A proposal allowing a code city to annex unincorporated land in accordance with an interlocal agreement was voted out of the House.

HB 1598, sponsored by Rep. Beth Doglio (D–Olympia), intends to make city annexations within urban growth areas more efficient and effective by providing an alternative method via interlocal agreement.

The version that passed out of the House does the following:

• Applies to all code cities.
• The city initiating an annexation (and after adopting an interlocal agreement between the city and county) must provide written notice of the proposed annexation to the adjacent city, fire district, transportation benefit district, or water-sewer district under two circumstances. In these cases:
  • The adjacent entity has 30 days to state its interest to become party to the interlocal agreement.
  • Prohibits the annexation from proceeding if the adjacent entity becomes a party to the agreement and does not approve it.
• For five years after the annexation, any parcel zoned for residential development within the annexed area must maintain residential zoning and density designations.
• A public hearing must be held prior to passage of the annexation ordinance.
• Notice of the public hearing must be published in the newspapers at least once a week for four weeks prior to the date of the hearing. Also requires website notification during the same period, if available.
• Notice must include a statement of any assumption of indebtedness or adoption of a proposed zoning regulation that is provided for in the ordinance.
• Phased annexations require separate ordinances.
• A certified copy of the annexation ordinance must be filed with the board of county commissioners.

HB 1598 now moves to the Senate for consideration.