This bill addresses the housing crisis in Washington State by promoting the development of various types of housing, including permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters. It mandates that local governments allow these housing types in urban areas under the same terms as other residential uses, adhering only to objective and nondiscriminatory development standards for public health and safety. The legislation aims to streamline permitting processes and ensure consistent treatment across jurisdictions, thereby facilitating the timely delivery of safe and stable housing. Key provisions require cities and counties to permit transitional and supportive housing in all zones not designated for industrial use and to apply the same development regulations as for other residential developments.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations for code cities regarding the addition of housing units within existing buildings in multifamily zones. It establishes that if a code city fails to adopt or amend relevant ordinances by a specified deadline, the new requirements will take precedence over conflicting local regulations. The bill prohibits code cities from imposing restrictions on housing unit density, parking requirements, and other permitting and design standards that exceed those applicable to residential development in the zone. It also removes the previous exception for emergency and transitional housing concerning permitting requirements. Furthermore, the bill outlines conditions for modifying existing buildings to add housing units, including exemptions from certain energy code requirements and clarifications on permit denial based on nonconformity.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 35.21.683, 35A.21.430, 36.130.020