Bill prohibiting limits of unrelated home occupants passes Senate

A bill that intends to eliminate enforcement occupant limits passed the halfway mark. It is intended as one means to address the housing crisis and prevent discrimination against nontraditional households.

With few exceptions, SB 6302 prohibits cities from regulating or limiting the number of unrelated persons who live together. The bill provides that:

• Except for occupant limits on group living arrangements regulated under state law or on short-term rentals as defined in RCW 64.37.010 and any restrictions on occupant load of the structure as calculated by the city in accordance with the applicable building code, a city may not regulate or limit the number of unrelated persons that may occupy a household or dwelling unit.

We have heard that some cities use these ordinances to prevent unregulated boarding homes; but we have also heard that the ordinances are very difficult to enforce and may raise constitutional questions.

We would appreciate your perspective on whether this is a problematic bill or not. The bill is scheduled to move quickly this week.

Dates to remember

SB 6302 is scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, February 25 at 10 am in the House Local Government Committee. The bill is also scheduled for a committee vote on both Wednesday and Friday at 8 am in the same committee.