As of today, we are one month into the legislative session. The deadline for the Senate’s policy committees to act on bills introduced by senators is Feb. 21…a week from tomorrow. The Senate Housing Committee on which I serve is among those committees, so it’s about to get busier.

Today, I’d like to share the details of just a few of those bills and then I’ll invite you to follow a link to an online survey that has two housing-related questions. Finally, be sure to save the date for our town hall meeting, coming March 15! Details are below.

Permit streamlining: When certified architects or professional engineers put their stamp or seal on a permit-related document, they are basically certifying the document complies with all applicable regulations. That should mean something to the city or county involved, yet it’s all too common for a local government to delay approval by asking for more information or seeking modifications. The time and cost caused by permitting delays is a common reason that developers give up on housing projects.

I’ve introduced Senate Bill 5729 to help streamline one part of the permitting process. It would allow local governments no more than three opportunities to review, or request more information, once a project permit application is submitted. After the third time, the application is considered approved.

Detached ADUs outside urban areas: Our state allows for the placement and construction of detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on parcels within urban growth areas. These units can be used as caregiver housing, or allow older adults to “age in place,” or as rentals. The bottom line is, they add to the housing supply which we need so desperately.

It’s never made sense that rural areas are forbidden to allow such ADUs – but Senate Bill 5470, which I’m co-sponsoring, would end that restriction and increase the supply of these much-needed units.

Transit-oriented development: While the Democratic senator from Lynnwood and I may disagree on some issues – like his bill to require a permit to exercise Second Amendment rights – we’re of similar minds when it comes to promoting the construction of housing in areas served by transit.

I’m co-sponsoring his Senate Bill 5604, which would reduce fees and taxes for such development, reduce the cost of construction, and make the resulting housing more affordable.

Kit homes as emergency housing: Kit homes are built at a factory and can be designed specifically for permanent housing or temporary housing. Senate Bill 5249, which recently came before our housing committee for a public hearing, has to do with the temporary-housing kind. It tries to clarify how long these structures may be used as emergency housing and avoid conflict with state-level building codes.

It’s an example of how addressing the need for housing is not always as simple as one might think, due to regulatory concerns.

Your Input Matters

I am committed to representing your interests effectively and I welcome your feedback and suggestions. You may contact me at:

• Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov
• 360-786-7648

It is an honor serving you and I look forward to your continued engagement and support!

Sen. Chris Gildon, 25th Legislative District