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On July 7, 2023, Washington State enacted Senate Bill 5290 (SB 5290) to improve permitting efficiency, increase transparency, and hold local jurisdictions accountable for development review timelines. The goal of this statewide permitting reform is to streamline how cities and counties handle construction permits, subdivision approvals, and multifamily housing projects.

Under SB 5290, every city or county must either adopt the state’s standardized permit timelines or create their own binding timelines that meet or exceed state expectations.

Jurisdictions with populations over 20,000 are also required to submit annual permitting performance data to the Washington State Department of Commerce, which is a step toward more data-driven decision-making and consistent accountability across the state.

The First Statewide SB 5290 Performance Report

The first Annual Permitting Performance Report, released in September 2025, covers data from the 2024 calendar year. This inaugural report provides valuable insight into how SB 5290 implementation has progressed across Washington’s jurisdictions.

A critical clarification from the report notes that SB 5290 applies to:

• Preliminary and final subdivisions
• Binding site plans
• Multifamily housing permits
• Construction permits

However, building permits are explicitly excluded from SB 5290 requirements.

How Pierce County Cities Are Performing Under SB 5290

The 2024 data includes results from four Pierce County cities: Bonney Lake, Puyallup, Tacoma, and University Place. Their early performance metrics provide the first measurable look at how Pierce County jurisdictions are adapting to the new permitting rules.

Bonney Lake: Ahead on Construction Permits, Behind on Subdivisions

In 2024, Bonney Lake submitted data for just 11 permits with reported decision dates, meaning the sample size is small. The city adopted most permit deadlines at 120 days, with shorter state-aligned timelines for binding site plans (65 days) and preliminary subdivisions (90 days).

• Construction permits averaged 101.45 days ahead of the 120-day deadline
• Final subdivisions were 51 days behind the 30-day state and local deadlines

Although the data is limited, Bonney Lake’s ability to outperform deadlines for construction permits signals strong early adoption of SB 5290 compliance practices.

Puyallup: Facing Delays in Multifamily and Subdivision Permits

Puyallup reported 18 permits in 2024, with most deadlines set at or below state standards. However, early results suggest some challenges in meeting target timelines:

• Construction permits averaged 38 days behind the 65-day deadline
• Multifamily housing permits (no notice or hearing) were 19 days behind
• Multifamily housing (with notice and hearing) performed 90 days ahead of the 170-day deadline
• Final subdivisions were 97 days behind

While Puyallup’s development permitting shows mixed performance, it’s worth noting that smaller jurisdictions often face data limitations and resource constraints that can skew early compliance trends.

Tacoma: Balanced Performance Across Permit Types

As Pierce County’s largest city, Tacoma had the most robust dataset, reporting 43 permits with decisions in 2024. The city’s development permit timelines closely align with state standards, demonstrating a strong effort to modernize local processes.

• Construction permits averaged 45.6 days behind the 65-day deadline
• Multifamily (no notice or hearing) averaged 47.83 days ahead
• Preliminary subdivisions averaged 3.83 days ahead of the 90-day deadline
• Final subdivisions were 53.8 days behind

Overall, Tacoma’s results reflect steady progress toward SB 5290 goals, though subdivision permits remain a consistent area of delay across all reporting cities.

University Place: Positive Early Results in Key Categories

University Place reported 17 permits for 2024, focusing primarily on construction and multifamily housing (no notice or hearing) categories. Results show a strong start:

• Construction permits were completed 53 days ahead of the 65-day deadline
• Multifamily housing permits averaged 4 days ahead

These figures indicate that University Place is adapting efficiently to state permitting standards, aided by manageable project volumes and streamlined internal review processes.

Key Takeaways from Pierce County’s First Year Under SB 5290

The early data paints a mixed but encouraging picture of Pierce County’s SB 5290 compliance. While each city’s performance varies, several important trends have emerged:

1. Subdivision permits remain the most delayed category — All three cities that reported final subdivision data experienced significant backlogs.
2. Jurisdictions with online permitting systems performed better — Cities with digital permit tracking portals saw faster turnaround times.
3. Staffing and resource shortages remain a challenge — Smaller municipalities face workforce limitations that affect their ability to meet statutory timelines.
4. Local autonomy is key — SB 5290 gives jurisdictions flexibility, but results show that alignment with state timelines helps improve overall efficiency.

The Washington Department of Commerce attributes early delays to slow adoption of process improvements, limited digital infrastructure, and staffing gaps. Future reports will likely provide deeper context to help cities refine workflows, enhance permit turnaround times, and strengthen development review accountability.

What’s Next for Pierce County and Washington Developers

As SB 5290 implementation continues, developers, builders, and city planners will benefit from clearer expectations and more transparent data. The next reporting cycle will show whether Pierce County jurisdictions have successfully shortened review timelines and adapted to the new statewide permitting standards.

At the same time, the data will help local governments identify bottlenecks, invest in online permitting tools, and ensure consistent permit processing timelines across the region.

For developers navigating these evolving processes, staying informed about SB 5290 reporting requirements and Pierce County permitting updates will be essential for project planning and compliance. Master Builders Association of Pierce County will also stay informed about SB 5290 reporting requirements and Pierce County permitting, and will provide updates as they come to us.

Information Source:
Washington State Department of Commerce – Annual Permitting Performance Report, 2024 (PDF)

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October marks Careers in Construction Month, a nationwide effort championed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to shine a light on the rewarding and vital careers in construction that build our communities.

Why This Month Matters

• High demand in the building industry. From carpenters and electricians to project managers and architects, the construction sector in Pierce County and across Washington continues to grow, and with that, so do the opportunities for ambitious professionals.
• Careers beyond the jobsite. Many rewarding roles in construction aren’t limited to building homes or jobsite labor. You’ll find careers in planning, design, sales, marketing, sustainability, safety, and more, all of which are vital parts of the Pierce County home building industry.
• Diversity and inclusivity in construction. The construction industry offers career paths for people with different skills, educational backgrounds, and interests. There’s space for creativity, problem-solving, and leadership, whether you’re looking to join a Pierce County home builders association or start as a trades professional.

How NAHB Encourages Engagement

The NAHB provides a toolkit for associations, chapters, and individuals to celebrate and promote careers in construction. Some suggested events and themes include:

• Proclamations — Encourage local governments to officially recognize October as Careers in Construction Month.
• Outreach to youth — Partner with Boys & Girls Clubs, local schools, and student chapters to introduce students to the many construction industry opportunities.
• Young Professionals Week — A dedicated week during October for mentorship, networking, and professional development aimed at young people entering the construction industry.
• Careers in Construction Day — A day for volunteering, site tours, or public events to celebrate the people building homes and communities in Pierce County.
• Social media & storytelling — Share real stories, photos, and videos of professionals in construction, highlighting the pride, skill, and craftsmanship they bring. Use hashtags like #CareersInConstruction and #CICM2024.

Tips for Organizations & Individuals Eyeing Construction Industry Opportunities

1. Be visible. Post on social media, host open houses or job site tours, or invite local schools to visit a project under construction.
2. Tell those stories. Spotlights on real workers—why they chose the field, what they do day to day, and how their careers have grown—are powerful recruitment tools.
3. Make it interactive. Consider hands-on demonstrations, mock tool stations, virtual reality tours, or “try a trade” workshops at Pierce County events.
4. Build partnerships. Collaborate with schools, workforce programs, industry associations, and civic leaders to broaden your reach and attract young professionals in construction.
5. Measure impact. Track engagement, signups, media mentions, or new applicants to see what tactics resonate for future years. 

Key Takeaways: Careers in Construction Month

• Construction careers are in high demand across Pierce County and Washington, offering opportunities in both skilled trades and professional roles.
• NAHB and the Master Builders Association of Pierce County provide resources, toolkits, and community engagement to promote the industry.
• Events like Careers in Construction Day and Young Professionals Week help inspire and educate the next generation of builders.
• Organizations and individuals can get involved through storytelling, outreach, partnerships, and interactive experiences.
• October is the perfect time to highlight construction as building sustainable careers, communities, and legacies.

Join NAHB & MBA Pierce County in Building Careers & Communities

If you’re in or considering a career in construction, October is a great time to engage, volunteer, share your story, or host an event. Together, let’s build awareness and inspire the next generation to see construction not just as building structures, but as building careers, communities, and legacies in Pierce County and beyond.

Washington currently boasts the nation’s highest state-level minimum wage. While the federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, many cities in Washington, including Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, and Burien, set their own minimum wages above the state level.

For 2025, the state minimum wage applies to workers aged 16 and older, while workers aged 14-15 can be paid 85% of that rate, equating to $14.16 per hour.

Updates for Overtime-Exempt Employees

The minimum wage increase also impacts salary thresholds for overtime-exempt employees, such as those in executive, administrative, and professional roles.

• Small Employers (up to 50 employees):** Exempt employees must earn at least 2 times the minimum wage, which is $1,332.80 per week ($69,305.60 annually).
• Large Employers (51 or more employees):** Exempt employees must earn at least 2.25 times the minimum wage, which is $1,499.40 per week ($77,968.80 annually).

By 2028, the threshold will reach 2.5 times the minimum wage, part of an eight-year implementation plan that began in 2020.

Hourly Pay for Computer Professionals

Exempt computer professionals can opt for hourly pay rather than a salary. In 2025, their hourly rate will be $58.31, or 3.5 times the state minimum wage.

Non-Compete Clause Thresholds

In Washington, non-compete clauses are enforceable only if an employee or independent contractor earns above a specific threshold. For 2025:

• Employees:** $123,394.17 annually
• Independent Contractors:** $308,485.43 annually

Protecting Workers’ Rights

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) enforces wage-and-hour laws, investigates wage complaints, and provides resources for workers. Information on minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, and filing complaints is available on L&I’s website, along with multilingual posters detailing the 2025 minimum wage.

For further assistance, contact L&I’s Employment Standards Program at 360-902-5316 or 1-866-219-7321.

Key Takeaways for Employers and Workers

• Washington’s minimum wage increase reflects rising costs of living, ensuring wages keep pace with inflation.
• Overtime-exempt employees and computer professionals must meet updated salary and hourly thresholds.
• Non-compete clauses in Washington are subject to stricter enforcement, with increased earning thresholds.
• The Washington Department of Labor & Industries offers extensive resources to protect workers and ensure compliance.

Stay informed and compliant with Washington’s wage-and-hour laws to ensure fairness in the workplace.

The Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF), the charitable arm of the BIAW, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Construction Trades Training Academy, set to begin in January 2025. This initiative aims to tackle the skilled labor shortage in the construction industry with a comprehensive training-to-placement model that equips participants with the necessary skills and places them directly into jobs where they are needed most.

About the Construction Trades Training Academy

The Construction Trades Training Academy leverages the Home Builder Institute’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certified Training (PACT) curriculum, integrating hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and real-world experience under one roof. The academy emphasizes job placement, mentorship, and ongoing support for students and industry partners, ensuring that graduates are not only trained but fully prepared to succeed in the field.

Academy Topics

Topics taught include:

• Construction Basics (math, safety, materials, and tools)
• Carpentry Fundamentals
• OSHA Standards
• Employability Skills and Jobsite Readiness

With our first site located in downtown Tacoma, post-secondary students and transitioning adults from across the greater Puget Sound will be able to access this industry-driven training at no cost to them and in a condensed timeframe of 8 weeks. Enrollment for our first cohorts is now open!

The academy’s efforts are bolstered by strong partnerships with BOLT, Goodwill of the Olympic and Rainier Region, the City of Tacoma, and the Home Builders Institute, all working together to support the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

How You Can Get Involved

Support the academy by promoting our training programs to eligible participants or by joining our Employer Network! Members of the Employer Network gain exclusive opportunities to engage with students through guest presentations, mock interviews, mini job fairs, and direct hiring access to program graduates.

For more information about the program and to sign up for the Employer Network, please visit our website. Together, we can build a stronger workforce for the future of construction.

The construction industry is a vital force, building our homes, schools, and cities while offering countless job opportunities. Every October, the industry comes together to celebrate Careers in Construction Month (CICM), a nationwide campaign aimed at raising public awareness about construction careers and inspiring the next generation of craft professionals. CICM highlights the rewarding paths available in this essential field and showcases the positive impact that a fulfilling construction career can have on individuals and their communities.

Careers in Construction Month: A Celebration of Builders

October provides an opportunity to honor the diverse professionals who contribute to the construction industry—from carpenters and electricians to masons and plumbers. CICM encourages individuals to explore the many career options in construction, offering them a chance to build not only physical structures but also stable, rewarding lives. These skilled trades are essential to sustaining the country’s infrastructure, providing the foundation for progress and growth.

The Importance of Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are the backbone of construction. These roles require specialized training, technical expertise, and hands-on skills. In return, they offer competitive wages, job security, and the ability to directly impact the communities in which we live. As demand for infrastructure and housing continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in the construction industry, making now an exciting time to enter the trades.

Spotlight on BOLT: Building Opportunities for the Trades

A key player in supporting the future of the construction workforce is Building Opportunities for the Trades (BOLT), a nonprofit organization founded in April 2023. BOLT is dedicated to helping students pursue careers in the trades by providing the training, financial assistance, and mentorship they need to succeed.

• Training Programs: BOLT partners with trade schools and apprenticeship programs to offer high-quality training, ensuring that students gain the skills required to thrive in their chosen field.
• Financial Support: Recognizing that the cost of training can be a barrier for many, BOLT offers financial aid to eligible students, making career training more accessible.
• Mentorship and Guidance: By connecting students with experienced professionals, BOLT provides mentorship that helps students navigate the path to a rewarding career in construction.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to engage with CICM and support organizations like BOLT:

• Explore Career Opportunities: CICM is the perfect time for students to learn more about the trades, research career paths, and seek guidance from industry professionals.
• Support BOLT: You can contribute to BOLT’s mission by making a donation or volunteering to help empower the next generation of tradespeople.
• Promote Awareness: Share information about CICM and BOLT within your community to highlight the importance of skilled trades and construction careers.

Get Started with the Master Builders Association of Pierce County

As we celebrate Careers in Construction Month, we honor those who build our world and look forward to empowering the workforce of tomorrow. For more information on CICM or how you can support BOLT, please contact Executive Director Alex Harrington at aharrington@masterbuilderspierce.com.

In response to the initial rule proposals,  BIAW and other business groups provided detailed and constructive input and raised the issue of the need for, and legality of ,“emergency” rules in these two areas.  L&I essentially ignored this input entirely and is proceeding accordingly.

What do employers need to know about the new “emergency” rules?

These Wildfire Smoke and Heat Exposure rules will be in effect from June 15-Sept. 30.

Wildfire Smoke and Heat Exposure Rules:

The rule requires covered employers to:

• Have a written wildfire smoke response plan.
• Determine employee smoke exposure levels before work and periodically during each shift when smoke is present.
• Train employees on wildfire smoke hazards.
• Train supervisors on how to respond to health issues caused by wildfire smoke.
• Inform employees of available protective measures against wildfire smoke.

When wildfire smoke conditions reach Air Quality Index (AQI)  101 additional requirements include:

• Alert employees of the smoke levels.
• Provide respirators and encourage their use.
• When feasible, limit employee exposures to wildfire smoke.

Specific Requirements:

If the AQI is at 69 or higher, employers are encouraged to limit their workers’ exposure to smoke by:

• Reducing, rescheduling, or relocating work;
• Providing enclosed buildings or vehicles where the air is filtered; and,
• Reducing the work intensity or increasing rest periods.

When the AQI is at 101 or higher, steps to limit workers’ exposure to smoke is required whenever feasible.

At AQI 69 or higher, employers are encouraged to provide respirators at no cost to the workers and workers can wear respiratory protection if they choose. At AQI 101, employers must provide respirators for voluntary use—an increase in protection from last year’s wildfire smoke rule.

Employees must be provided with and are required to wear more protective respirators when particulates from wildfire smoke are measured at 555 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) or higher, a level both extremely hazardous and rare that is beyond the top of the AQI scale of 500.

Where to find AQI:

Some common online tools to find real-time air quality information include:

Employers may also use their own air monitoring equipment if it meets specific qualifications.

• AirNow.gov from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Air Quality Map from the Washington State Department of Ecology, and 
• U.S. Forest Service tools

L&I also recommends employers take action to reduce employee exposure to dangerous air at even lower AQI levels, especially for sensitive groups including those with asthma or other lung conditions.

The entire Wildfire Smoke Rule can be found here: Emergency Wildfire Smoke Rule, WAC 296-62-085.

Building a future in construction means strengthening workforce development and shortening the labor gap are high priorities at Master Builders Association of Pierce County. Master Builders presented the Pierce County Skills Center (PCSC) with a $5,000 donation in June to kick-start a partnership that will benefit local students enrolled in the school’s construction trades program. The future of construction begins here and now.

PCSC offers career and technical education programs and serves 10 school districts in Pierce County. Master Builders Pierce County and PCSC are jointly committed to the success of people in the building industry and establishing an educated workforce for the future in construction.

“The partnership between our organizations is part of our strategy to bolster workforce development and let students know that the building industry offers more than just a job, it’s a pathway to a great career earning a great salary,” said Master Builders Pierce County 2021 President Corey Watson.

Master Builder members plan to support PCSC’s current future in construction trades curriculum in several ways. Builders will donate excess materials from jobsites for hands-on training, provide scholarships for students to purchase tools and supplies upon graduation, attend annual job fairs, and connect students to internship opportunities that lead to full-time employment.

“Our partnership with Master Builders Association of Pierce County elevates program opportunities for both students and instructors,” said PCSC Director Michelle Ledbetter. “Donations, guest presenters, joint community service opportunities, and internships all prepare PCSC students to successfully enter the pipeline to high wage, high demand construction careers in Pierce County.”

The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. By 2028, more than 1 million craft professionals will be needed in the residential construction industry. Virtually all professional trades are in high demand, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and painting.

“In 2010, Master Builders created a scholarship program to support students pursuing an education in construction,” said Watson. “Through this partnership, we expect to funnel even more support directly to students enrolled in the PCSC trades program.”

The current labor shortage translates into higher housing costs, increased home prices, difficulty completing projects on time, and lower economic growth. A 2020 survey of builders from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that 85 percent of builders expect to face serious challenges regarding the cost and availability of labor this year.

NAHB’s 2020 economic impact study estimates one-year economic impacts of building 46,968 single-family homes in Washington include $13.83 billion in income for residents, $4.78 billion in taxes and other revenue for the state and local governments in the state, and 157,041 jobs.

The future in construction is in the hands of our very capable youth. Master Builders takes pride in the efforts made to establish an educated workforce for generations to come. Learn more about programs with PCSC and see how you can contribute to the success of our future in construction by visiting their website.

For more information about the PCSC partnership, you can also contact the Master Builders Association of Pierce County at (253) 272-2112.

Interest in home buying has not slowed down this year. Among the different generational groups, millennials, those born 1981 to 1996, are showing the most enthusiasm when it comes to purchasing a home. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) latest Housing Trends Report, millennials are the most likely generation to have moved on from planning a home purchase to actively searching for a home to buy in the first quarter of 2021.

The Facts About Millennials Purchasing Decisions

According to the report, 73 percent of millennial prospective buyers were already active buyers in the first quarter of 2021, an increase from 54 percent a year earlier. In contrast, the share rose only moderately among Gen Z (born 1997 to 2003) and Gen X buyers (born 1965 to 1980), and not at all among boomers (born 1946 to 1964).

Several factors are driving this trend. Buyers are afraid of missing out on still relatively low mortgage rates. The pandemic has also increased the desire for more space at home. For example, another recent NAHB study on consumer preferences revealed that 63 percent of recent and prospective home buyers want a home office. Another factor influencing home buying is the desire to move to the outlying suburbs.

Millennials also had a positive outlook about the housing stock in the near future compared to other generations. The share of millennial buyers who expect housing availability to ease up in the months ahead rose decisively between the first quarters of 2020 and 2021, from 26 percent to 42 percent. In contrast, the share declined slightly among the other generations.

In terms of the actual number of homes buyers are seeing for-sale (that they like and can afford), 40 percent of Americans reported seeing more available in the first quarter of 2021 than the previous quarter, up from 31 percent a year earlier. Millennial buyers were the most likely to report seeing more homes for-sale in the market in the first quarter of 2021, at 46 percent, compared to 34 percent a year earlier. The share also rose among Gen Z and Gen X buyers, but much more moderately.

The Financials for Millennials

For some home buyers, housing affordability has improved. Millennials report the most improvement in housing affordability perceptions in the last year. Between the first quarters of 2020 and 2021, the share of buyers of this generation who can afford half or more of the homes available doubled (22 percent to 44 percent), while changing little among the other generations. For more information about home buying, contact Master Builders Association of Pierce County, (253) 272-2112

High Lumber Prices Continue to Soar

Soaring lumber prices — which have tripled in the past year — have caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by nearly $36,000, according to a new analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The calculations are based on the amount of interior and exterior softwood lumber that is typically used in building a new home, which not only includes the framing but also the roofing, cabinets, doors and more. Further adding to affordability woes, building material prices, such as ready-mix concrete, have by and large been steadily rising since mid-2020.

Why There Are High Lumber Prices

There are a number of factors behind the increase in lumber prices. When stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures were enacted by state and local governments, most lumber mills reduced production. During the pandemic, housing weathered the storm much better than predicted and demand remained strong. However, lumber mills did not ramp up production accordingly. Moreover, producers did not anticipate the surge in demand for lumber from do-it-yourselfers and big box retailers during the pandemic.

How Our Leaders Can Help with High Lumber Prices

There are several actions that can be taken by the federal government to keep homeownership affordable and within reach for families in our community. NAHB has reached out to the Biden administration and Congress to urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease shortages, and return to the table and negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement with Canada.

Our Guarantee During This Time of High Lumber Prices

Master Builders Association of Pierce County is dedicated to providing quality, affordable homes to enrich our community. To help keep homes at prices within reach for families in our community, contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to take action to address the unsustainable costs of lumber. For more information on lumber prices visit The NAHB website or to learn more about home building in our area contact Master Builders Association of Pierce County at (253) 272-2112.