Two Important Bellingham Housing-Related Bills Passed the House and Senate

I have to share the news of two impactful bills that have now passed both the house and the senate, and await Governor's signatures before becoming law.

HB 1337

The bill eases access for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by removing impact fees on the construction of ADUs that are greater than 50% of the impact fees imposed on a house on the same plot.

It also removes owner occupancy requirements and it allows up to two ADUs per lot.

It establishes roof height limits of less than 24ft and removes overly strict design reviews.

It also allows for the condominiumization of ADUs and does not require off-street parking as a condition of permitting.

HB 1110

This bill legalizes fourplexes in cities with populations greater than 75,000 and allows six-plexes in single family zones if they are within a 1/4 mile of major transit stops, or if the six units are designated as affordable housing.

This also means that cities between 25,000 and 75,000 must allow duplexes under nearly all circumstances and allow fourplexes within a 1/4 mile of a major transit stop or if one of the four units is affordable.

The bill does not apply to critical areas, including the Lake Whatcom Watershed.

Obviously these brief summaries beg a lot of questions.

First off: Will Inslee sign them?Assuming they're passed it to law, what are the actual implications to Bellingham?

Please trust that I will be researching, interviewing, and following, and I will report!