Title
Discuss 2026 legislative Updates Related to Affordable Housing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss 2026 legislative updates related to affordable housing and provide direction on a preferred approach to updating the current Olympia Rental Housing Code (OMC 5.82.140).
Report
Issue:
Whether Discuss 2026 legislative updates related to affordable housing and provide direction on a preferred approach to updating the current Olympia Rental Housing Code (OMC 5.82.140).
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3762
Presenter(s):
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
Staff will provide an update on 2026 Washington State legislation related to affordable housing, as well as additional information regarding proposed federal regulations. A legislative summary is attached. Housing staff has identified one bill that affects the City's current rental housing code, while Planning staff continues to monitor legislation that may impact existing zoning and permitting regulations.
Current Olympia Rental Housing Code
The Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 6200, which prohibits residential landlords and owners of manufactured/mobile home parks from restricting tenants from installing a portable cooling device of the tenant's choosing, subject to certain exceptions.
The legislation closely mirrors Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 5.82.140, which was adopted by the Olympia City Council in 2024. The state law also includes additional protections for residents of manufactured home communities.
Staff Recommendation
The City Council could choose to:
* Update the existing OMC language to align with state law for consistency; or
* Remove OMC 5.82.140 and defer directly to state law.
The City's Legal Department supports e...
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