STEP guidance update: Comment by Nov. 13

What this means

The Washington Department of Commerce released draft updated guidance for shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing, collectively called STEP. Comments are due November 13, 2026, and an explanatory webinar is scheduled for October 29 at 11 a.m. The draft reflects HB 2266 and says affected local governments must align their regulations by their next periodic update or within two years of the law’s effective date, no later than June 11, 2028.

Official release

Source material from Washington Department of Commerce. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

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)

Comments on this draft guidance can be submitted by email to Laura Hodgson at Laura.Hodgson@Commerce.wa.gov.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This draft guidance follows the passage of HB 2266 (2026) and provides an updated model ordinance to help local governments update their regulations.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)

Notice: Meeting registration information, such as name and email address, is a public record and may be subject to disclosure, pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW.

Release text attributed to Washington Department of Commerce. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.