The bill aims to reform minimum parking requirements across various jurisdictions in Washington State, addressing the negative impacts of excessive parking mandates on development costs, public health, and environmental sustainability. It establishes new regulations that limit parking requirements to a maximum of 0.5 spaces per multifamily dwelling unit and one space per single-family home, as well as two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. Additionally, it eliminates minimum parking requirements for certain categories, including affordable housing, senior housing, and small commercial spaces, while ensuring that parking for individuals with disabilities remains compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The legislation also includes provisions for cities and counties to request variances from these requirements under specific circumstances, such as safety concerns or if they can demonstrate that current parking needs differ significantly from the new standards. It mandates that cities with populations between 30,000 and 50,000 implement these changes within three years, while larger cities must comply within 18 months. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing laws related to minimum residential parking requirements and directs the state building code council to update accessible parking space requirements based on current disability research. The act is officially titled the "Parking Reform and Modernization Act."

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.70A.620
Substitute Bill: 36.70A.040M
Engrossed Substitute: 36.70A.040M
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.70A.040M
Session Law: 36.70A.040M