State lobbyist warns SB 60226 could limit local ground-floor retail rules; Bothell to weigh testimony

Shelly Holder, Bothell’s state lobbyist, briefed the City Council on Feb. 3 about the 60‑day legislative session and several bills the city is tracking, focusing on one she said could change local control over ground‑floor retail requirements.

Holder described Senate Bill 60226 as a governor‑requested measure that would require cities with populations over 30,000 to allow residential development in areas currently zoned commercial or mixed use, with carve‑outs for certain historic places and business improvement districts. She said the bill would also restrict local requirements for ground‑floor retail outside defined transit station areas. Holder reported that Mayor Thompson testified in opposition to the House version of the bill and that the Association of Washington Cities had raised concerns about unintended consequences for local planning.

Holder also summarized HB 2517 (Sound Transit permitting changes), which was amended to require transit agencies to notify property owners and obtain written permission before local governments issue permits for land they do not yet own; she said the committee added a requirement that Sound Transit provide proof of notification and cannot receive a final permit until property‑owner permission is confirmed.

Council discussion focused on SB 60226’s potential to undermine local goals for walkable mixed‑use downtown areas and regional growth centers (such as Downtown Bothell and Canyon Park). Several council members asked how other growth‑center cities are responding and discussed joining a coalition and providing testimony to the Ways & Means Committee hearing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5. Holder encouraged elected‑official testimony and said she would work with city staff to coordinate sign‑ups.

Next steps: Holder recommended monitoring the Ways & Means hearing and coordinating testimony; council members volunteered to consider appearing remotely or in person.