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 | Oct 30, 2017
Multifamily ventilation: Help buildings breathe
What's the right set of "lungs" for your building?
Multifamily Housing | Oct 30, 2017
First two affordable family apartment communities open in Irvine’s master planned Great Park Neighborhoods community
The buildings offer a total of 166 apartments.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 29, 2017
Multifamily visionaries: The Beach Company’s family ties
Spanning four generations, The Beach Company continues to expand its development footprint across the Southeast.
Greenbuild Report | Oct 19, 2017
Can 'living well' sell?
As the competition for renters and buyers heats up, multifamily developers look to health and wellness for an edge.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 19, 2017
Enlightened conversion: A church becomes condos in D.C.
Once there were 857 churches in the District of Columbia. Now there are 856. One of them became an award-winning condominium complex.
University Buildings | Oct 13, 2017
The University of Oklahoma receives its first residential colleges
The residential communities were designed by KWK Architects and combine living and learning amenities.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 11, 2017
A 267-unit multifamily community is under construction in Summerville, S.C.
Summer Wind will be about half an hour outside of Charleston, S.C., in the rapidly expanding Summerville submarket.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 9, 2017
6 new products for the multifamily construction market
Bamboo wall panels, an adaptable prep sink, and a two-tiered bike parking system are among the product innovations geared for multifamily buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 27, 2017
Pickleball, anyone?
Two-and-a-half million Americans are playing the game with the funny name.
Mixed-Use | Sep 25, 2017
One of L.A.’s most sought-after neighborhoods receives a new mixed-use development
The new development will feature 166 units and 9,000 sf of ground-floor retail.
