The bill addresses Washington's housing crisis by promoting the construction of detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in rural areas, recognizing the need for an additional 1.1 million homes by 2044. It allows counties to authorize the development of detached ADUs on lots of any size, even if such development is typically restricted by existing comprehensive plans. The legislation includes specific development regulations, such as limitations on water usage and sewage system capacity, to ensure compatibility with primary dwellings. Additionally, it clarifies definitions related to ADUs and establishes that population growth from these units will not count towards rural or urban growth targets set in comprehensive plans.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws regarding the review and revision of county comprehensive plans and urban growth areas, setting criteria for counties to follow when revising these areas to accommodate projected urban growth. It mandates that counties update their comprehensive plans to reflect the new provisions for detached ADUs and emphasizes collaboration between counties and cities in establishing planning policies. The bill also introduces requirements for counties that permit ADUs, ensuring that any population growth from these units is excluded from growth target assessments, and outlines consequences for non-compliance with planning policies and deadlines.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.696, 36.70A.177, 36.70A.130, 36.70A.210