E2SHB1110

Missing middle housing must be allowed in cities

State: Washington

Status: Enacted ✅

Magnitude: Major

Formal Title: AN ACT Relating to creating more homes for Washington by increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing; amending RCW 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 43.21C.495, and 43.21C.450; adding new sections to chapter 36.70A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.34 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.38 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.90 RCW; and creating new sections.

Summary: Mandates cities engaged in Growth Management Act (GMA) planning to authorize increased densities for middle housing, defined as housing types like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and more, within residential zones. Cities with populations over 25,000 are required to allow at least two to six units per lot, depending on city size and proximity to major transit stops, with additional requirements for affordable housing units.

Main sponsors: Jessica Bateman

Legislative text: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1110&Initiative=false&Year=2023