Washington Passes Tiny House State Bill
Update 5/9/19: Governor Inslee Signs Tiny House Bill
After the Washington State Congress passed the historic tiny house bill, 95-0, Governor Inslee signed the bill into law. Senate Bill 5383, sponsored by Senator Hans Zeiger, is far-reaching and multifaceted. Most importantly, it legitimizes THOWs as permanent dwellings.
"We all know of the need for more affordable housing in our state and we desperately need new housing options. This is a new housing option. It is not one that is going to deliver us completely from our affordable housing crisis, that’s for sure." -Senator Hans Zeiger, sponsor of SB 5383
SB 5383 allows cities and counties to permit “villages” of tiny houses on wheels, and prohibits them from barring tiny houses as primary residences in mobile home communities.
One of the groundbreaking aspects of the bill is that it states that cities and counties should not, directly or indirectly, discriminate against consumers’ choices in the placement or use of homes, in such a manner not equally applicable to all homes. Though, it also removes liability risk from the municipalities.
Also, the bill also directs the state building department to adopts tiny house building standards, including the IRC Appendix Q.
The Washington Tiny House Association was the grassroots advocacy leader behind this victory, made possible by the broad support from many state congressmen and the sincere dedication of Senator Hans Zeiger.
"Across Cascadia, high rents and home prices are leaving people behind. Local governments struggle to meet this massive challenge of politics and funding. In response, this year Washington state legislators are stepping up with a remarkably comprehensive suite of housing bills." -Todd McKellip, Founder of Washington Tiny House Association
Unfortunately, the other tiny house bills did not pass. For more on those, see the full list below. The buck once again passes to local governments to address tiny house placement.
4/4/19: Washington State Congress passes the first of five proposed tiny house state bills!
The State Congress passed the historic tiny house SB 5383, 95-0. It creates practical provisions for placement of tiny houses on wheels within community settings. It was sponsored by Senator Hans Zeiger. It legitimizes THOWs as permanent dwellings, and much more!
As a final step, the bill is expected to be signed into law by Governor Inslee.
"We thank Representatives Pollet, Chair; Peterson, Vice Chair; Kraft, Ranking Minority Member; Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Goehner, and Senn for their attention to this bill and our housing crisis. We thank Senator Hans Zeiger especially for being a world changer and helping push this cause.
Tiny houses will not end homelessness nor end the housing affordability crisis but will be a step for affordable home ownership opportunities needed to fill a certain gap. We can see a little light in this world." -Todd McKellip, Founder of Washington Tiny House Association
3/7/19: SB 5383 to allow tiny house communities passed the Senate 44-2! Now it’s on to the State House for next round of approvals.
We all know of the need for more affordable housing in our state and we desperately need new housing options. This is a new housing option. It is not one that is going to deliver us completely from our affordable housing crisis, that’s for sure.
-Bill sponsor, Sen. Hans Zeiger (R-Snohomish County)
2/6/19: The state of Washington is considering these statewide tiny house bills:
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Senate Bill 5382 (tiny house ADUs): would allow for Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Tiny Homes to be allowed for like a mother in law unit.
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Senate Bill 5383 (tiny house villages): would allow for cities and counties to develop villages and communities specific for tiny homes without them taking the liability risk.
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Senate Bill 5384 (tiny houses – rural siting): would allow for vineyards, farms and outside of Urban Growth Areas( UGA ) to place a tiny home on that property
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House Bill 1206 (tiny house use in Manufactured Home Communities): would allow for Tiny homes to be placed legally in Mobile Home parks also known as Manufactured home communities.