The avid readers out there may recall a bill from last session that AWC staff referred to as the “It’s not a condo” bill. That bill, in trying to address the known barriers around building condos in this state, simply exempted any building with 12 or fewer units that was two stories or less from the condominium liability laws. It did so by removing these buildings from the definition of a condo, under that law.

One year later, another exemption—SB 5792, sponsored by Sen. Mike Padden (R–Spokane Valley)—unanimously passed the Legislature in its original form (a unicorn!) and removes the following from the definition of a condo:

A building with 12 or fewer units that is no more than three stories so long as one story is utilized for parking, either above or below ground, or retail space.

Four stories, anyone?