Authorizing subdivision of land in rural areas for families.

 H-0784.1

HOUSE BILL 1854

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Engell, Klicker, Manjarrez, Abell, and Dufault

Read first time 02/05/25. Referred to Committee on Local Government.

AN ACT Relating to authorizing subdivision of land in rural areas for families; adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.70 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the need for families to provide for housing and also care for elderly family members is important, particularly in rural areas where housing options are far fewer. The legislature also finds that assisting families with their ability to live on the land and continue to farm is part of the rural character that has inadvertently been curtailed by interpretations of the growth management act that are not in statute related to size of lots outside of the urban growth areas. This act recognizes that the growth management act is supposed to foster the ability for farm families to live and work on the land.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows: