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Planning commission backs drafting findings for code changes to allow commercial-to-residential conversions under HB 1042
Summary
At its March 24 meeting, the Monroe Planning Commission voted to direct staff to draft findings recommending City Council adopt code amendments required by Washington House Bill 1042 to ease conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential units, citing a June 30, 2025 compliance deadline.
The Monroe Planning Commission on March 24, 2025 voted to direct staff to draft findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending the City Council adopt amendments to Monroe Municipal Code Title 22 to implement Washington House Bill 1042, which encourages interior conversion of existing commercial and mixed‑use buildings into housing.
The measure matters because state law requires municipalities to update local development regulations to allow conversions and specifies limits on what cities may require. Leanne Barr, a staff member presenting the proposal, said House Bill 1042 "defines existing buildings as anything that has been completed at least 3 years ago" and requires cities to allow up to 50% greater…
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