The bill aims to promote the establishment of pollinator habitats in urban and rural areas across Washington State by encouraging cities, code cities, and counties to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants in landscaping for project and commercial building permits. It allows local governments to provide applicants with lists of native forage plants, information on the benefits of pollinators, and incentives such as expedited processing or reduced fees for including pollinator habitats in their applications. Additionally, while local governments can set restrictions on beehives, they are prohibited from outright banning them.
The bill also amends existing laws to ensure that governing documents of common interest ownership associations cannot prohibit the installation of pollinator habitats, including beehives compliant with local regulations, alongside drought-resistant and wildfire ignition-resistant landscaping. It defines "pollinator habitat" as land beneficial for the feeding, nesting, and reproduction of all pollinators, excluding beehives except for mason bee houses. The legislation emphasizes the importance of supporting pollinator populations while balancing local regulations and community aesthetics.
Statutes affected: Substitute Bill: 36.70B.020, 64.90.512
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70B.020, 64.90.512
Session Law: 36.70B.020, 64.90.512