A bill with striking similarities to the hastily passed CB119600 and HB1923 appeared in the state House of Representatives this month. HB 2343, concerning urban housing supply, seems to have good intentions of streamlining approval for development projects by disallowing frivolous appeals. We agree with that intent. However, the language in the proposed bill is dangerous, including denying appeals based on “aesthetic, architectural, or urban design quality and compatibility with nearby development”, which is not sufficiently defined and is likely to be misused by developers looking for a quick approval who would like to shut down valid reviews and appeals.

The bill presumes that the design review process at the appropriate level of local government has already handled any inquiries, reviews, and appeals. Unfortunately, we know that Seattle design review still has some flaws and therefore introducing yet another piece of legislation designed to silence our voices is dangerous.