flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Washington state House passes bill banning single-family zoning

Multifamily Housing

Washington state House passes bill banning single-family zoning

The bill would legalize duplexes or fourplexes in almost every neighborhood statewide.


By PETER FABRIS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR | March 24, 2023
Photo: Roberto Nickson via Unsplash
Photo: Roberto Nickson via Unsplash

The Washington state House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would legalize duplexes or fourplexes in almost every neighborhood of every city in the state.

If it becomes law, it would essentially end local zoning rules that limit large areas of cities to single-family homes. The bill passed on a bipartisan 75-21 vote. It would require cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 to allow duplexes in all residential areas. Cities with more than 75,000 people and smaller suburbs of Seattle would be required to allow fourplexes.

The intent is to increase housing supply and density in cities across the state without increasing sprawl. The bill still must pass the state Senate. Its impact over many years could lead to the end of many neighborhoods made up exclusively of single-family homes.

Supporters argued that the measure would alleviate a severe housing shortage that is depriving young people of a chance to own a home. Opponents say that zoning and planning decisions are best handled locally, and that the bill would not do much to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Related Stories

Coronavirus | Apr 5, 2020

COVID-19: Most multifamily contractors experiencing delays in projects due to coronavirus pandemic

The NMHC Construction Survey is intended to gauge the magnitude of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak on multifamily construction.

Plumbing | Mar 13, 2020

Pioneer Industries launches new website

Pioneer Industries launches new website

Multifamily Housing | Mar 5, 2020

The Aviator apartment community opens near Henderson Executive Airport

The community is inspired by antique airplane designs.

Building Materials | Mar 3, 2020

84 Lumber President Maggie Hardy Knox receives Career Achievement Award

Maggie Hardy Knox, President of 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, to receive Career Achievement Award.

Multifamily Housing | Feb 26, 2020

School districts in California are stepping in to provide affordable housing for faculty and staff

One high school district in Daly City has broken ground on 122-apartment building.

Multifamily Housing | Feb 23, 2020

A post-storm Puerto Rico reconsiders how and what to rebuild

Federal help means tougher code enforcement. And will this island of homeowners embrace renting?

| Feb 17, 2020

Interior designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens

Designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021