Washington’s Big Housing Move. One million new homes needed.

Washington State is taking significant steps to address its housing shortage, with projections indicating a need for over one million new housing units in the next two decades. A pivotal measure in this effort is Senate Bill 5184, which proposes to reform existing parking requirements to facilitate housing development.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 5184

Introduced by Senator Jessica Bateman, SB 5184 seeks to limit the number of parking spaces that local governments can mandate for new residential and commercial developments. The bill's main components include:

• Residential Parking Caps: Local governments would be prohibited from requiring more than 0.5 parking spaces per housing unit. This change aims to reduce construction costs and encourage the development of more housing units.
  
  
  

• Commercial Parking Caps: For commercial spaces, the bill would restrict mandates to no more than one parking space per 1,000 square feet. This provision is designed to make better use of land and support small businesses by reducing unnecessary parking requirements.
  
  

• Exemptions: Certain types of developments, such as affordable housing, senior housing, housing for people with disabilities, child care facilities, and commercial spaces in mixed-use projects, would be exempt from minimum parking requirements altogether.
  
  

Legislative Progress

As of February 19, 2025, SB 5184 passed the Washington State Senate with a bipartisan vote of 40-8. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Local Government Committee, with a public hearing scheduled for March 14, 2025.

Implications for Housing and Urban Development

Supporters of the bill argue that reducing or eliminating parking mandates can lower housing costs, promote the use of public transit, and lead to more efficient land use. By removing these requirements, developers have greater flexibility to design projects that meet the actual needs of residents and businesses, rather than adhering to outdated standards.

Opponents express concerns about potential parking shortages and the impact on neighborhoods, particularly in areas with limited public transportation options. However, the bill allows developers to include as much parking as they deem necessary, providing flexibility to address specific community needs.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 5184 represents a significant shift in Washington State's approach to urban planning and housing development. By capping or eliminating minimum parking requirements, the state aims to encourage the construction of more housing units, address affordability issues, and promote sustainable development practices. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its potential impact on communities, developers, and future residents will be closely watched.