Housing (Building Codes)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 14, 2026

HB 2486: Controlling costs imposed by the state energy code.

HB 2486 aims to reduce construction costs for housing by adjusting Washington's state energy code requirements. It directs the state building code council to prevent cost increases when updating the energy code, specifically prohibiting new requirements that would raise construction costs for homes under 1,700 square feet beyond 2026 baseline levels during 2026 and 2029 code cycles. Code officials can approve less costly energy code alternatives for small residential projects if full compliance would be "economically impractical" (costs wouldn't be recovered through energy savings within 10 years), and must allow affordable housing projects to use older, less expensive energy code versions. The bill directly affects homebuilders, developers, and local code enforcement officials for single-family and small multifamily residential construction.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits cost-increasing energy code updates for small homes, restricting stricter efficiency standards that would raise construction costs beyond 2026 baseline levels.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces construction costs for housing by limiting energy code cost increases, directly advancing affordability for small homes under 1,700 sq ft.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Affordable Housing Building Codes

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 2381: Concerning performance-based building codes for low-rise residential buildings.

HB 2381 creates a performance-based compliance pathway for low-rise residential buildings (1-6 stories, up to 24 units) in Washington, replacing rigid prescriptive building code requirements. It directs the State Building Code Council to develop a new appendix to the building code, allowing builders to demonstrate compliance through measurable performance standards (like structural safety or energy efficiency) instead of specific construction methods. This system enables reuse of certified designs across jurisdictions, reduces redundant permitting reviews, and aligns with existing energy and emissions programs. The bill directly affects builders, developers, and local building departments by streamlining approvals and supporting industrialized housing production to address the state's housing shortage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExplicitly includes energy efficiency as a measurable performance standard for building compliance, advancing energy efficiency goals in residential construction.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnables energy efficiency performance standards in building codes, reducing long-term energy use and emissions without explicit environmental language.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates performance-based building code pathway for low-rise residential buildings, enabling more efficient construction and potentially increasing housing development by reducing regulatory barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Building Codes

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signed · Washington · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 2228: Concerning scissor stair regulations in the state building code.

HB 2228 requires Washington's state building code council to form a technical advisory group to recommend changes allowing "scissor stairs" (interlocking stairways with separate exits) in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two permanent dwelling units. The group must consider public safety, health, and construction costs in its recommendations, which must be ready for the 2027 building code update. This bill directly affects builders and developers of apartment-style housing, aiming to potentially simplify stairwell designs in such buildings. The advisory process expires on January 1, 2031, with no immediate code changes enacted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables scissor stairs in multi-unit housing, potentially reducing construction costs and facilitating more housing development per bill's focus on building code changes for apartment-style housing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2346: Concerning performance-based building codes for middle housing.

HB 2346 establishes a state-approved performance-based building code pathway for "middle housing" in Washington, defined as residential buildings with 1 to 24 units (e.g., duplexes, townhomes). Instead of requiring specific construction methods, the bill directs the State Building Code Council to create measurable performance standards for safety, durability, and energy efficiency, allowing builders to demonstrate compliance through engineering analysis or third-party certification. This aims to reduce permitting delays, lower housing costs, and support industrialized construction by enabling reusable designs across jurisdictions. The bill directly affects developers, manufacturers, local governments, and housing providers by streamlining approvals for middle housing projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy efficiency as a required performance standard for building codes, advancing energy efficiency goals in housing construction.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates performance-based pathway for middle housing development (duplexes/townhomes), enabling easier construction and increasing housing supply to address affordability needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Building Codes Zoning

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in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 6015: Concerning permit-ready residential building plans.

SB 6015 creates a state-approved program for "permit-ready" residential building plans to accelerate housing construction in Washington. It directly affects builders (especially small developers), homebuyers, and local governments by allowing projects using these pre-approved plans to bypass local aesthetic and architectural review requirements - such as window placement, rooflines, or facade materials - unless tied to health/safety or wildfire safety standards. The bill requires the state department to establish a public website for approved plans covering single-family homes, accessory units, and multi-unit housing (duplexes through eightplexes), with local jurisdictions getting 30-60 days to review plans before publication. This aims to shorten permitting timelines, reduce costs, and support statewide housing goals by standardizing design approvals across cities and counties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves local aesthetic review barriers for housing projects, directly accelerating construction to increase housing supply and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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signed · Washington · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 6026: Concerning residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones.

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates residential development in commercial zones, increasing housing supply and development directly supporting housing policy without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

signed · Washington · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 2304: Increasing the supply of condominiums by expanding the types of condominium buildings that may be subject to an express warranty of quality and express warranty insurance coverage.

HB 2304 expands the types of condominium buildings eligible for an express warranty of quality and insurance coverage, directly affecting developers of small residential projects. The bill allows developers to opt out of standard implied quality guarantees (like structural defects) if they provide an express warranty covering defects for specific periods: 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for systems (plumbing/electrical), and 10 years for structural elements. This applies to new or converted buildings with 12 or fewer units, including accessory dwelling units and structures under four stories (with specific configurations like parking or commercial space). Purchasers and future owners gain recourse through this warranty, while developers avoid implied warranty liabilities when meeting the coverage requirements. The change aims to streamline development for smaller condo projects without altering core buyer protections.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces developer burden for condominiums via express warranties, facilitating housing development (a core topic aspect) without addressing affordability/tenant rights.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5729: Encouraging construction of affordable housing by streamlining the permitting process.

This bill, SB 5729, aims to encourage the construction of affordable housing in Washington state by streamlining the project permit application process for local governments and developers. It requires local governments to determine if an application is complete within 28 days, or it is automatically deemed complete. The bill also allows applications certified by licensed professional engineers or architects to be deemed complete by building departments. Furthermore, it introduces a "deemed approved" mechanism if local governments conduct more than six reviews or requests for information without demonstrating clear violations. Finally, it mandates combining environmental review with permit review and limits the process to one open record hearing and one closed record appeal.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines permitting to accelerate affordable housing construction, directly advancing development goals through faster processing timelines and certified professional approvals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Building Codes

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signed · Washington · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 1353: Establishing a self-certification program for accessory dwelling unit project permit applications.

HB 1353 creates a program allowing cities in Washington to let registered architects self-certify that accessory dwelling unit (ADU) projects meet building code requirements, instead of requiring full city review. This directly affects homeowners building ADUs, architects who can self-certify, and cities that choose to adopt the program. Key provisions include mandatory random audits (at least 20% of applications yearly), penalties for failed audits (temporary suspension for first failure, permanent ban for second within 5 years), and requirements for architects to maintain insurance. Cities must also track and share audit results with a state database to prevent problematic architects from participating in other cities. The law aims to streamline ADU permitting while maintaining safety through oversight.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines ADU permitting to increase housing supply, aligning with affordable housing goals by reducing bureaucratic barriers for accessory dwelling units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Zoning

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5613: Concerning the development of clear and objective standards, conditions, and procedures for residential development.

Senate Bill 5613 aims to establish clear and objective standards for residential development across Washington state. It requires cities and counties to adopt these standards for residential projects by January 1, 2028, ensuring regulations do not create unreasonable costs or delays. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to form a stakeholder work group to analyze development barriers and suggest model codes. While promoting objective standards, it allows for an alternative approval process based on aesthetics, provided developers retain the option of using the clear and objective standards. These provisions apply to residential development within urban growth areas.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes objective standards to reduce development costs/delays, promoting housing supply and addressing development barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development

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