Bill > HB2480

This bill aims to address the housing shortage in Washington by requiring cities and counties with a population of 30,000 or more that plan under RCW 36.70A.040 to allow residential development in areas zoned for commercial or mixed-use development, meaning areas designated for businesses and a combination of residential and commercial uses. Specifically, it prohibits these jurisdictions from banning residential uses in such zones and from imposing requirements like mandatory mixed-use or ground-floor retail as a condition for permitting residential housing. However, there are several exceptions to these requirements, including areas zoned for industrial use where residential is generally prohibited, locations near oil or gas refineries, sites requiring the demolition of historic landmarks, areas outside urban growth boundaries, zones where residential uses are prohibited for specific environmental reasons, waterfront lots with restrictions on residential development in shoreline areas, and critical areas governed by specific ordinances, with a limited exception for single-family homes in critical aquifer recharge areas if recharge requirements are met. The bill also clarifies that it does not override other necessary federal, state, and local building permit requirements and that its provisions will take effect and supersede conflicting local regulations if not adopted within one year of the bill's effective date.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2480&Year=2025&Initiative=false