The proposed bill seeks to reform building codes and development regulations in Washington State to enhance affordable and sustainable building practices. It introduces new provisions to chapter 36.70A RCW, allowing cities and counties to make specific adjustments in building regulations for retrofits and new constructions that meet passive house standards. Key changes include permitting exterior wall assemblies to extend up to eight inches into setbacks, allowing buildings to exceed maximum roof height by eight inches for insulation, and measuring gross floor area from the interior face of exterior walls. Additionally, local governments are prohibited from imposing certain restrictions on housing density, parking requirements, and design standards for existing residential buildings, with exceptions for health and safety standards.

The bill also establishes new size regulations for affordable housing units, setting maximum sizes based on unit type, and requires cities to allow affordable units to match the size of market-rate units if the average size in a project is smaller. It mandates the creation of sample floor plans that comply with these size requirements and clarifies that these provisions do not apply to low-income housing developed under specific incentive programs. Furthermore, the bill amends regulations regarding elevator operation and inspection, allowing the adoption of rules that align with current safety standards, and grants the governor the authority to waive fees during a declared state of emergency. Cities and counties are required to incorporate these new regulations into their comprehensive plans by 2027, while other jurisdictions must implement them within two years of the bill's effective date.

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