The bill addresses Washington's housing crisis by promoting the development of middle housing in areas traditionally designated for single-family homes, with a goal of creating 1,000,000 new homes by 2044. It emphasizes the need for diverse and affordable housing options, particularly in urban areas with existing infrastructure, to alleviate pressure on natural lands and support environmental protection. The legislation mandates cities to identify displacement risks and implement anti-displacement policies, while also introducing new definitions and regulations related to housing, including "middle housing" and "administrative design review." Notably, the bill removes certain language regarding rural services, focusing on urban service provision.

Additionally, the bill sets specific requirements for cities regarding residential development density, mandating that cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 allow at least two units per lot in residentially zoned areas, and four units per lot near major transit stops. For larger cities, these requirements increase to four and six units, respectively. The legislation also establishes a framework for state technical assistance to help cities comply, allows for extensions in areas at risk of displacement, and prohibits new governing documents from restricting additional housing units. The Department of Commerce is tasked with implementing these provisions, and the bill includes a sunset clause contingent on funding by June 30, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.290, 43.21C.495
Substitute Bill: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 43.21C.495
Second Substitute: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 43.21C.495, 43.21C.229
Engrossed Second Substitute: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 19.27.097, 43.21C.450
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 43.21C.450
Session Law: 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 43.21C.450