In yesterday’s post, we highlighted the bill that would establish a base minimum lot size for all urban communities – H.B. 306 Residential Housing Amendments – and noted that it resembles more what has been transpiring in other states regarding zoning reform.  Here’s just a recent example, as reported in Governing magazine, from Washington State:  Washington House Passes Bill to Allow Splitting of Residential Lots.

Under the proposal, most large cities could no longer prohibit property owners from splitting lots. There are some restrictions. The new lots would need to be no smaller than 2,000 square feet, at least 40% of the size of the original lot and could not require the demolition or alteration of any affordable housing.

Among the comments I’ve gotten back about the bill is the question of why 5,400 square feet is the “magic” number.  In the Washington bill, the allowance is for lots as small as 2,000 sf, along with some other provisions.  The Washington House passed the bill on a 94-4 vote – pretty remarkable.  The Washington bill did not pass in last year’s legislative session, but did on the first day of this session.  Another story about the state’s housing bills notes that the bill sponsor took the time to work through the issues with local government officials.

This year’s momentum comes after Bateman’s middle housing bill and another piece of legislation to expand accessory dwelling units both stalled last year. After that, Bateman began meeting regularly with the Association of Washington Cities and others to hear their concerns.

May be a lesson there for our own legislators trying to move zoning reform forward.

On another front, here’s an interesting story about the bill giving eminent domain power for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail – H.B. 235 Eminent Domain Amendments.