Bill > SB5662

This bill amends existing Washington state law to provide municipalities more flexibility in waiving utility connection charges for specific types of housing developments. The bill allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for properties owned or developed by nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, or agencies providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing. For most counties, these waived charges must be funded through general funds, grants, or other identified revenue streams. However, for counties east of the Cascade mountains with over 500,000 residents, utilities can waive connection charges without explicitly funding the waiver, provided the developer records a covenant that restricts the property's use to the specified housing types and includes price and income restrictions. If a property receiving a waiver no longer meets the original eligibility requirements, the full connection charges become immediately due and payable. The bill defines key terms like "affordable housing", "connection charges", "emergency shelter", "permanent supportive housing", and "transitional housing" to provide clarity and ensure consistent application of the law across different municipalities.