Companion bills have been introduced that propose to increase middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing by mandating zoning and prohibiting a prescriptive list of development regulations. The bills are broad
in many aspects and very similar to HB 1782 from last session – but even more restrictive.
HB 1110, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Bateman (D–Olympia), and its companion SB 5190, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D–Tacoma), intends to “lift bans on the development of modest
home choices in cities near job centers, transit, and amenity-rich neighborhoods.”
The key provisions are as follows for any city with 6,000 residents and any city within a contiguous UGA with a city with more than 200,000 in population:
Mandates
- Four units per residential lot.
- Six units if at least two are affordable for low-income for 50 years by recorded covenant.
- At least six units in all residential zones within a half mile of a major transit stop. The “major transit” definition is broad and appears to apply to most regular bus service routes. There is no clarification that the half mile is a
walking half mile.
Prohibits
- Subjective development and design standards for middle housing, including unreasonable costs, fees, or delays.
- More restrictive standards for middle housing than detached, single-family housing.
- Different standards for middle housing on development permit or environmental review.
- Different application of critical areas regulations for middle housing.
- Requiring off-street parking for middle housing within half a mile of a major transit stop.
- Requiring more than one off street parking space per lot if 6,000 sq feet or less for middle housing development.
- Requiring more than two off-street parking spaces per lot if greater than 6,000 sq feet for middle housing development.
HB 1110/SB 5190 directs the Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance and develop model ordinances which will supersede any city ordinance that has not adopted the new requirements. The proposal allows the Commerce to grandfather
in any city that has adopted “substantially similar” regulations by the effective date of the bill. In addition, Commerce may grant an extension for deficient infrastructure, which is only renewable once.
As AWC underwent our Housing Solutions Group process this summer, we identified a need for targeted zoning solutions, including minimum standards around key community assets, but also a need for flexibility in other areas. However, this proposal still
paints the state with an incredibly broad brush. Putting the same responsibilities on Othello that are expected of Seattle does not seem appropriate. Importantly, this proposal also does not create new tools, incentives, or revenue to address the
housing crises.
We heard strong objections from cities on HB 1782 last year—and this goes further. Please provide feedback to Carl and Shannon about any additional concerns the specifics of this proposal would mean for your city.
SB 5190 was initially referred to the Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee; however, all bills that concern housing are being heard in the Housing Committee. The committee held a vote to refer it to the Senate Housing Committee.
Date to remember
HB 1110 will be heard Tuesday, January 17 at 4 pm in the House Housing Committee.