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WashingtonHB 17572025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Modifying regulations for existing buildings used for residential purposes.

Sponsored By: Amy Walen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Energy upgrade relief for building owners

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered Washington cities cannot demand current energy-code upgrades solely because homes are added to unchanged building areas previously used for housing or approved as heated or cooled space. Qualifying existing buildings must have received an occupancy certificate at least three years before the permit application. Changed areas and new homes generally follow current energy rules, but an exception covers new homes totaling no more than 2,500 square feet or 50% of the building's area, whichever is greater. Another exception applies when the owner documents projected residential energy use per square foot at or below the state's Clean Buildings target. An exception also covers one additional home created inside an existing home in a residential zone.

Fewer approval hurdles for housing conversions

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered Washington cities cannot require parking for homes added inside qualifying existing buildings. Cities can still require existing parking needed for preexisting residential requirements or nonresidential uses that remain. Except for emergency or transitional housing, cities cannot require permits beyond normal residential rules for the zone; special change-of-use permits cannot be required solely because homes are added, unless health or safety rules require them. Cities also cannot require transportation-capacity or state environmental studies solely because homes are added inside the building. These rules cover multifamily zones and buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued at least three years before the permit application. Cities must update local rules by June 30, 2026; in code cities that miss this deadline, state requirements apply automatically and override conflicting local development rules.

Fewer design barriers for housing conversions

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered Washington cities cannot impose stricter housing design rules than normally apply in the building's zone. This includes setbacks, lot coverage, and floor-area limits for buildings in multifamily zones with occupancy certificates issued at least three years before application. Extra exterior rules must address interior health or safety, or preserve defining streetscape features; local historic rules remain for landmarks and historic districts. Cities cannot deny added homes solely over existing parking, height, setback, gurney-elevator size, or building-shape violations of local rules. Denial on those grounds requires an official's written findings that the issue significantly harms the surrounding area.

Owners can add more homes inside

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered Washington cities cannot block housing density up to 50% above the zone limit. Added homes must fit entirely inside an existing building in a zone that allows multifamily housing. The building must have received its certificate of occupancy at least three years before the permit application. Cities generally cannot ban homes from specific building areas, except ground-floor commercial or retail space along city-defined major pedestrian corridors. Building, health, and safety rules still apply, and cities can deny approval when life-safety standards cannot be met.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Amy Walen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Dave Paul

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 237 • No: 4

House vote • 4/18/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 94 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/7/2025House

  2. Chapter 203, 2025 Laws.

    5/7/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/7/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/24/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 94; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/18/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/18/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/2/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/2/2025House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/2/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    3/26/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  14. HSG - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/21/2025House

  15. First reading, referred to Housing.

    3/7/2025House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2025House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025House

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

    3/4/2025House

  19. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/17/2025House

  20. HOUS - Majority; do pass.

    2/13/2025House

  21. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/13/2025House

  22. First reading, referred to Housing.

    1/31/2025House

  23. Introduced

    1/31/2025House

Bill Text

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