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WashingtonHB 13532025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Establishing a self-certification program for accessory dwelling unit project permit applications.

Sponsored By: Alex Ramel (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster ADU permits with architects

Cities that choose to run this program can accept a registered architect’s self-certification for one or more detached ADUs. Once the city finds the application complete, it treats it as meeting building codes without extra review, and issues a permit with the same legal effect as a full review. For this program, building code means state building and energy codes and local building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire rules. Utility hookups are not covered and are handled separately. Local self-certification programs that existed before this law remain valid.

Audits and penalties for ADU self-certification

Cities that run the program must audit self-certified applications each year. They must audit at least 20% of such applications or five applications, whichever is fewer, and they may do extra checks. If a project fails an audit, the city sets penalties, which may include fines. The architect is banned from the program for at least one year after a failed audit, and a second failed audit within five years triggers a permanent ban. Cities must offer an administrative hearing to contest audit findings and penalties. When a city penalizes an architect, it must tell the department, which keeps a list of architects under penalty, and other cities cannot accept self-certified applications from those on the list. Cities must report program results to the department by July 31, 2028, and the department must report to lawmakers by December 31, 2028.

Extra rules, insurance, and owner liability

Cities can set extra professional standards for architects who self-certify. Participating architects must carry professional liability insurance at a level the city sets. The self-cert form must include the architect’s promise to correct false statements and a notice about audits and possible suspension or termination. The owner, builder, and architect must sign an indemnity to protect the city. The owner must agree to fix any nonconformities at the owner’s expense. Cities may add more rules beyond these minimums.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 22, 2025 Laws.

    4/7/2025House

  2. Governor signed.

    4/7/2025legislature

  3. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/7/2025House

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/2/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/26/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/26/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/21/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/20/2025House

  11. HSG - Majority; do pass.

    3/19/2025House

  12. First reading, referred to Housing.

    3/6/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/4/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/28/2025House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/13/2025House

  18. LG - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/12/2025House

  19. LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/12/2025House

  20. First reading, referred to Local Government.

    1/16/2025House

  21. Introduced

    1/16/2025House

Bill Text

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