Washington State Requires Local Governments To Allow Supportive Housing In More Zoning Districts

Washington State enacted House Bill 2266 on March 27, 2026, establishing statewide standards that require local governments to allow transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelters in a broader range of zoning districts. The law, which takes effect June 11, 2026, limits the ability of local jurisdictions to deny, delay, or impose restrictive conditions on these types of housing developments.

Under the legislation, local governments must permit supportive housing in residential and hotel-zoned districts within urban growth areas, and must allow indoor emergency shelters and housing in any zone where hotels are permitted. The law also requires these . . .