Objective Design Standards

In 2023, the WA Legislature enacted House Bill (HB) 1293. This bill added a new section to the Growth Management Act (GMA) that establishes new requirements and restrictions governing how cities and counties planning under the GMA can regulate building design. The City has established design standards and review procedures in Chapters 19.11, 19.12, and 19.15 Mercer Island City Code (MICC). The main requirement from HB 1293 is that (1) local design review standards must be clear and objective and (2) the standards may not reduce development intensity below the level generally allowed by the zoning designation (RCW 36.70A.630(2)). The City must update its design standards to comply with HB 1293 by June 30, 2025.