Committee hears House Bill 1096 to allow administrative lot splits, cities and mayors voice support and safety concerns

The House Housing Committee on Jan. 13 heard testimony on House Bill 1096, which would require cities subject to minimum density requirements to include in their short-plat regulations a process for an applicant to seek administrative review and simultaneous approval of a lot split and a building permit for new single-family or middle housing.

The measure is pitched by supporters as a way to speed infill and implement the state’s middle-housing laws; opponents, including several city officials and Mercer Island’s mayor, urged stronger protections for critical areas and more time and guidance for local implementation.

Serena Dolly, staff to the committee, summarized the measure’s core terms: “The bill requires any city, subject to minimum density requirements, to include in their short plat regulations a process for an applicant to seek simultaneous review and approval of a lot split and building permit for new single family or middle housing.” Dolly said the process would allow an administrative decision by a planning director without a public hearing when specified conditions are met.

Representative…