WashingtonWashington law limits association rules on fire-resistant home materials
Washington community associations may set design rules for qualifying fire-resistant materials, but those rules cannot block their use or leave owners without practical, affordable options.
What it does
Association rules may not block homeowners from using qualifying fire-hardened materials that meet safety and permitting rules. Associations may set design rules only if owners retain practical, affordable options that meet wildfire standards.
Argument forHomeowners could use qualifying fire-resistant materials even when association rules would otherwise block them, as long as safety and permitting rules are met.
Argument againstAssociations could have less control over home design because they must leave owners practical, affordable options for using qualifying wildfire-resistant materials.
More detail
Association governing documents may not prohibit the installation, use, or maintenance of qualifying fire-hardened building materials. The rules apply to common interest communities covered by Washington laws on homeowners associations, condominiums, and other common interest communities. Qualifying materials must meet at least one listed wildfire construction or home-preparation standard. The materials must meet applicable health and safety standards and state and local permitting requirements. Associations may set reasonable rules for design, size, placement, and appearance only if the rules do not block or make use impractical and leave reasonable options that meet wildfire standards without significantly increasing costs. Owners still need the lessor's permission to use leased property and may not place materials on another person's property or association common areas or elements. The sections took effect June 11, 2026, apply to governing documents already in effect on that date, and expire January 1, 2028. Conflicting provisions in those documents are void and unenforceable.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 24Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 24Chapter 180, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 24Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 12Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 11Speaker signed.Major
- Mar 11President signed.Passed House
- Mar 10Passed final passage; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the House (#13). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Senate concurred in House amendments.
- Mar 3Third reading, passed; yeas, 87; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 6.Minor
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the House (#24). Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 3Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Mar 3Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
- Mar 2Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Feb 25Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Feb 23Minority; without recommendation.Minor
- Feb 23HOUS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).Minor
- Feb 23Minority; without recommendation.Minor
- Feb 23HOUS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).Minor
- Feb 23Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 19Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 8:30 AM.
- Feb 14First reading, referred to Housing.Minor
- Feb 11Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#30). Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 11Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 111st substitute bill substituted (HSG 26).Major
- Feb 10Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Jan 29Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Jan 28HSG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.Major
- Jan 28Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
- Jan 21Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
- Jan 12First reading, referred to Housing.Minor
- Jan 9Prefiled for introduction.Introduced
HousingEnvironment & Energy