SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6454

BYSenators Rasmussen, McCaslin, Warnke, Bauer and Johnson

Permitting the conversion of single family residences to include separate living quarters.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Rod McAulay (786-7754); Stephen Nelsen (786-7464)

                  February 10, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Cities, towns and counties may currently limit land use in certain areas to detached single-family dwellings.  Under this limitation,  owners may not convert a portion of their dwellings into separate apartment units, even for the use of aging parents or other relatives.

It is asserted that:

There is a need for economical living quarters for senior citizens with fixed incomes who place an increasing demand on existing subsidized housing programs and nursing care facilities because of increasing housing costs and a shrinking supply of affordable housing. 

There is a need to encourage mutual support among family members.

Increasing the occupancy levels per dwelling reduce the demand upon utilities and public services.

SUMMARY:

Comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, building codes or other land use controls in non-code cities and towns, code cities, and counties, which establish areas where only detached single family dwellings are allowed for residential purposes, shall permit the inclusion of separate living quarters to be used by persons who are related by blood, adoption, or marriage to the owner or occupant.  These separate living quarters shall be authorized by conditional use permits.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 12, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: David Williams, Association of Washington Cities; Donald Pratt, City Planning Director, Bremerton; Arnold Livingston, Senior Citizens Lobby