Bill > HB1854

This bill aims to provide more flexibility for families in rural areas to subdivide land for family members, addressing housing needs and supporting rural agricultural lifestyles. Specifically, the bill allows counties to permit land division outside urban growth areas for transferring property to close family members like parents, children, grandchildren, spouses, and siblings under certain conditions. To qualify for subdivision, the original parcel must have been owned by the same family for more than five years, either by the current owner or through inheritance. The subdivision application must specify which family member will receive each new lot, with no family member able to receive more than one lot. The new lots must be large enough to accommodate a residence and essential infrastructure like wells and septic systems, but are not required to meet the same size requirements as lots for non-family property transfers. The bill also ensures that except for lot size and setbacks, any development on these new lots must comply with existing local regulations. Additionally, the bill overrides previous court or growth management board decisions that mandated specific lot sizes for maintaining rural character. Ultimately, the legislation is designed to support family housing needs and preserve the ability of rural families to live and work on their land.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1854&Year=2025&Initiative=false