Local governments divide land within their jurisdictions into regulated zones that designate land into different uses and purposes.  These include residential, commercial, and industrial zones.  Each local government adopts a zoning map which provides visualization of various zones throughout the jurisdiction.  Residential zones include land that is permitted for residential use.

Residential zones may allow single-family residences and multi-family residences.

A city or town must allow neighborhood stores and neighborhood cafés in any zone allowing residential uses, provided that a café must offer food if alcoholic drinks are offered.

Cities may regulate parking, limit the hours of operation, and establish additional regulations as necessary, including maximum square footage requirements.  Neighborhood stores and cafés must be permitted to operate for at least 12 consecutive hours.

Cities with a population less than 5,000 that are within a contiguous urban growth area with the largest city in a county with a population of more than 275,000 are exempt from the requirement to allow neighborhood stores and cafes.

A neighborhood café is an establishment that has at least 500 square feet of gross floor area.

A neighborhood store is a convenience grocery store or mini-market that provides a variety of convenience items that may include food, beverages, and household items.  A neighborhood store must have at least 500 square feet of gross floor area.

(In support) Many people want this bill.  It is important to residents and it creates community.  This was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It creates walkable communities and opens the door for new entrepreneurial opportunities.  It also increases the revenue for the state and will be a catalyst for economic development.  Cafés provide a welcoming environment for individuals of many backgrounds.  This will serve as a positive change to allow more secure neighborhoods by getting to know your neighbors.  This bill requires cities to allow neighborhood cafés and stores.  The bill did not make it through the Senate last year, but this version allows cities to have more control.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) "Limited menu of food items" could be hard to regulate.  "Infeasible" is an ambiguous term.

(In support) This bill has been worked on in a bipartisan manner to ensure that local control is maintained while opening up new experiences to first time business owners.  There are already businesses around the state that operate within neighborhoods, but securing new space for operation is often challenging due to local zoning restrictions.  This bill creates opportunities to share treats and build great experiences with neighborhoods and communities throughout Washington. 

(Opposed) This could kill small businesses.  There is a neighborhood market that is located in a center with a historic theater and several other eateries and coffee shops that is struggling due to high prices because vendors have more requirements.  It also has the potential to upend conditions and restrictions of legally established homeowners' associations.  Cities should decide what is best for their city.  This can be seen as legislative overreach.

(In support) Representative Mark Klicker, prime sponsor; Katie Beeson, Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA); Bryce Yadon, Futurewise; Sean DeWitz, Washington Hospitality Association; Mark Schuller, City of Cheney; Rachel Mazur, Hillis, Clark, Martin and Peterson; and Paul Woods.

(In support) Sean DeWitz, Washington Hospitality Association.