A bill by a Republican lawmaker that could lead to the construction of affordable homes in Washington has been signed into law. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.
House Bill 1096, sponsored by Olympia Republican Representative Andrew Barkis, would authorize lot splitting. That’s the ability to divide a single property into a smaller, buildable lot.
Barkis says the bill is a key component in addressing the housing shortage in Washington state.
“It’s a critical piece in the overall supply work that we’ve been doing. And it is one of the few bills this year that I believe will have a major impact on supply.”
The bill was signed Saturday by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
“We also, of course, appreciate the prime sponsor of this legislation, State Representative Andrew Barkis, for leading the effort on this bipartisan bill, which I’m pleased to sign into law.”
As the sixth most expensive state in the nation, the cost of a new home is out of reach for 82 percent of Washingtonians. By creating more buildable lots and homes, Barkis believes his bill will improve affordability and create further opportunities for home ownership.