Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden/CREDIT: Washington State Senate

Three bills sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, were signed into law during the 2025 legislative session, marking major bipartisan wins on housing, clean-energy permitting, and local planning flexibility. Each new law reflects Goehner’s commitment to empowering local governments, promoting thoughtful growth, and protecting rural communities’ voices in statewide policymaking.

Expanding Housing Options in Rural Areas – SB 5471

With the signing of Senate Bill 5471, Goehner delivered a practical, locally driven approach to Washington’s housing shortage. The new law gives counties the option to allow middle housing—such as duplexes, triplexes, courtyard apartments, and cottage homes—in unincorporated areas already equipped with essential infrastructure.

“Communities across our state are telling us that we need more housing types that people can afford,” said Goehner. “This bill allows counties to meet those needs while honoring local values and infrastructure realities.”

SB 5471 applies to lots currently zoned for single-family homes in Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) and Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRDs), placing a four-unit cap per lot and prohibiting overly restrictive design standards. The bill also protects local governments from costly legal appeals and ensures that environmental reviews are no more burdensome than those for single-family projects.

“This is smart growth for the 21st century,” Goehner added. “We’re not paving over farmland. We’re putting more options where infrastructure already exists, where families are already putting down roots.”

The law takes effect on July 27, 2025.

Clearing Legal Hurdles for Clean-Energy Development – SB 5317

In a major step forward for clean-energy collaboration, Senate Bill 5317 ensures local governments assisting the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) cannot be sued over land-use actions taken under the council’s authority. The measure passed with overwhelming support—48-0 in the Senate and 89-8 in the House.

“This is about making sure our local governments can be partners in building Washington’s clean-energy future,” said Goehner. “It gives cities and counties the legal clarity and protection they need to participate in siting energy projects like wind, solar, storage, and even next-generation nuclear facilities.”

By shielding local jurisdictions from lawsuits over zoning conflicts already preempted by the state, the bill eliminates a major barrier to timely project development—particularly in rural communities poised for economic benefit.

“We need responsible energy development, and that means state and local governments working together, not tripping over red tape,” Goehner said. “This is about common sense and empowering local voices in the energy-siting process.”

The law will also take effect on July 27, 2025.

Giving Local Governments Time to Plan Smart Growth – SB 5558

Senate Bill 5558 gives counties more breathing room to update their comprehensive growth plans under the state’s Growth Management Act. Originally due in June 2026, counties like Chelan and Douglas now have until December 31, 2026, to complete these updates.

“SB 5558 is a commonsense fix that gives our local governments the breathing room they need to get planning right,” Goehner said. “Comprehensive growth plans shouldn’t be rushed—they should reflect thoughtful input, responsible development goals, and long-term community priorities.”

The law also improves coordination between planning timelines and housing-related mandates, aligning adoption of new design standards and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policies with overall plan updates. This change reduces administrative burdens and promotes consistency.

“With SB 5558, we’re aligning housing solutions like ADUs with long-term planning strategies instead of layering on rushed mandates,” Goehner said. “This new law supports thoughtful growth, empowers local decision-makers, and helps ensure that development is done correctly—for people, neighborhoods, and our infrastructure.”

Three Wins for Local Voices and Sensible Solutions

With the signing of these three bills, Sen. Goehner capped off a productive legislative session focused on durable, community-informed policies that tackle complex challenges without top-down mandates.

“These new laws prove what’s possible when we listen to our communities and work together across the aisle,” said Goehner. “They reflect what I hear from my constituents every day—supporting housing affordability, clean energy, and smarter planning, all while respecting local control.”

The 2025 regular legislative session adjourned on April 27.