Authorizing subdivision of land in rural areas for families.

HB 1854, titled the "Family Housing Act," would allow counties in rural Washington to permit land subdivisions for family members outside urban growth areas under specific conditions. It directly affects rural families seeking to transfer or sell land to relatives (like parents, children, or spouses) while maintaining family ownership continuity. Key provisions require the original land to be family-owned for over five years, limit each family member to one new lot, and allow flexible lot sizes (as long as they support a home and basic infrastructure like wells), without requiring standard lot sizes. The bill aims to address restrictions under the Growth Management Act that have limited family farming and housing options in rural communities. It is currently pending in the House Local Government Committee.