The bill aims to enhance affordable and sustainable building practices in Washington State by amending existing regulations and introducing new provisions. It requires cities and counties planning under RCW 36.70A.040 to allow adjustments in building codes, such as permitting exterior wall assemblies to extend further into setbacks and allowing buildings to exceed maximum roof heights by at least 48 inches for the installation of insulation and solar energy panels. Additionally, local governments are prohibited from imposing certain restrictions on housing density, parking requirements, and design standards for residential projects, particularly those retrofitting existing buildings or meeting passive house standards.

The legislation also introduces new regulations regarding parking space requirements and the size of affordable housing units. Jurisdictions can establish parking requirements exceeding 0.75 spaces per unit if they can demonstrate a lack of access to street parking. The bill sets maximum size limits for affordable housing units, with studio units capped at 400 square feet, one-bedroom units at 550 square feet, two-bedroom units at 750 square feet, and three-bedroom units at 1,000 square feet. Furthermore, cities and counties must adopt or amend their development regulations to incorporate these new requirements within six months of their next periodic comprehensive plan update. The bill clarifies that co-living housing units are subject to existing provisions and that size restrictions do not apply to low-income housing developed under specific affordable housing incentive programs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 35.21.990, 35A.21.440, 36.70A.620, 19.27.042
Substitute Bill: 35.21.990, 35A.21.440, 36.70A.620, 70.87.030
Second Substitute: 35.21.990, 35A.21.440, 36.70A.620