SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5567

                As Passed Senate, March 8, 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:  Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Heavey).

Brief History:

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

Passed Senate, 3/8/95, 46-2.

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 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.

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).

House Amendment(s):  The requirement that the housing element of a comprehensive plan include mandatory provisions for the preservation, improvement and development of housing is extended to expressly include accessory apartments and the leasing of rooms in single-family residences.