Upzoning for Light Rail
The MBA is supporting the effort by SeaTac to upzone the residential and commercial neighborhoods adjacent to the Tukwila International Boulevard light rail station. The proposal would allow for high and medium density condos and apartments and additional townhomes for plats currently zoned for single-family. Similar to other jurisdictions, SeaTac is trying to create a walkable community with all amenities that relies on public transit rather than autos. Members with further interest and encouraged to contact South King County Manager Garrett Huffman at 425-460-8236, or [email protected].
Homeowners Bill of Rights 2
The latest attempt by Sen. Brian Weinstein (R-Mercer Island) to haul builders into court for minor construction defects has passed the Senate. The bill (SB 6385), which would allow suits for negligent construction could implement a defect standard so low that a homeowner could sue a builder for any number of minor problems with the only recourse in the court system. The resulting insurance rates, if Washington still has builder insurance, would add dramatic costs to the consumer. The vote in the Senate was 47-40 with all Republicans, except Cheryl Pflug (R-Maple Valley), voting no and all Democrats voting yes except Senators Eide (D-Federal Way) and Jacobsen (D-Seattle), neither of whom were present. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) and Tim Sheldon (D-Shelton) voted no.The bill will move to committee consideration in the House and possibly on to the House floor. As soon as we know more, we will let you know how to take action. Click on the Builder Voice link so you can register and be counted.
DPD at Next Seattle Builder Breakfast
Updates to the Multifamily Code and the new climate change SEPA checklist will highlight the next Seattle Builders Council breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 13th. Seattle’s Department of Planning & Development (DPD) will be February’s agency of the month and provide the latest proposal on each policy change. Mark you calendar now for the next Seattle Builders Council Breakfast at the Best Western Executive (Best Western Exec — Seattle) near the Space Needle {200 Taylor North, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 448-9444} beginning at 7:30am. Also, the cost for breakfast will goto $15 because the MBA is no longer taking sponsors. Everyone is welcome to attend, but if you have any questions, please contact South King County Manager Garrett Huffman at 425-460-8236, or [email protected].
