HB 2474 passed the House and is scheduled for a policy committee hearing and vote on the same day. The bill has undergone changes—the largest is shifting to a petition-based review rather than requiring the Department of Commerce to review all related city ordinances before a permit is denied. There are still significant implementation challenges and questions about this approach, in addition to concerns about whether placing the agency in this quasi-judicial role is a good idea.

Please share any concerns you have with your Senators and with AWC.

Dates to remember

HB 2474 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Local Government, Land Use, & Tribal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, February 20 at 8 am, and for a committee vote in the same hearing.

Bill proposes to put Commerce in charge of local zoning under certain conditions

January 26, 2024

HB 2474, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson (D–Edmonds), proposes some far-reaching restrictions on the ability of cities to site and regulate transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and homeless shelters.

Before denying or rescinding a project permit application for such facilities a city must submit any zoning ordinance and related development regulations addressing the “reasonable” occupancy, spacing, or intensity of use requirements for such housing to the Department of Commerce (Commerce) for review and approval. If Commerce finds that the city ordinance, denial, or rescission violates the statute pertaining to these facilities, the city may not establish or enforce zoning ordinances for any zone in which residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed, and Commerce must then develop those zoning regulations until the city ordinance is amended to comply.

Rumor on the street is that this proposal is in response to frustrations that some legislators have with controversies on these topics in King County.

It is unclear how Commerce would evaluate “reasonable” occupancy, spacing and intensity of use requirements, nor how they would develop zoning regulations for cities who are determined to be out of compliance.

Dates to remember

HB 2474 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Housing Committee on Monday, January 29 at 1:30 pm and for a committee vote on Tuesday, January 30 at 4 pm.