SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5567

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Government Operations, March 1, 1995

 

Title:  An act relating to providing for the preservation of single‑family residential neighborhoods.

 

Brief Description:  Providing for preservation of single‑family residential neighborhoods.

 

Sponsors:  Senator Heavey.

 

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/28/95, 3/1/95 [DPS].

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

 

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5567 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, Heavey and Winsley.

 

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

 

Background:  Counties and cities required to plan under the Growth Management Act are required to adopt a comprehensive plan.  One of several elements in the comprehensive plan is a housing element which must:

 

*recognize the vitality and character of established residential neighborhoods;

 

*include a statement of goals, policies and objectives for the preservation, improvement and development of housing; and

 

*identify sufficient land for housing.

 

There is concern that these requirements not only do not adequately protect single-family residential neighborhoods, but increase pressure to rezone established single-family neighborhoods to allow development of apartment buildings and commercial uses.

 

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to the Growth Management Act must include a housing element.  The housing element must:

 

  *ensure the vitality and character of established residential neighborhoods; and

 

  *include a statement of goals, policies, objectives, and mandatory provisions for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing, including single-family housing.

 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill required the housing element of a comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to the GMA to identify sufficient land for housing without requiring the rezoning of established single-family neighborhoods.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

 

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

 

Testimony For:  This legislation will help protect single-family neighborhoods against pressures for higher densities.

 

Testimony Against:  Multiple use should be allowed within a neighborhood.

 

Testified:  Senator Heavey, prime sponsor (pro); Scott Merriman, WA Environmental Council (con).