HB 2266 requires Washington cities and counties to permit permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing in any zoning district where hotels or residential development is allowed, without imposing stricter rules than those for standard hotels or homes. It standardizes permitting processes, prohibits local governments from restricting these housing types to industrial zones, and mandates that cities/counties meet projected housing needs for emergency shelters. For indoor emergency shelters, the bill requires sponsors to provide written certification of community notification (within 500 feet), one community meeting, a point of contact, and operational policies - without additional requirements. The bill directly affects local governments (by changing zoning rules), housing providers (by streamlining approvals), and people experiencing homelessness (by increasing housing access), aiming to address Washington’s housing crisis through regulatory reform.
SB 6026 requires Washington cities and counties with populations over 30,000 to allow residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, directly affecting these municipalities and developers. The bill prohibits local governments from banning residential uses in these zones but permits limited mixed-use requirements (e.g., 20% of non-station areas must include ground-floor commercial space) and allows height increases of at least 10 feet in designated areas. Exceptions include historic properties, business improvement areas, and specific locations like refinery zones or historic main streets. The law preempts conflicting local rules and takes effect one year after enactment, unless local ordinances are updated first. It does not override building permit requirements unrelated to zoning.
HB 1345 restricts detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - separate small homes on the same lot as a main house - outside urban growth areas in Washington counties. It requires counties to limit each parcel to one ADU, set size limits (max 1,296 sq ft), mandate water metering and sewage capacity documentation, and require ADUs to be within 150 feet of the main home. Counties must enforce penalties for unpermitted ADUs (including $1,000 fines, removal orders, and 3-year permit bans) and track ADU permits for land-use planning updates. The bill applies only to counties allowing such ADUs outside urban areas, not affecting existing urban or rural ADU rules.
HB 2442 allows Washington counties and cities to impose specific real estate excise taxes to fund local capital projects and affordable housing. It authorizes a 0.25% tax on real property sales for general capital projects (like streets, parks, and sewer systems), with strict usage rules requiring projects to align with comprehensive plans. Additionally, it creates a separate 0.5% tax exclusively for affordable housing development, including acquisition, construction, and maintenance for low- and moderate-income residents. Local governments must document funding plans for future projects and follow voter approval processes for new taxes, while funds must be managed through competitive grant processes for housing initiatives. The bill directly affects local governments by expanding their tax tools for infrastructure and housing priorities.
HB 1217 aims to improve housing stability for tenants in Washington state, applying to those under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act. It limits combined rent and fee increases to no more than seven percent within any 12-month period after the initial year of a tenancy, though some exemptions may apply. The bill also requires landlords to provide notice for increases, places limits on various fees and deposits, and allows tenants to terminate their lease if an increase is unlawful. Additionally, it establishes a landlord resource center and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce its provisions, providing specific remedies for tenants in cases of violation.
