House bill provides condo owners with drought friendly landscaping options

Orwall sponsors measure for Kent resident

  • Monday, January 27, 2020 2:43pm
  • News
State Rep. Tina Orwall. COURTESY PHOTO, House Democrats

State Rep. Tina Orwall. COURTESY PHOTO, House Democrats

The state House of Representatives passed legislation Monday in Olympia which would allow owners of condominiums to utilize water-efficient landscaping techniques on their properties, while still maintaining the integrity of homeowner’s and condominium unit owners’ association rules.

Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, sponsored House Bill 1165 after Kent homeowner Beroz Ferrell brought the issue forward, according to a Washington House Democrats news release. Ferrell had attempted to install drought friendly landscaping to better conserve water during the height of Washington’s statewide drought, however she found herself involved in a lengthy legal battle with her homeowner’s association regarding rules on what types of plants could be installed.

“This is a win for our environment and for homeowners,” Orwall said. “We worked hard to strike a balance between the needs of homeowners wanting to cut back their personal environmental impact, while still respecting the authority of individual homeowners’ associations. This works for everyone.”

Ferrell appreciates the help.

“Homeowners who want to be more conscious of how much water is being used on their properties shouldn’t have to jump through legal hoops,” Ferrell said. “This is good for our communities and environment.”.

The legislation passed out of the House 93-4. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to conclude March 12.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

COURTESY PHOTO, King County
Driver reportedly going 111 mph in Kent fatal collision

SeaTac man, 33, faces vehicular homicide, reckless driving charges in Nov. 4 death of 38-year-old woman

A National Civics Bee in Arizona. COURTESY PHOTO, Civics Bee
Kent Chamber of Commerce to offer civics contest for middle schoolers

Essay competition first step as part of 2025 National Civics Bee

t
Kent Police help catch alleged prolific graffiti vandal

Tacoma man reportedly had guns, spray paint, rappelling harness and book about taggers in vehicle

COURTESY PHOTO
State Sen. Karen Keiser will officially retire Dec. 10 from the Legislature after 29 years in office.
Process begins to replace retiring state Sen. Karen Keiser

33rd Legislative District Democrats will nominate candidates to King County Council

t
Kundert pleads not guilty in Kent cold case murder

Faces charge of strangling Dorothy Silzel, 30, in 1980 at her condo

Dave Upthegrove. COURTESY PHOTO
Upthegrove looks forward to role as state lands commissioner

Des Moines Democrat will leave King County Council after election victory

COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Kent School District levy passing after initially failing | Update

Nov. 12 results: Yes votes up by 602 with more ballots to be counted

File Photo
Kent Police arrest Texas man in 2013 sexual assault of 6-year-old girl

DNA match reportedly identifies 31-year-old man stationed in 2013 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Kent police investigate fatal two-vehicle collision

The collision killed a woman and left a 45-year-old Tacoma driver, suspected of intoxication at the time of the crash, hospitalized.

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Courtesy of Democratic Caucus
Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.