Legislative Priorities
2023 Legislative Successes
Significant permit reform
- BIAW successfully passed legislation exempting most interior remodels from time-consuming site plan reviews and significantly reformed the local permitting requirements to speed permitting, promote best practices and add new accountability measures.
Significant permit reform
- Middle housing legislation supported by BIAW allows property owners more flexibility on their own land and requires local governments to recognize zero-lot-line sub-division which ensures new housing built under this law can and will be ownership units.
- BIAW also passed legislation expanding housing options by easing barriers to the construction and use of accessory dwelling units.
Reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles
- BIAW successfully eliminated a costly and time-consuming two-step process under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). Now SEPA review occurs up front at the planning level, eliminating uncertainty so members can build the homes our state needs.
- Arbitrary design review boards also came to an end this session, so jurisdictions will have clear design standards for construction.
- BIAW killed a bill increasing project timelines and costs by creating a new level of mitigation by requiring net ecological gain for public and public/private partnership projects.
- We also axed a measure creating statewide tree ordinances within the Urban Growth Area (UGA), actively restricting density and limiting housing options.
Expanding access to condominiums as a homeownership option
- BIAW supported changes to allow two-story condominium developments with 12 units or less to be built under the residential code, creating more ownership opportunities for Washington families.
- New legislation giving builders a “right-to-cure” potential defects in new condominiums before litigation creates more certainty for builders and reduces insurance costs.
Workforce development
- As part of its workforce development work, BIAW joined forces with trades educators across the state to support new performance-based pathways to graduation for students and ensure students and parents are aware of these options.
Protecting and Promoting the American Dream of Homeownership
The Government Affairs team partners with BIAW members to protect and promote the American dream of homeownership for Washington families. During the legislative session, we work to pass pro-housing and pro-business legislation and defeat efforts that drive up the cost of buying or remodeling a home.
All year round, we represent you in state agency rulemaking and before the State Building Code Council, providing your perspectives to decision-makers and keeping you informed of new codes and regulations.
Current Codes & Regulations
If you have any questions regarding BIAW Government Affairs, contact BIAW Managing Director of External Affairs Jan Himebaugh at 360-352-7800 ext. 135.