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Council schedules second reading for interim emergency shelter and supportive‑housing rules tied to HB 1120
Summary
Council held a public hearing and first reading of interim regulations to comply with state House Bill 1120 requiring allowance of emergency shelters, transitional and permanent supportive housing in residential zones; staff will return March 18 for second reading
The council conducted a public hearing and first reading of ordinance 25 C‑0‑05, renewing interim amendments to MICC 19.16.010 to comply with House Bill 1120 (HB 1120). No speakers were signed up for the item; CPD Director Jeff Thomas and Senior Planner Molly Maguire summarized the need to renew the regulations and discussed forthcoming guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
What staff told the council
- Background: HB 1120 requires cities to allow indoor emergency shelters and transitional or permanent supportive housing in all residential zones and in zones where hotels are allowed, with occupancy, spacing and intensity regulations required to be reasonable and not to preclude siting a sufficient number of units to meet projected need.
- Interim rules: Staff recommended renewing the interim regulations adopted in 2024 with no substantive changes at this time, and noted the city will conduct a separate permanent‑regulation process, likely in 2026, to incorporate Commerce guidance (Step Housing guidance) and any needed permanent code changes.
- Procedure: Council set ordinance 25 C‑0‑05 for a second reading on March 18. Staff said the existing interim regulations would remain in force through the renewal process and that they expect to return with recommended permanent regulations after additional review of state guidance.
Ending: The council scheduled the ordinance for second reading on March 18; staff indicated they may seek one more interim renewal if needed while finishing the permanent regulations work program.
