Bill > HB2266

This bill aims to increase the availability of housing for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity by streamlining the process for developing permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters. It mandates that cities and counties must allow these types of housing in zones where residential units or hotels are already permitted, preventing them from being exclusively relegated to industrial zones. The bill also stipulates that these housing types cannot face more restrictive development standards, conditions, or permit review processes than other residential or lodging developments in the same zone, though objective standards related to public health and safety can still be applied. For indoor emergency shelters and housing, specific certification requirements are outlined for sponsors, and limited negotiation is allowed for health and safety protocols if a new facility is proposed near existing shelters or schools, with specific exceptions for vulnerable populations. The bill also clarifies that these housing types are not required to be approved in critical areas, areas with natural hazards, or on agricultural, forest, or mineral lands. Finally, it requires local governments to adopt these provisions into their regulations within two years and clarifies that existing housing of these types is not affected by the new law.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2266&Year=2025&Initiative=false