OLYMPIA, Wash.- A bill which would allow for cafes and other small businesses to exist in residential zones has passed the Washington State House and is now in committee in the Senate.
HB 2252 would establish that small businesses which serve limited food items could exist in residentially zoned properties.
An amendment to the bill which was passed by the Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use and Tribal affairs on Feb. 20 clarified that the bill will allow municipalities to change their zoning laws to accommodate businesses in residential areas, but will not require such actions by local governments.
If the policy were to become law, small businesses like cafes, mini-markets and convenience stores could appear in locations which were previously restricted to residential use.
Drive-throughs and venues that serve alcohol would not be eligible for the exemptions to zoning law under the current language of the policy.
The bill is cosponsored by Representative Mark Klicker (R) and Representative Mari Leavitt (D) and passed the House with unanimous support. It is not currently on the Senate floor calendar for a final vote.
