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Senate approves bill to allow housing in commercial and mixed-use zones after lengthy debate
Summary
The Washington State Senate passed second substitute Senate Bill 6,026, a zoning reform to permit residential development in commercial and mixed‑use zones, after amendment votes and extended floor debate about local control and implementation (final tally: 36–12–1 excused).
The Washington State Senate on Feb. 12 passed second substitute Senate Bill 6,026, a measure that allows residential development in commercial and mixed‑use zones in the state, a step sponsors said will unlock underused property for housing while critics warned it risks overriding local plans.
Senator Alvarado, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the measure “legalizes housing in commercial and mixed use zones” to convert vacant storefronts and parking lots into homes and ease housing shortages. Supporters said the bill offers temporary flexibility and off‑ramps for cities to reassert local mandates after completing studies; opponents said the measure changes rules mid‑stream and could impose unfunded…
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