Housing (Affordable Housing)

signed · Washington · Senate May 7, 2025

SB 5184: Concerning minimum parking requirements.

Senate Bill 5184 limits the minimum parking requirements that cities and code cities in Washington state can impose on new construction projects. It caps required parking at 0.5 spaces per multifamily dwelling unit, one space per single-family home, and two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill also eliminates all minimum parking requirements for specific categories, such as affordable housing, senior housing, child care centers, and smaller residential or commercial spaces. These changes directly affect developers, residents, and local governments, though cities with populations of 30,000 or less are exempt, and exceptions can be made for safety concerns or areas near major airports.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminates minimum parking requirements for affordable housing, reducing development costs and directly supporting housing affordability initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1867: Allowing counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax for the purpose of developing affordable housing, subject to the will of the voters.

HB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new local tax (0.5% real estate excise) to fund affordable housing programs, directly advancing public service funding through dedicated fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a dedicated funding mechanism (0.5% real estate tax) exclusively for affordable housing development targeting low/moderate-income residents and those with special needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5679: Expanding eligibility to utilize the multifamily tax exemption program to all counties required or choosing to plan under RCW 36.70A.040.

SB 5679 expands eligibility for Washington's multifamily tax exemption program to include all counties required or choosing to plan under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.040), removing a previous population requirement. This change directly affects counties that must develop comprehensive plans under state law, allowing them to apply for the tax exemption program for multifamily housing projects. The bill amends definitions in RCW 84.14.010 to define "county" as any jurisdiction meeting the planning requirement, and adds new criteria for designating residential targeted areas, including mandatory displacement risk evaluations for county-designated areas after July 2021. The policy change aims to increase affordable housing opportunities by broadening access to tax incentives for qualifying multifamily developments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemption eligibility for multifamily housing, providing tax relief under state fiscal program by removing population barriers for counties.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands multifamily tax exemption eligibility to all counties under Growth Management Act, removing population barrier to increase housing development90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Taxes

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5747: Concerning an exemption for affordable housing.

SB 5747 exempts affordable housing projects from current state building code requirements, allowing cities and counties to enforce older building codes (the last four iterations) to lower construction costs and speed development. It directly affects developers and local governments building housing defined as affordable - rental units costing ≤30% of household income or owner-occupied housing for low/moderate-income households (≤80% of local median income). The bill amends Washington’s building code statutes (RCW 19.27 and 19.27A) to create this exemption specifically for affordable housing projects. This policy change aims to increase housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers for qualifying developments.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing from current building codes to lower costs and accelerate development, directly advancing affordable housing access for low/moderate-income households.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes Property Development

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passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5749: Concerning housing development opportunity zones.

SB 5749 allows cities and code cities to designate "housing development opportunity zones" in underutilized areas with existing large commercial structures, such as shopping malls or vacant stores. Within these zones, residential development is prioritized, and projects are encouraged to use existing infrastructure and site areas to help reduce costs. Cities may also waive impact fees for developments in these zones, and designations can be implemented outside of typical planning cycles, provided they are included in the next comprehensive plan update. The bill mandates a review by 2043 to assess the number of housing and affordable housing units created, with a provision for potential repeal if affordable housing targets are not met, and the act is set to expire on July 1, 2045.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingDesignates zones for residential development, waives impact fees, and prioritizes using existing infrastructure to lower costs, directly advancing housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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signed · Washington · House May 7, 2025

HB 1516: Conducting a study of insurance coverage options for permanently affordable homeownership units.

House Bill 1516 directs the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on insurance coverage options for permanently affordable homeownership units. The study's purpose is to explore ways to reduce costs related to condominium construction defect liability for homes sponsored by nonprofit organizations or government entities. It requires consultation with various stakeholders, including insurers, sponsoring organizations, and the construction industry. The Insurance Commissioner will submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including an analysis of risk pools and recommendations for new insurance mechanisms to lower these costs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directs study to reduce insurance costs for nonprofit/govt affordable housing units, lowering development barriers for permanently affordable homeownership.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5496: Preserving homeownership options by limiting excessive home buying by certain entities.

SB 5496 would limit large investment entities (like real estate investment trusts and pooled fund managers) and businesses owning over 50 single-family homes from purchasing additional single-family homes in Washington. It prohibits these entities from acquiring new properties, with limited exceptions for nonprofits, properties needing code modifications, or short-term conversions to multifamily housing. Violations could result in a $100,000 penalty per violation and require the property to be sold to a third party within one year. The bill aims to increase housing availability for residents by restricting large-scale investor purchases, which the legislature cites as contributing to the state's housing affordability crisis. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Rules Committee and has not advanced to final passage.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill restricts large entities from buying single-family homes to preserve homeownership options, preventing market dominance that reduces affordability and access for individual buyers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SB 5552: Concerning the creation of building codes for kit homes.

SB 5552 aims to create a new category of building codes specifically for "kit homes" to increase affordable housing options. The bill defines kit homes as residential structures 800 square feet or smaller, built from prefabricated walls, floors, and roofs assembled on-site. It directs the State Building Code Council to establish these specific building codes for kit homes by December 31, 2025. This initiative is intended to provide more affordable small homes for homebuyers of modest means.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates building codes for kit homes (≤800 sq ft) to boost affordable housing access for modest-income buyers, directly advancing affordable housing options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes Zoning

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1840: Authorizing middle housing in unincorporated growth areas and unincorporated urban growth areas, certain limited areas of more intensive rural development, and fully contained communities.

HB 1840 authorizes counties to allow "middle housing" (like duplexes, triplexes, or townhouses) in designated unincorporated urban growth areas, specific rural development zones, and established communities. It requires at least one middle housing unit per single-family lot in urban areas and limits these developments to four units per lot in rural zones. The bill mandates that counties apply the same zoning, permit, and environmental rules to middle housing as to single-family homes, while requiring sewer service for rural middle housing. This policy aims to increase housing density without new infrastructure, directly affecting homeowners and developers in targeted areas.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes middle housing (duplexes, triplexes) in designated areas to increase housing density and affordability, removing zoning barriers to expand housing supply.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5731: Creating a tenant assistance program.

SB 5731 creates a state-funded tenant assistance program in Washington to help households struggling with high housing costs. It provides financial aid to renters earning up to 80% of their county's median income who spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with priority for those earning ≤60% of median income or receiving Supplemental Security Income. The program offers up to $400 monthly in assistance (capped at reducing housing costs to 30% of income) for up to 12 consecutive months per household. The program expires June 30, 2032, and requires annual reports on its impact.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState funds tenant assistance program for low-income renters, increasing public spending on housing support as a fiscal responsibility measure.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state-funded tenant assistance for low-income renters, capping housing costs at 30% of income, directly advancing affordable housing and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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