Local News

House unanimously approves Rep. Short's bill to keep local construction costs down

Feb 11, 2015

The Washington State House of Representatives today approved a bill designed to protect northeast Washington home construction costs from rising unnecessarily through new climate zone rules.

House Bill 1011, sponsored by Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, would protect Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties in northeast Washington from having additional requirements imposed on them, which would drive up local construction costs.

Currently, there are two designated climate zones in Washington, delineated between the western and eastern parts of the state. Short's bill would keep northeast Washington from being designated its own climate zone.

"Smaller, rural counties often share resources, training, staff and expertise with neighboring larger counties when it comes to building code issues," said Short. "Eastern Washington has been, and should continue to be, considered one climate zone. There is no need to segregate and isolate northeast Washington. My bill simply places this in statute so that a future rule change doesn't negatively impact our local builders and make construction costs go up unnecessarily, harming those in need of affordable housing."

Short's bill was unanimously approved by the state House and now goes to the state Senate for further consideration.

The 105-day session is scheduled to end April 26.