New parking rules are now in force in Issaquah, Washington. The Issaquah City Council adopted Ordinance 3156 at its Monday, October 19 meeting, lowering how much off-street parking new buildings must provide, and the city's municipal code lists the ordinance with a 10/27/2026 effective date.
The city described the vote as early adoption of state law. Its council agenda preview said the item would significantly lower parking requirements and bring Issaquah into compliance with SB 5184, the state's Parking Reform and Modernization Act. Staff also folded in a second parking reform law, HB 1183, which likewise must be in place by 2028.
What changed in the code
Ordinance 3156 amends five sections of the parking chapter of Issaquah's development code:
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- long-term bicycle parking
- provision of required vehicle parking
- how required parking is calculated
- flexible parking tools
- off-street parking design standards
The state limits behind it
SB 5184 caps how much parking cities and counties of 30,000 people or more can require, according to a summary by the Municipal Research and Services Center. Under the state law, a city may require:
- no more than 0.5 off-street stalls per multifamily unit
- no more than 1 stall per single-family unit
- no more than 2 stalls per 1,000 square feet of commercial space
No parking at all may be required for homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, senior housing, child care centers, ground-floor non-residential space in mixed-use buildings, or buildings changing use.
Part of a string of permit changes
Parking is the latest in a series of Issaquah code moves aimed at faster, cheaper housing. In September the city announced a program that lets Washington-licensed architects self-certify that eligible backyard cottage plans meet building code, and the city says it is the first in the state to do so. Land use, utility and site reviews still apply, and lots in geologically hazardous areas do not qualify.
Sources
- Ordinance 3156, Issaquah Municipal Code
- News Flash: Newsy Items, October 19 City Council Agenda; Detached Accessory Dwelling Units Program, City of Issaquah
- 2025 Legislation Affecting Local Government Planning, Municipal Research and Services Center
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