WA HB1491

Requires cities to allow minimum floor area ratios of 3.5 for rail station areas and 2.5-3.0 for bus station areas, with multifamily housing permitted wherever residential use is allowed within these transit zones

Mandates affordability requirements for new buildings in station areas: at least 10% affordable housing units, or 10% workforce housing with family-sized units, or 20% workforce housing, maintained for 50 years

Prohibits cities from requiring off-street parking for residential or mixed-use development in station areas, except for ADA-accessible spaces and delivery vehicle parking

Creates a 20-year property tax exemption for multifamily housing in station areas that meets affordability requirements, and provides 50% reduction in impact fees for qualifying projects

Establishes grant program through Department of Commerce to help cities fund infrastructure, planning, and staffing needed to implement transit-oriented development requirements; effective date July 27, 2025