The bill addresses Washington state's housing affordability crisis by promoting the construction and use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It requires cities and counties to adopt or amend their development and zoning regulations to facilitate ADU creation, allowing at least two ADUs on single-family lots, prohibiting excessive impact fees, and ensuring that local regulations do not impose more restrictive requirements on ADUs than on principal units. The legislation emphasizes the environmental benefits of ADUs and their potential to provide affordable housing options for various demographics, including low-income households and seniors. It also introduces new definitions related to ADUs and outlines conditions for local governments to regulate them, such as not requiring off-street parking near major transit stops and allowing conversions of existing structures into ADUs.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect local governments from legal challenges when implementing these regulations and mandates the revision of recommendations to encourage ADUs by December 31, 2023. It prohibits any new declarations or governing documents from imposing restrictions on ADUs that local governments cannot impose, and it stipulates that cities or counties cannot be held civilly liable for issuing permits for ADUs that may violate restrictive covenants. The bill also repeals several existing laws related to accessory apartments to streamline the legal framework surrounding ADUs. Notably, a portion of the bill that would have allowed local governments to waive or defer fees for ADU development was vetoed by the Governor due to concerns over administrative burdens. Overall, the bill aims to reduce barriers to ADU construction and expand housing options in urban areas.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.696, 43.21C.495, 36.70A.280
Engrossed Bill: 36.70A.696, 43.21C.495, 36.70A.280
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70A.696, 43.21C.495, 36.70A.280
Session Law: 36.70A.696, 43.21C.495, 36.70A.280