Senate approves TOD and parking reform bills affecting local implementation timelines

The Planning Commission meeting held on April 17, 2025, in Mill Creek, Washington, focused on several important legislative updates that will impact local planning and development. Key discussions included the approval of three significant bills by the state Senate, which will require the city’s attention and action in the coming years.

One of the highlighted bills is HB 1491, known as the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) bill. This legislation has cleared the Senate and will need to be implemented by 2029, giving the city some time to strategize its application.

Another important piece of legislation is SB 5184, a parking reform bill. This bill is particularly relevant for Mill Creek, as it exempts cities with populations below 30,000 from certain parking regulations, allowing for more flexibility in local planning.

The most urgent matter discussed was HB 1096, the lot splitting bill, which mandates implementation within two years, by 2027. This bill will require immediate attention from city officials to ensure compliance and proper integration into local zoning practices.

These legislative changes signal a shift in planning requirements for Mill Creek, emphasizing the need for proactive measures by the city to adapt to new regulations. The commission will need to prioritize these bills in their upcoming agendas to ensure timely implementation and community awareness.