b) Federal, state, and local licenses, permits, and approvals necessary to start and operate a business or develop real property in Washington;(c) State and local building codes;(d) Federal, state, and local economic development programs that may be available to businesses in Washington; and(e) State and local agencies regulating or providing assistance to citizens and businesses operating a business or developing real property in Washington.(3) This section does not create an independent cause of action, affect any existing cause of action, or create any new cause of action regarding the application of regulatory or permit requirements.[ 2007 c 94 § 5; 2003 c 71 § 4; 2002 c 153 § 5.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.050 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.050 - Project scoping—Factors.

RCW 43.42.050 Project scoping—Factors.(1) Upon request of a project proponent, the office must determine the level of project scoping needed by the project proponent, taking into consideration the complexity of the project and the experience of those expected to be involved in the project application and review process. The director may require the attendance at a scoping meeting of any state or local agency.(2) Project scoping must consider the complexity, size, and needs for assistance of the project and must address as appropriate:(a) The permits that are required for the project;(b) The permit application forms and other application requirements of the participating permit agencies;(c) The specific information needs and issues of concern of each participant and their significance;(d) Any statutory or regulatory conflicts that might arise from the differing authorities and roles of the permit agencies;(e) Any natural resources, including federal or state listed species, that might be adversely affected by the project and might cause an alteration of the project or require mitigation; and(f) The anticipated time required for permit decisions by each participating permit agency, including the estimated time required to determine if the permit application is complete, to conduct environmental review, and to review and process the application. In determining the estimated time required, full consideration must be given to achieving the greatest possible efficiencies through any concurrent studies and any consolidated applications, hearings, and comment periods.(3) The outcome of the project scoping must be documented in writing, furnished to the project proponent, and be made available to the public.(4) The project scoping must be completed prior to the passage of sixty days of the project proponent's request for a project scoping unless the director finds that better results can be obtained by delaying the project scoping meeting or meetings to ensure full participation.(5) Upon completion of the project scoping, the participating permit agencies must proceed under their respective authorities. The agencies may remain in communication with the office as needed.(6) This section does not create an independent cause of action, affect any existing cause of action, or establish time limits for purposes of RCW 64.40.020.[ 2012 c 196 § 2; 2009 c 97 § 5; 2007 c 94 § 6; 2003 c 54 § 4; 2002 c 153 § 6.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.080 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.080 - Participating permit agencies—Timelines.

RCW 43.42.080 Participating permit agencies—Timelines.With the agreement of all participating permitting agencies and the permit applicant or project proponent, state permitting agencies may establish timelines to make permit decisions, including the time periods required to determine that the permit applications are complete, to review the applications, and to process the permits. Established timelines shall not be shorter than those otherwise required for each permit under other applicable provisions of law, but may extend and coordinate such timelines. The goal of the established timelines is to achieve the maximum efficiencies possible through concurrent studies and consolidation of applications, permit review, hearings, and comment periods. A timeline established under this subsection with the agreement of each permitting agency shall commit each permitting agency to act within the established timeline.[ 2007 c 94 § 9; 2004 c 32 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.090 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.090 - Multiagency permitting teams—Findings—Intent—Purpose.

RCW 43.42.090 Multiagency permitting teams—Findings—Intent—Purpose.(1) The legislature finds that the state of Washington has implemented a number of successful measures to streamline, coordinate, and consolidate the multiparty, multijurisdictional permitting and regulatory decision-making process. The office of regulatory assistance was developed and implemented at a time when the state faced a crisis in its economic competitiveness. The multiagency permitting team for transportation was developed and implemented at a time when the state's transportation system faced a crisis in public confidence concerning transportation project delivery. The legislature further finds that the state of Washington is now facing an economic and financial crisis that requires immediate action to spur economic development and the creation of jobs without sacrificing the quality of the state's environment.(2) The legislature intends to:(a) Draw from and extend the benefits of proven permit streamlining solutions to future project proponents and aid the state's recovery by authorizing optional multiagency permitting teams modeled after the multiagency permitting team developed and implemented for state transportation projects. It is the purpose of chapter 162, Laws of 2010 to provide willing permit applicants and project proponents with permit coordination and integrated regulatory decision-making services on a cost-reimbursed basis; and(b) Phase-in a revenue-neutral permit streamlining approach to expedite permit and regulatory decision making while ensuring a high level of environmental protection.[ 2010 c 162 § 2.]NOTES:Effective date—2010 c 162: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 22, 2010]." [ 2010 c 162 § 8.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.095 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.095 - Multiagency permitting team account.

RCW 43.42.095 Multiagency permitting team account.The multiagency permitting team account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from cost-reimbursement agreements authorized in RCW 43.42.070 and solicitations authorized in RCW 43.42.092 must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for covering staffing, consultant, technology, and other administrative costs of multiagency permitting teams and other costs associated with multiagency project review and management that may arise. Only the director of the office of regulatory assistance or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.[ 2012 c 196 § 5; 2010 c 162 § 5.]NOTES:Effective date—2010 c 162: See note following RCW 43.42.090.
WA Rev Code § 43.42.100 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.100 - Streamlined process certification.

RCW 43.42.100 Streamlined process certification.Within available funds, the office of regulatory assistance may certify permit processes at the local level as streamlined processes. In developing the certification program, the director must work with local jurisdictions to establish the criteria and the process for certification. Jurisdictions with permit processes certified as streamlined may receive priority in receipt of state funds for infrastructure projects.[ 2012 c 196 § 8.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.900 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.900 - Jurisdiction of energy facility site evaluation council not affected.

RCW 43.42.900 Jurisdiction of energy facility site evaluation council not affected.Nothing in this chapter affects the jurisdiction of the energy facility site evaluation council under chapter 80.50 RCW.[ 2002 c 153 § 11.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.901 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.901 - Authority of permit agencies not affected.

RCW 43.42.901 Authority of permit agencies not affected.(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abrogate or diminish the functions, powers, or duties granted to any permit agency by law.(2) Nothing in this chapter grants the office authority to decide if a permit shall be issued. The authority for determining if a permit shall be issued shall remain with the permit agency.[ 2002 c 153 § 12.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42.902 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42 - Office of Regulatory Assistance.|43.42.902 - Authority of participating permit agency retained.

RCW 43.42.902 Authority of participating permit agency retained.This chapter shall not be construed to limit or abridge the powers and duties granted to a participating permit agency under the law that authorizes or requires the agency to issue a permit for a project. Each participating permit agency shall retain its authority to make all decisions on all nonprocedural matters with regard to the respective component permit that is within its scope of its responsibility including, but not limited to, the determination of permit application completeness, permit approval or approval with conditions, or permit denial. The office may not substitute its judgment for that of a participating permit agency on any such nonprocedural matters.[ 2009 c 97 § 13.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42A.005 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42A - State Agency Business Permit Management Systems.|43.42A.005 - Intent—Finding.

RCW 43.42A.005 Intent—Finding.On December 30, 2013, the Washington state auditor's office issued a performance audit report, finding that state agencies could shorten the time it takes to submit, review, and make decisions on business permit applications through simple improvements. In response to the performance audit findings, the legislature intends to improve the predictability and efficiency of permit decisions by making information about permitting assistance and timelines more readily available to the public. The legislature finds that providing citizens and businesses with better information about permit decisions will assist their planning and decision making, promoting economic development. Making permit performance data readily accessible to citizens helps them hold government accountable to a high level of customer service and timeliness. Finally, requiring agencies to track the time it takes to issue permits equips agency leaders with key information that can assist them in improving overall project schedules, better allocating resources, and identifying additional opportunities to better serve the public.[ 2014 c 68 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 43.42A.010 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42A - State Agency Business Permit Management Systems.|43.42A.010 - Definitions.

RCW 43.42A.010 Definitions.The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Agency" means the following executive branch agencies and offices of statewide elected officials:(a) Department of agriculture;(b) Department of archaeology and historic preservation;(c) Department of ecology;(d) Department of fish and wildlife;(e) Gambling commission;(f) Department of health;(g) Department of labor and industries;(h) Department of licensing;(i) *Liquor control board;(j) Department of natural resources;(k) Parks and recreation commission;(l) Department of revenue;(m) Department of transportation; and(n) Utilities and transportation commission.(2) "Office" means the office of regulatory assistance.[ 2014 c 68 § 2.]NOTES:*Reviser's note: The "state liquor control board" was renamed the "state liquor and cannabis board" by 2015 c 70 § 3.
WA Rev Code § 43.42A.020 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 43 - State Government—Executive|Chapter 43.42A - State Agency Business Permit Management Systems.|43.42A.020 - Inventory of business permits—Information to be tracked and recorded—Performance data—Reports.

RCW 43.42A.020 Inventory of business permits—Information to be tracked and recorded—Performance data—Reports.(1) By June 30, 2014, each agency shall prepare and submit to the office an inventory of all the business permits indicated in the December 30, 2013, performance audit report by the state auditor.(2)(a) Each agency shall track and record the time it takes to make permitting decisions.(b) Agencies are encouraged to track all relevant information that can assist Washington businesses in determining how long a permit process will take so that the businesses may successfully plan their activities and make sound investment choices, reduce permitting costs to the taxpayers in the form of unnecessary or duplicate staff work, and avoid permitting decision delays that can result in higher costs and lost revenue.(c) At a minimum, each agency shall track and record the following information for each permit application it receives or decision it issues:(i) The application completion time, which is the time elapsed from the initial submission of an application by an entity seeking a permit to the time at which the agency has determined that the application is complete; and(ii) The permit decision time, which is the time elapsed from receipt of a complete application to the agency's issuance of a decision approving or denying the permit.(3) Each agency shall calculate, for each permit it has identified in its inventory, the following performance data:(a) The average application completion and permit decision times for each permit, as measured by the times tracked for ninety percent of applications or permit decisions, excluding the five percent that took the shortest and the five percent that took the longest;(b) The maximum application completion time, excluding applications that were withdrawn or never completed; and(c) The maximum permit decision time.(4) Each agency shall report to the office, as provided in this subsection (4).(a) By March 1, 2016, each agency shall report the times calculated under subsection (3) of this section for the period from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2016.(b) By March 1, 2018, and March 1, 2020, each agency shall report based on the times tracked and calculated since the previous reporting period.(c) In each of the reports required under this section, each agency shall submit an updated inventory of permits. Each agency shall identify any permits listed in its inventory for which the agency has not yet posted permit processing times and other information as required under RCW 43.42A.030 and an estimated date for such posting prior to June 30, 2015.(5) The office shall make available to the legislature, upon request, the individual agency reports submitted under subsection (4) of this section.[ 2014 c 68 § 3.]