The bill aims to enhance housing options in Washington State by facilitating the administrative splitting of existing residential lots into new residential lots. It establishes a streamlined approval process for cities, allowing these lot splits to be reviewed alongside residential building permits to promote the development of middle and single-family housing. Key conditions for approval include minimum lot size requirements, certificates of availability from sewer and water providers, and the necessity for a recorded lot split survey. Additionally, the bill grants cities immunity from liability concerning the approval of these lot splits.

To ensure effective implementation, the bill amends existing regulations, requiring cities to integrate the new lot splitting processes into their development regulations. It prohibits cities from imposing limits on the total number of dwelling units on the parent or newly created lots that are less than what is allowed by the underlying zoning prior to the split. The legislation also emphasizes affordable housing by setting conditions for units to be classified as affordable and mandates timely adoption of these regulations by cities. Furthermore, it introduces a provision stating that if specific funding for the act is not secured by June 30, 2025, the act will become null and void, highlighting the necessity of funding for its objectives.

Statutes affected:
Engrossed Second Substitute: 36.70A.635
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70A.635
Session Law: 36.70A.635