H-2579.2
HOUSE BILL 2316
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Connors, Klicker, Ybarra, Barkis, Dufault, Dent, Graham, and Barnard
Prefiled 01/07/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Local Government.
AN ACT Relating to land use development when vegetation associated with shrubsteppe is present in the urban growth areas; amending RCW 36.70A.110 ; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that only 3.74 percent of Washington's total land area falls within urban growth boundaries. The state's policy is for intense development to happen on property within the urban growth boundaries. The growth management act offers broad concepts to provide flexibility in local choices, not requirements for every property. Urban development can be skyscrapers with parking garages, sidewalks, and every square inch of the land fully developed. The ability to develop such density and fully use property within urban growth boundaries is necessary statewide when there are such small amounts of land available for intense development.
The legislature is serious about facilitating the creation of affordable housing in urban growth areas along with other development opportunities needed to support the people living in those areas. Land within urban growth areas is not suited for wildlife or conservation areas due to the people, buildings, roadways, and lights.