FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5567

                          C 377 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

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

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Heavey).

Senate Committee on Government Operations

House Committee on Government Operations

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:  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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    46 2

House     73 21 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House         (House refused to recede)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House     70 24 (House receded)

Effective:  July 23, 1995