Government Affairs

Protecting and Promoting the American Dream of Homeownership

The Government Affairs team partners with BIAW members to protect and promote the American dream of homeownership for Washington families. During the legislative session, we work to pass pro-housing and pro-business legislation and defeat efforts that drive up the cost of buying or remodeling a home.  

All year round, we represent you in state agency rulemaking and before the State Building Code Council, providing your perspectives to decision-makers and keeping you informed of new rules and regulations. 

If you have any questions regarding BIAW Government Affairs, contact BIAW Managing Director of External Affairs Jan Himebaugh at 360-352-7800 ext. 135. 

2023 Legislative Successes

Significant permit reform

BIAW successfully passed legislation exempting most interior remodels from time-consuming site plan reviews and significantly reformed the local permitting requirements to speed permitting, promote best practices and add new accountability measures. Download our backgrounder.

Flexible zoning (middle housing and ADUs)

• Middle housing legislation supported by BIAW allows property owners more flexibility on their own land and requires local governments to recognize zero-lot-line sub-division which ensures new housing built under this law can and will be ownership units. Download our backgrounder.
• BIAW also passed legislation expanding housing options by easing barriers to the construction and use of accessory dwelling units.

Reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles

• BIAW successfully eliminated a costly and time-consuming two-step process under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). Now SEPA review occurs up front at the planning level, eliminating uncertainty so members can build the homes our state needs. Download our backgrounder.
• Arbitrary design review boards also came to an end this session, so jurisdictions will have clear design standards for construction.
• BIAW killed a bill increasing project timelines and costs by creating a new level of mitigation by requiring net ecological gain for public and public/private partnership projects.
• We also axed a measure creating statewide tree ordinances within the Urban Growth Area (UGA), actively restricting density and limiting housing options.

Expanding access to condominiums as a homeownership option

• BIAW supported changes to allow two-story condominium developments with 12 units or less to be built under the residential code, creating more ownership opportunities for Washington families.
• New legislation giving builders a “right-to-cure” potential defects in new condominiums before litigation creates more certainty for builders and reduces insurance costs.

Workforce development

• As part of its workforce development work, BIAW joined forces with trades educators across the state to support new performance-based pathways to graduation for students and ensure students and parents are aware of these options.

Washington Affordable Housing Council

BIAW’s political action committee, the Washington Affordable Housing Council (WAHC) plays an active role in Washington state elections: investing time, energy, and money into promoting pro-business and pro-housing candidates.

Building Codes

BIAW’s building codes and policy manager has a finger on the pulse of the council, helps ensure representation on the TAGs and keeps members and leadership informed of activity that affects the homebuilding industry.