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Senate Bill 5461 would allow denser housing in limited rural communities if counties opt in and require affordable units
Summary
SB 5461 would permit counties to authorize at least four residential units per lot in certain limited areas of more intensive rural development (LAMRs), and up to six units per lot if at least two units are affordable; proponents argued it helps rural workforce housing while some industry witnesses urged technical tweaks.
Senate Bill 5461 would direct counties to allow, within designated limited areas of more intensive rural development (LAMRs), by ordinance or other official controls, at least four housing units per lot for parcels zoned predominantly residential and up to six units per lot if at least two units are affordable housing.
Karen Epps, committee staff, told senators the Growth Management Act’s rural element already allows LAMRs—small population centers and preexisting built areas within rural counties—and SB 5461 would give counties optional regulatory authority to authorize the denser configurations in those locations. Epps noted a fiscal note had not yet been requested.
Sen. Liz Lovett, the bill’s sponsor, said the…
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