AWC is seeking feedback on an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) preemption bill that may be concerning for some cities.

HB 2570 requires that all cities with a population of 2,500 as of April 2019 that are in Growth Management Act (GMA) counties adopt ordinances and development regulations allowing at least one ADU on all single-family lots (detached ADUs are required on lots at least 3500 sq. ft.).

More troubling, the bill mandates:

• How a city must allow this type of housing, with pages of prescriptive instructions on off-street parking and owner occupancy requirements (neither allowed);
• How impact and permit fees and utility connection fees are assessed; and
• An additional list of a required three out of five policy outcome “options.”

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–SeaTac).

We received voluminous feedback on a very similar proposal last year. We would appreciate hearing whether you remain opposed to this preemption or now support the bill. Do you have specific examples of how any of these prescriptive policies run counter to your community decisions and why (i.e., maybe you just passed an ADU code change)?

We would appreciate hearing whether you remain opposed to this preemption or now support the bill.

Please let us know how they pose particular challenges for your city for whatever reason. You can send feedback to Shannon.

Dates to remember

HB 2570 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, January 28.