4-8-2024_PW SS Briefings (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Only one-third of local governments statewide published required annual performance report's on permit processing times (page32) Certain local governments must post annual reports on permit review timeliness. Beyond state law requirements,sharing permit review times with applicants helps ensure predictability,and is therefore a leading practice for all governments. However,only one-third of local governments publicly report on permit timeliness, and even fewer included all information required by law.We examined 18 published government reports on permit processing time,and only four reports contained most required elements. Revisions to a chapter of state law(RCW 36.70B.080)will change reporting requirements starting in 2025.In addition,the Department of Commerce will have a new role in the process for annual permit reports. Recommendations We made a series of recommendations to the six audited cities and counties to address permit review performance that does not achieve 120-day compliance. We recommended the local governments implement continuous improvement methods,and analyze cost of service and staffing levels.We also made recommendations to address a lack of transparency and predictability for permit applicants in their jurisdictions. Next steps Our performance audits of state programs and services are reviewed by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee(JLARC) and/or by other legislative committees whose members wish to consider findings and recommendations on specific topics.Representatives of the Office of the State Auditor will review this audit with JLARCs Initiative 900 Subcommittee in Olympia.The public will have the opportunity to comment at this hearing.Please check the JLARC website for the exact date,time,and location(www.leg.wa.gov/JLARC).The Office conducts periodic follow-up evaluations to assess the status of recommendations and may conduct follow-up audits at its discretion.See Appendix A,which addresses the I-900 areas covered in the audit.Appendix B contains information about our methodology. Growth Management Act Executive Summary 5