SB 5496 would limit large investment entities (like real estate investment trusts and pooled fund managers) and businesses owning over 50 single-family homes from purchasing additional single-family homes in Washington. It prohibits these entities from acquiring new properties, with limited exceptions for nonprofits, properties needing code modifications, or short-term conversions to multifamily housing. Violations could result in a $100,000 penalty per violation and require the property to be sold to a third party within one year. The bill aims to increase housing availability for residents by restricting large-scale investor purchases, which the legislature cites as contributing to the state's housing affordability crisis. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Rules Committee and has not advanced to final passage.
This bill, SB 5729, aims to encourage the construction of affordable housing in Washington state by streamlining the project permit application process for local governments and developers. It requires local governments to determine if an application is complete within 28 days, or it is automatically deemed complete. The bill also allows applications certified by licensed professional engineers or architects to be deemed complete by building departments. Furthermore, it introduces a "deemed approved" mechanism if local governments conduct more than six reviews or requests for information without demonstrating clear violations. Finally, it mandates combining environmental review with permit review and limits the process to one open record hearing and one closed record appeal.
Senate Joint Memorial 8006 petitions the Washington State Supreme Court to reinstate and expand its Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) program. The memorial asks the Court to reverse its 2020 decision to end the program, citing a current shortage of attorneys and a need for legal services among low and moderate-income Washingtonians. It specifically requests the expansion of LLLT services within one year to include administrative law, eviction, and debt assistance. Additionally, the memorial asks for a work group to be formed to explore how LLLTs could help individuals charged with offenses in courts of limited jurisdiction. The aim is to increase access to legal representation for those facing legal challenges.
Senate Bill 5647 establishes a new exemption from the real estate excise tax for the sale of properties designated as "qualified affordable housing." This means that sellers of these specific types of affordable homes would not be required to pay this tax. The bill achieves this by amending the existing state law that defines what constitutes a "sale" for real estate excise tax purposes, adding this new category of exempt transactions. This policy change aims to reduce the tax burden associated with the sale of affordable housing.
HB 2269 allows counties to permit "middle housing" (like duplexes or small apartment buildings) on properties currently zoned for single-family homes in two specific areas: limited intensive rural development zones and designated urban growth areas. It requires counties to limit these projects to four units per lot and apply the same development standards (like setbacks and environmental rules) as single-family homes, without adding extra restrictions. The bill also mandates that middle housing in rural areas use public sewers or large on-site systems, while urban areas must have public water and sewer service. This policy directly affects property owners and developers in unincorporated Washington counties seeking to build more housing options.
HB 2228 requires Washington's state building code council to form a technical advisory group to recommend changes allowing "scissor stairs" (interlocking stairways with separate exits) in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two permanent dwelling units. The group must consider public safety, health, and construction costs in its recommendations, which must be ready for the 2027 building code update. This bill directly affects builders and developers of apartment-style housing, aiming to potentially simplify stairwell designs in such buildings. The advisory process expires on January 1, 2031, with no immediate code changes enacted.
HB 2304 expands the types of condominium buildings eligible for an express warranty of quality and insurance coverage, directly affecting developers of small residential projects. The bill allows developers to opt out of standard implied quality guarantees (like structural defects) if they provide an express warranty covering defects for specific periods: 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for systems (plumbing/electrical), and 10 years for structural elements. This applies to new or converted buildings with 12 or fewer units, including accessory dwelling units and structures under four stories (with specific configurations like parking or commercial space). Purchasers and future owners gain recourse through this warranty, while developers avoid implied warranty liabilities when meeting the coverage requirements. The change aims to streamline development for smaller condo projects without altering core buyer protections.
HB 1687 clarifies definitions and expands support mechanisms for social housing public development authorities in Washington State. It defines "social housing" as publicly owned rental housing available to all income levels (low, moderate, and high-income households) with cross-subsidized rents, and establishes specific income thresholds based on HUD data. The bill enables state and local governments to provide property, infrastructure, or funding to these authorities without standard bidding requirements, while requiring five days of public notice for such transactions. It directly affects social housing authorities, state/local governments, and residents of subsidized housing projects across Washington. The legislation focuses on structural changes to housing authority operations, not on new funding or outcomes.
HB 1859 allows Washington religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties with increased density allowances. To qualify, at least 50% of units must be permanently affordable for low-income households (earning at or below 80% of local median income) for 50 years, with no discrimination based on protected characteristics. Religious organizations must cover all development fees and costs, and local governments must approve such projects if requested. This applies to new construction and rehab projects on religiously owned land, amending zoning laws to support affordable housing expansion.
Senate Bill 5613 aims to establish clear and objective standards for residential development across Washington state. It requires cities and counties to adopt these standards for residential projects by January 1, 2028, ensuring regulations do not create unreasonable costs or delays. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to form a stakeholder work group to analyze development barriers and suggest model codes. While promoting objective standards, it allows for an alternative approval process based on aesthetics, provided developers retain the option of using the clear and objective standards. These provisions apply to residential development within urban growth areas.
