Bill > HB1096

This bill aims to increase housing options by creating a streamlined administrative process for lot splitting in cities across Washington state. The legislation requires cities to establish a simple, administrative procedure that allows property owners to divide existing residential lots into two lots with minimal bureaucratic barriers. Under this process, homeowners can split their lot and create a new buildable residential lot, subject to specific conditions such as meeting minimum lot size requirements, being located in a residential zone, obtaining water and sewer service certificates, and ensuring access and utility rights. The bill mandates that cities approve lot splits through an administrative decision based on clear and objective standards, without requiring a public hearing or extensive design review. Cities cannot impose limits on the number of dwelling units allowed on the parent or newly created lot that are less than the underlying zoning permits, and the process is designed to facilitate the development of middle housing and provide more affordable homeownership opportunities. The legislation applies to cities of various population sizes and includes provisions to protect renters, ensure infrastructure readiness, and maintain certain environmental and community standards. Cities must implement these lot-splitting requirements either in their next comprehensive plan update or within two years of the bill's effective date, with some exceptions for specific geographic areas.