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Committee advances bill limiting local minimum parking requirements after amendments
Summary
The Local Government Committee reported out Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5184 with amendments that change minimum parking formulas, add implementation timelines and variance processes, and exempt smaller cities. The final committee vote was 5–2.
The Local Government Committee on Friday, March 21 reported out Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5184, a measure that limits how many minimum parking spaces cities and counties may require for residential and commercial buildings, after adopting three amendments.
The bill, as briefed to the committee, would prohibit certain local minimum parking requirements for specified building types, require the state building code council to research and adopt updated accessible-parking standards, and repeal some minimum-parking rules for jurisdictions planning under the Growth Management Act.
Representative Zahn offered amendment ALI 498, which the committee adopted. That amendment sets the parking standard at one space for single-family homes (instead of a fractional allowance) and 0.5 space per multifamily unit for other residential units; increases the commercial-parking metric to two spaces per 1,000 square feet (rather than one); clarifies that religious organizations and carpools may still be required to provide parking; and preserves a jurisdiction's ability to impose temporary or time‑restricted parking rules.
Representative Hunt's amendment ALI 501, also adopted, created implementation timelines tied to jurisdiction population size, established a process for jurisdictions that already have substantially similar minimums to seek a compliance determination from the Department of Commerce, exempted commercial buildings under 3,000 square feet from the new limitations (instead of 5,000), and added a variance pathway where compliance would be hazardous to life, health or safety as confirmed by a building official or fire marshal. The bill sponsor noted an effect statement for the amendment will be corrected later to reflect language about school buses and emergency vehicles.
Representative Stevie's amendment ALI 499, adopted as well, raised the population cutoff for an exemption from 20,000 to 30,000 residents.
Committee members debated balancing housing production and local concerns. Representative Hunt said the amendment package “tries to find a balance” by giving smaller jurisdictions more time and tools to implement the changes while pursuing the bill's intent to reduce excess parking and lower development costs. Representative Zahn described ALI 498 as “technical corrections” to clarify application for single‑family homes and commercial space. Chair Durer urged a yes vote, saying the provisions would help allow more affordable housing by reducing land dedicated to parking.
On a roll call, Representative Tuohr, Representative Parsley (recorded as voting aye), Representative Stevie, Representative Hunt and Representative Zahn voted yes. Representative Clicker and Representative Griffey voted no. Staff announced the final committee tally as five ayes and two nays; the committee reported the bill out with a due-pass-as-amended recommendation.
The bill will next move to the full Senate calendar for further consideration.
