SB 6015 passed the House ahead of cutoff and picked up two amendments on the floor:

• The requirements do not apply within one-mile radius of SeaTac airport.
• Existing parking spaces do not have to meet the requirements of the bill, except for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. When resurfacing, existing paved lots do not need to resize the spaces if it will add costs or require significant reconfiguration of spaces.

These changes now go back to the Senate for review.

One parking bill remains

February 23, 2024

As session began, we saw several bills that proposed to restrict how cities manage parking. As we approach the final two weeks, only one remains and it’s solely focused on parking.

SB 6015, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D–Bellingham), has been amended twice and really gets into the details of parking regulations. The short bill applies to cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act and directs:

(1) Garages and carports may not be required as a way to meet minimum parking requirements for residential development;

(2) Parking spaces that count towards minimum parking requirements may be enclosed or unenclosed;

(3) Parking spaces in tandem must count towards meeting minimum parking requirements at a rate of one space for every 20 linear feet with any necessary provisions for turning radius. For purposes of this subsection, "tandem" is defined as having two or more vehicles, one in front of or behind the others with a single means of ingress and egress;

(4) Existence of legally nonconforming gravel surfacing in existing designated parking areas may not be a reason for prohibiting utilization of existing space in the parking area to meet local parking standards, up to a maximum of six parking spaces;

(5) Parking spaces may not be required to exceed 8 feet by 20 feet, except for required parking for people with disabilities;

(6) Any county planning under this chapter, and any cities within those counties with a population greater than 6,000, may not require off-street parking as a condition of permitting a residential project if compliance with tree retention would otherwise make a proposed residential development or redevelopment infeasible; and

(7) Parking spaces that consist of grass block pavers may count toward minimum parking requirements.

The bill is in the House Rules Committee and has until 5 pm on March 1 to be voted off the House floor.