The Legislature unanimously has approved a bill from 4th District Sen. Mike Padden that would help encourage home ownership in Washington by making it easier for smaller condominium buildings to be constructed.
Senate Bill 5058 would exempt buildings with 12 or fewer units that are no more than two stories high from the definition of “multiunit residential building.”
The House passed SB 5058 today 97-0. The Senate approved it 48-0 on Feb. 15. The proposal now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for consideration.
Padden said the Legislature’s approval of the bill should result in more homeownership in the state.
“Washington has one of the lower homeownership rates in the nation, and this bill would help our state address this problem,” said Padden, who noted that the bill has received support from cities with limited land area.
“These smaller condominiums would still have the same building requirements that a townhouse or single-family house would have,” added Padden. “The reduction of additional inspections beyond requirements for a townhouse or a single-family house will reduce the cost of these condominiums, making them more affordable to more buyers.”
The 2023 legislative session is scheduled to end April 23.