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Committee advances HB 1110 implementation bill; adopts ADU exemption from MHA and a critical-area density clarification
Summary
On Sept. 17 the Select Committee moved substitute language for Council Bill 120993 (implementing House Bill 1110) and adopted two amendments: 59 (exempting ADUs from MHA fees) and 71 (clarifying at least one dwelling unit allowed on lots with critical areas). Amendment 74 was withdrawn for further study.
The Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan on Sept. 17 advanced a substitute to Council Bill 120993, which updates neighborhood-residential zoning to implement state House Bill 1110 requirements, and adopted two contested amendments after deliberation.
Central staff introduced the substitute as a technical and policy update required by recent state and local legislation; staff said the substitute restores a development bonus for properties held by religious organizations and expands incentives for middle housing including stacked flats and cottage housing.
Councilmember Rink successfully moved Amendment 59 to exempt accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from the city’s Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program. Central staff explained that most MHA revenue currently comes from small-scale development in multifamily and low-rise zones and that exempting ADUs may reduce some in-lieu fees, but sponsors and supporters said exempting ADUs makes smaller projects more financially viable. The amendment passed by roll call (8-0).
The committee then debated Amendment 71, a clarification of density allowances on lots containing environmentally critical areas that ensures at least one dwelling unit is allowed on existing lots (the sponsor described the change as reader-clarity and technical). Some members, including Councilmember Rivera, voiced concern that the change could make very small lots in critical areas redevelopable without sufficient environmental review and preferred further study; central staff said existing critical-area review and shoreline rules remain in force. Amendment 71 passed (5 yes, 1 opposed, 2 abstentions).
Council President Nelson withdrew Amendment 74 from consideration to allow additional technical review related to residential height limits; she indicated she will submit a study request to the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and reintroduce a revised amendment later.
The committee postponed final action on Council Bill 120993 to its Sept. 18 continuation so members can complete remaining individual votes and committee deliberations.
