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OCT. 13, 2026
STEP guidance update: Comment by Nov. 13
Commerce is seeking feedback on a draft update to its guide on planning for shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing, collectively known as
STEP.
* Download the draft STEP guide (PDF) <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdeptofcommerce.app.box.com%2Ffile%2F2512075878978%3Fs=gbxahgcmvaqsjnf8pqltgnhgldax432t/1/010101a13628506c-15f7f6
07-2205-455f-9ae5-3e27805c3f6b-000000/-IxmRzBV6dCx5h-hpYo7iJbQRG9eUS5Ra6xiJmZvG_I=452>
Comments on this draft guidance can be submitted by email to Laura Hodgson at Laura.Hodgson@Commerce.wa.gov <mailto:Laura.Hodgson@Commerce.wa.gov> . Comments must be received by Nov.
13.
What's in the update?
This draft guidance follows the passage of HB 2266 (2026) and provides an updated model ordinance to help local governments update their regulations. This is important for jurisdictions
because they must update their regulations to be consistent with the new requirements by their next periodic update or within two years of the effective date of the bill, whichever
occurs first. This means that jurisdictions must update their STEP codes no later than June 11, 2028.
With the new law:
* More STEP requirements are now part of the Growth Management Act.
* Counties must now allow STEP in unincorporated urban growth areas, not just cities and towns.
* Local governments must treat STEP like other housing or hotels in the same zone.
* STEP requirements in RCW 36.70A.845, RCW 35.21.683, and RCW 35A.21.430 are now pre-emptive, which means they override local regulations.
* Some extra requirements are still allowed for indoor emergency shelter and indoor emergency housing.
Webinar: Oct. 29
Commerce will host a webinar at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 to explain updates to the draft guide, answer questions and gather feedback.
* Register for the webinar (Zoom) <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwastatecommerce.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2F4APKbhTaRtS2no3dA3t_bg/1/010101a13628506c-15f7f607-2205-455f-9ae5-3e2
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Questions?
Contact Laura Hodgson at Laura.Hodgson@Commerce.wa.gov <mailto:Laura.Hodgson@Commerce.wa.gov> .
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