The MBA and the homebuilding industry in the city of Seattle won a decisive victory recently. In the matter of Bendare Dundat v. City of Seattle (Master Builders Intervenor), Judge Barbara Mack issued a decision overturning the City's 'qualifying lot' design review ordinance for being in violation of RCW 82.02.020.

The Court determined that the ordinance imposes direct and indirect costs on projects and developers that are neither reasonably necessary nor the direct result of the proposed development. As the Court stated, "It is hard to fathom how costs and fees could be reasonable and necessary for the smaller project, but not for the first, more impactful project on the adjacent property." Finally, the Court found the city admitted that the ordinance was designed to mitigate collective impacts, not the impact of any individual project—this is the very thing that violates RCW 82.02.020.

The MBA is very happy to have been able to provide financial support to pursuing this matter in court, and the outcome is a collective benefit to developers and builders in Seattle. The MBA will continue to identify ways in which it can work to improve housing affordability within Seattle.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

10-Point Action Plan to Fight the Housing Affordability Crisis in the Puget Sound Region to be Announced at 2017 Housing Summit

Free event on Tuesday, October 17, to focus on housing attainability solutions

Bellevue, Wash—October 4, 2017—The Puget Sound area's housing market is in crisis. The demand for housing in our region continues to significantly outpace residential housing supply, making it difficult to purchase reasonably priced homes near job centers. In response, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has identified a 10-point action plan to help provide attainable housing for our growing population.

"Our region's housing attainability crisis is a big problem that demands bold solutions," said Nick Harper, MBAKS senior director of strategy and policy. "We need to come together to implement a legislative agenda that helps ensure housing opportunities for everyone."

Witness live the unveiling of this bold legislative agenda at the fourth annual MBAKS Housing Summit October 17, at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. The Housing Summit begins at 8:30 a.m. This free event will be emceed by Pat Cashman and will include presentations by top housing experts and area leaders. Featured speakers include:

• Clay White, Principal Planner, LDC Inc
• Elliot Eisenberg, nationally renowned economist
• Jon Nehring, Marysville Mayor
• Gail Luxenberg, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County
• Joe Fitzgibbon, Representative, 34th District
• Brian Bonlender, agency director, Washington State Department of Commerce
• Pat Cashman, emcee, local TV and radio personality

Space is limited. Register online at mbaks.com or by calling (425) 451-7920.

 

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About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With 2,900 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

 

This is our final Shannon's 60, as Shannon Affholter is leaving the MBA after four great years.