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Kitsap planners warn new state parking law will force local code changes; staff will prepare guidance
Summary
Kitsap County Department of Community Development staff briefed the Planning Commission on June 2 about recent state legislation affecting housing and parking, highlighting Senate Bill 5184which limits the on-site parking jurisdictions may require and will force code updates and planner guidance ahead of an 18‑month effective window.
Planners from Kitsap County on June 2 told the Planning Commission that a cluster of recent state laws will require the county to amend local development regulations, with Senate Bill 5184 singled out as the change with the most direct impact on parking standards.
Heather Cleveland, long‑range planner with Kitsap County DCD, reviewed how state statutes and administrative rules (RCW and WAC) guide local implementation and introduced several bills that have changed county responsibilities, including provisions that affect accessory dwelling units and comprehensive‑plan reporting timelines.
Garrett Baloo, a long‑range planner who is leading Kitsap's parking analysis, said SB 5184 alters how many on‑site parking spaces counties can require for a range of uses. He told commissioners that the bill includes examples such as limits on requiring enclosed spaces, a cap on how many spaces can be required for small residences (no required spaces for residences under 1,200 square feet in some cases), and thresholds for commercial uses (for example, some small commercial buildings may not require parking under new state allowances). "For some uses, it actually eliminates our ability to require parking altogether," Baloo said.
Staff outlined options for responding: adopt local code changes that align with the new statutory allowances; consider removing or reducing local parking requirements; or prepare targeted parking studies to present to the state (Commerce) that would justify local exceptions where safety concerns exist. Garret noted some jurisdictions have repealed local parking minimums entirely, while others are preparing studies; he said a safety study could be used to preserve local requirements in specific situations.
Commissioners asked whether the law treats transit‑nearby development differently and whether counties can deviate based on local road conditions. Baloo said some provisions are location‑based (for example, reductions within a set distance of major transit stops) and that county staff will consult Public Works about county‑road conditions and the feasibility of preparing parking studies where safety or street geometry raises concerns.
On timing, commissioners noted an 18‑month delay from enactment to some provisions taking effect; staff said they will prepare internal memos and guidance so planners can apply the changed law when reviewing permits and to begin drafting code amendments so the county's rules do not conflict with the new statute.
Next steps: DCD will continue its code analysis, prepare guidance for permit reviewers, and bring recommended code changes through the standard public process in the coming months.
