Description
Permitting delays in unincorporated King County create barriers for affordable housing, homeownership, and behavioral health projects, causing construction and financing setbacks. In collaboration with partners, the County will phase-in solutions to streamline permitting for developments meeting green building performance standards. Efforts may include faster and more predictable plan reviews, fee reductions, piloted managed account services, and application support. The County will also work with other jurisdictions to implement similar improvements. To further support the industry, King County will explore a mentorship model for smaller affordable housing organizations. Additional staffing resources are needed to implement these efforts.
King County will expand green building adoption in affordable housing and homeownership through permitting incentives and new funding sources. Green features improve residents’ health, comfort, and energy savings. Funding green building in affordable housing remains a challenge due to the complexity of financing. King County will seek reliable annual funding to support green building elements exceeding Washington State Building Code requirements in new and altered affordable housing, homeownership projects, and Emergency and Permanent Supportive Housing under the Health Through Housing (HTH) Initiative. The goal is to secure new funding without reducing the number of affordable units. If successful, the County will integrate these funds into the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Housing Finance Program, ensuring no extra administrative burden for developers.