How to Sell Your Land:

Phase 2: Preliminary Plat Approval

After the developer completes the feasibility tests and makes a final decision to proceed, the development team must receive approval to develop from the county hearing examiner or city council. In order to obtain this approval, there are several steps the development team must take. First they must submit an application. The county or city has 28 days to determine if the application is complete. If the application materials are complete, the county or city returns a letter to the developer confirming a completed application. If additional information is needed, the county or city sends a letter notifying the additional information needed; the developer must then submit the requested information.

Approximately 30 to 45 days after they receive notice that the application is complete, the developer receives a State Environment Policy Act (SEPA) determination examining the expected environmental impacts of the proposed development. The county holds a hearing on the project approximately 60 days after the SEPA determination is made. The county hearing examiner or city council then has 15 days to render a decision. There is a 21-day period following the decision in which appeals to the ruling may be filed.