Bill > S1353

This bill establishes new regulations for twin homes and duplexes, which are defined as residential buildings with two separate living units sharing a wall, where each unit is owned and maintained independently. Specifically, it prohibits cities with a population over 10,000 from banning twin homes or duplexes in residential areas where single-family homes are allowed. By February 1, 2027, these cities must amend their land use plans and regulations to permit twin homes and duplexes on lots zoned for single-family dwellings, except in historic districts. The bill also prevents cities from imposing overly strict minimum lot sizes, requiring more than one off-street parking space per unit under certain conditions, or charging higher impact or utility connection fees for twin homes and duplexes compared to single-family homes. Projects meeting established land use requirements are to be approved automatically, similar to single-family homes, unless there are infrastructure or safety conflicts, though cities can set reasonable minimum lot frontage, maximum impervious coverage, and stormwater retention standards. Any approval standards must be clear, objective, and not create unreasonable costs or delays, and cannot be more restrictive than those for single-family homes. The bill includes a severability clause, meaning if any part is found invalid, the rest remains in effect, and it declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.