Mercer Island: HB 1293 Design Provisions

In 2023, Washington State enacted House Bill (HB) 1293, a pivotal piece of legislation that fundamentally reshapes how cities and counties can regulate building design under the Growth Management Act (GMA). This new law, codified as RCW 36.70A.630, introduces two critical requirements for local design review standards: they must be clear and objective, and they absolutely cannot reduce development intensity below the level generally permitted by a property's zoning. For the City of Mercer Island, this means a significant overhaul of its existing design standards, enshrined in Mercer Island City Code (MICC) Chapters 19.11, 19.12, and 19.15, which date back to 1972. The city has until June 30, 2025, to achieve full compliance.