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
Multifamily Housing | Jan 31, 2018
4 ways multifamily developers can attract Baby Boomer, Millennial buyers
As Baby Boomers downsize and Millennials begin buying homes, multifamily developments in dynamic urban areas are meeting the demand.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 25, 2018
Virginia Beach: A surf town with a wave problem no more
A world-class surf park will highlight Virginia Beach’s new live-work-play development.
Market Data | Jan 25, 2018
Renters are the majority in 42 U.S. cities
Over the past 10 years, the number of renters has increased by 23 million.
Resiliency | Jan 24, 2018
A luxury community in Florida mandates resilience in new-home construction
Alys Beach’s in-house GC builds to standards set by the FORTIFIED program.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 24, 2018
Apartment rent rates jump 2.5% in 2017, led by small and mid-sized markets
The average price for one-bedroom units increased the most.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 17, 2018
The Concours at Carlisle: A condo community for gearheads
The new development will represent the only auto condo community in Central Pennsylvania.
Mixed-Use | Jan 16, 2018
Mixed-use development under construction in Detroit’s central business district
The development is being built on the former site of the Statler Hotel.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 10, 2018
Multifamily 2018 outlook: Developers tap the brakes, but will maintain historic pace
Multifamily developers are poised to register the second-highest annual completions count of this cycle in 2018, but with fewer completions than 2017’s cycle peak, according to a CBRE report.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 9, 2018
New 58-unit luxury apartment building under construction in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood
The 8-story building will feature two- and three-bedroom residences.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 5, 2018
Let’s discuss the Energy Star Multifamily High-Rise Program
The demand for rental housing has been on a steady climb since 2004.
