Housing

SB 6026 requires Washington cities and counties with populations over 30,000 to allow residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, directly affecting these municipalities and developers. The bill prohibits local governments from banning residential uses in these zones but permits limited mixed-use requirements (e.g., 20% of non-station areas must include ground-floor commercial space) and allows height increases of at least 10 feet in designated areas. Exceptions include historic properties, business improvement areas, and specific locations like refinery zones or historic main streets. The law preempts conflicting local rules and takes effect one year after enactment, unless local ordinances are updated first. It does not override building permit requirements unrelated to zoning.

HB 1345 restricts detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - separate small homes on the same lot as a main house - outside urban growth areas in Washington counties. It requires counties to limit each parcel to one ADU, set size limits (max 1,296 sq ft), mandate water metering and sewage capacity documentation, and require ADUs to be within 150 feet of the main home. Counties must enforce penalties for unpermitted ADUs (including $1,000 fines, removal orders, and 3-year permit bans) and track ADU permits for land-use planning updates. The bill applies only to counties allowing such ADUs outside urban areas, not affecting existing urban or rural ADU rules.

SB 6184 updates Washington state's definitions and administrative provisions for homeless youth programs, primarily affecting unaccompanied homeless youth and HOPE centers (facilities providing temporary housing and services). The bill specifically limits stays at HOPE centers to 90 days for most unaccompanied homeless youth, requiring department approval for extensions, while allowing longer stays if a parent arranges return. It revises key terms like "homeless person," "HOPE center," and "street outreach services" to clarify program eligibility and operations. These changes aim to standardize definitions across state agencies and align with existing homelessness housing frameworks without introducing new funding or major program shifts.

Senate Bill 5184 limits the minimum parking requirements that cities and code cities in Washington state can impose on new construction projects. It caps required parking at 0.5 spaces per multifamily dwelling unit, one space per single-family home, and two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill also eliminates all minimum parking requirements for specific categories, such as affordable housing, senior housing, child care centers, and smaller residential or commercial spaces. These changes directly affect developers, residents, and local governments, though cities with populations of 30,000 or less are exempt, and exceptions can be made for safety concerns or areas near major airports.