A bill legalizing duplexes and fourplexes in most of the state’s residential neighborhoods passed the state House on Monday.
Multi-family housing units such as duplexes and fourplexes could be permitted in most neighborhoods in Washington state, reports David Gutman in The Settle Times. The state legislature overwhelmingly passed HB 1110 as part of an effort to increase the housing supply and ease the affordability crisis.
As Gutman points out, “The bill, which still must pass the state Senate, would not mean the end of single-family home construction in Washington, but it could, eventually, mean the end of many neighborhoods made up exclusively of single-family homes.”
Under the legislation, cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 would be required to permit duplexes in residential areas, while cities larger than 75,000 would have to permit fourplexes.
The Washington bill joins other efforts to shift control of zoning to the state level as the housing crisis deepens around the country. While supporters of local zoning say state laws are too broad to effectively regulate development, housing advocates say too many local zoning codes hinder the construction of new housing by maintaining single-family zoning requirements, driving up housing costs and contributing to a growing affordability and homelessness crisis.
More coverage of state zoning reform:
FULL STORY: WA House passes bill banning single-family zoning
Decatur Moves Closer to Legalizing Duplexes, ‘Missing Middle Housing’
A proposal to permit multifamily housing units in areas previously zoned for single-family homes passed its first hurdle, but requires a second vote to go into effect.
Report: Wisconsin Zoning Rules Hold Back Housing Production
Updating zoning regulations would help the state meet its housing goals and encourage the construction of a broader variety of housing types.
Gainesville Set To Approve Contentious Zoning Reforms
The city commission voted in favor of a controversial zoning reform package that critics from multiple sides say won’t create more affordable housing for those who need it most.
The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.
‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts
Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.
Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations
An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.
Immigration Grows, Population Drops in Many U.S. Counties
International immigration to the country’s most populous areas tripled even as major metropolitan areas continued to lose population.
$616 Million in Development Incentives Approved for District Detroit
The “Transformational Brownfield” incentives approved by the Detroit City Council for the $1.5 billion District Detroit still require approval by the state.
Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut
The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.
Houston-Galveston Area Council
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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