Bill > SB5554

This bill establishes new restrictions on historic landmark designations for cities and code cities in Washington State. Specifically, no city may designate a property as a historic landmark if the property is less than 40 years old, or if the designation would restrict the property's use, alteration, or demolition without the written consent of the property owner. Cities and code cities are required to adopt or amend their development regulations, zoning regulations, and preservation ordinances to incorporate these requirements within one year of the bill's effective date. If a city fails to do so, these new provisions will automatically supersede and invalidate any conflicting local regulations. The bill provides an exception to these limitations for properties located within a historic district that has been established through a local preservation ordinance. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law to ensure that actions taken by cities to implement these new historic landmark designation restrictions are not subject to administrative or judicial appeals, which provides a streamlined process for implementing the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5554&Year=2025&Initiative=false