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State bill to pre‑empt local zoning for accessory units draws sharp questions on local control
Summary
Representatives presented House Bill 554, a statewide zoning change that would permit accessory dwelling units and allow multifamily housing in some commercial/transit areas. Sponsors said the measure would increase housing supply; critics argued it strips local zoning authority and could invite lawsuits by landowners.
House Bill 554, presented to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee by Representatives Dowell and Romero, would create a statewide mechanism to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and to accommodate multifamily residential development in commercial and transit-adjacent districts.
Representatives said the bill grew out of a statewide housing forum and aims to standardize rules to accelerate housing construction and reuse of vacant commercial properties. “This creates that statewide element that makes it easier for folks to make those decisions, to empower them to build that…
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