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Local governments use different categories of permits for this purpose.In this report,we refer to three broad categories of permits that are involved in development projects: 1. Land use or planning permits deal with dividing parcels of land or whether a proposed project can be built on the specified parcel.They focus on issues such as compliance with zoning laws,as well as the project's effect on traffic and proximity to critical areas, such as habitat conservation areas or hazardous areas. 2. Civil engineering or public works permits (also known as"land-disturbing activities permits") deal with preparing land for building.They focus on activities involving utilities,street access,grading and controlling stormwater runoff. 3. Building permits deal with actual structures and focus on ensuring they meet building codes and safety standards. Government permit-review processes generally include examining detailed project plans;they often involve multiple subject matter areas across departments and divisions.Reviews often include managing public notices,hearings and comments. Local governments must issue a decision on permits within 120 days,with limited exceptions State law directs local governments that follow GMA to establish time periods for permit reviews that take no more than 120 days from the start of review to the final decision, although they are free to establish shorter timelines.The 120-day period begins when a government determines the application is complete. Local governments commonly understand that the 120-day period only includes time when the government is actively reviewing an application,and excludes time when staff are waiting for applicants to provide additional information or corrections.However,state law does not explicitly say as much.It states: The time periods for Lcal government actions for each type of complete project permit application or project type should not exceed one hundred twenty days, unless the local government makes written findings that a specified amount of additional time is needed to process specific complete project permit applications or project types. RCW 36.70B.080.(Emphasis added.) As this excerpt shows,state law allows local governments to make exceptions to the 120-day requirement in limited circumstances and set longer timelines for specific types of permits.They must document their justification for the extension.They may also extend their established timeline for a particular permit with written agreement from the applicant.Lastly,they may exempt some types of permits from the 120-day requirement,such as those requiring approval by a legislative body such as a city council or board of commissioners. Growth Management Act Background 8